Which Water Is Best for Drinking in Indian Households?

From bottled mineral water to tap water that's boiled, filtered, or purified through RO and UV systems, Indian households have a wide range of drinking water options. But what’s truly best for your family often depends on where your water comes from and how effectively it’s treated at home.
 

It’s not always easy to determine whether the water available for consumption is safe. Many factors affect its quality, including the source, location, and purification method.
 

In this blog, we’ll help you understand which water is best for drinking in Indian households. Knowing these variables can help you make informed decisions and take care of your family’s health and well-being.
 

What Are the Common Sources of Drinking Water in Indian Homes?1
 

Knowing your home’s water source is essential, as it determines the right purification method to ensure safe, healthy drinking water. The main water sources in most households are-
 

• Municipal Water - Municipal water is typically treated at a central facility and then distributed to homes. However, its quality can deteriorate by the time it reaches your tap due to aging pipelines. A UV water purifier is effective in neutralising microbial contaminants commonly found in such water. For added protection and health benefits, you can look for RO+UF technology or a copper, alkaline water purifier, which not only ensures thorough purification but also replenishes essential minerals for healthier drinking water.
• Borewell Water - This type of water often contains excess minerals, leading to water hardness. Herein, an RO filter usually helps in reducing TDS and improving taste.
• Tanker Water- The quality of this water depends on the source and storage conditions, especially when sourced from private suppliers. A purifier with RO and UV technology is usually recommended.
   

Choosing the right water purifier depends on understanding your water source and addressing its specific impurities for safe daily use.
 

How Do You Know If the Water Is Safe?
 

Water may look clean, but that doesn’t guarantee it’s free from contaminants. To ensure the safety of your drinking water, here are a few ways to assess its quality:
 

1. Observe Taste, Smell, and Appearance: Any unusual odour, metallic taste, or visible cloudiness can indicate contamination. A rusty colour may point to old pipes, while a chlorine-like smell could signal over-treated municipal water.
    
2. Use Home Testing Kits: Home test kits are affordable and easy-to-use, helping detect common pollutants like hardness, chlorine, lead, and bacteria. The kit offers quick results and is a useful first step in identifying problems.
    
3. Check with Local Water Authorities: Municipalities are required to test water regularly. You can request a water quality report to understand what’s in your supply and whether it meets safety standards.
    

If in doubt, it’s always safer to install a reliable home water purification system.
 

What Does a Home Water Purification System  Remove?
 

Unfiltered water can carry a mix of visible and invisible contaminants. Here’s what purification helps remove2:
 

1. Physical Impurities - Dust, dirt, rust, and sand can cause nausea, bloating, or irritation when consumed regularly.
    
2. Microorganisms - Bacteria, viruses, and parasites like E. coli and Giardia are linked to waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and dysentery.
    
3. Chemical Contaminants - Heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury, as well as pesticide residues and industrial waste, can harm the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
    
4. Biological Toxins - Often introduced through sewage or agricultural runoff, they may trigger skin problems, hormonal imbalances, or digestive issues.
    
5. Emerging Pollutants - Microplastics, pharmaceutical residues, and personal care chemicals are increasingly found in urban and industrial water sources.
    

Technologies like RO, UV, and UF are designed to remove these diverse contaminants. A good purifier doesn’t just improve taste; it protects long-term health. Choosing the top water purifier model for your house depends on the quality of your water supply and the needs of your home. 
 

Whether you’re dealing with high TDS or microbial contamination, choosing the right model ensures your drinking water stays safe and balanced. Here are two options that can help in choosing the right water purifier for the home: 
 

1. Aquaguard Ritz Pro 2X Life RO + UV Stainless Steel Smart IoT Water Purifier
    

   The Aquaguard Ritz Pro 2X Life RO + UV Stainless Steel Smart IoT water purifier is designed for efficiency and style. With 2X membrane life, it reduces filter replacement frequency and ensures long-term performance. IoT-enabled features let you monitor water quality and service status remotely. Its sleek metallic design, Mineral Guard technology, and digital display make it ideal for modern homes seeking safe, mineral-rich water with smart convenience.
    

2. Aquaguard Marvel NXT UV+UF Stainless Steel Copper Water Purifier
    

   The Aquaguard Marvel NXT UV+UF Stainless Steel Copper water purifier ensures your water is safe and clean with its dual UV and UF purification technologies that eliminate bacteria, viruses, and other impurities. It features a durable ss water tank that adds durability to your water purifier. It adds vital copper ions to the water using Active Copper Booster Technology. Designed for reliability and performance, it offers a dependable solution for healthier drinking water.
    

Purified Water is the Best Water to Drink
 

For Indian households, the best water to drink is clean, mineral-enriched, and matched to the local water source. Municipal water can be made safe with UV+UF and copper-based purification. If your home uses borewell or tanker water, go for RO-based purification that removes dissolved salts and heavy metals.
 

No matter where your water comes from, the right purifier ensures it’s safe, balanced, and nourishing for your family. With a range of models available across different water purifier machine price points, it’s easier to find one that fits both your needs and your budget.
 

Frequently Asked Questions 
 

1. Is boiling water enough to purify it for drinking?
    

   Boiling helps kill bacteria and viruses, but it doesn’t remove harmful chemicals, heavy metals, or dissolved salts. For complete safety, using a certified water purifier is a more reliable choice.
    

2. What type of purifier works best for borewell or tanker water?
    

   Borewell and tanker water often contain high TDS and contaminants. An RO or RO+UV purifier helps reduce hardness, remove chemicals, and improve taste, making the water safer for everyday use.
    

3. What’s the benefit of mineral-enriched or copper-added water?
    

   Advanced water purifiers restore essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and copper ions that may be lost during purification. These minerals help support hydration, maintain a healthy electrolyte balance, and enhance the overall quality of drinking water.
    

Sources:
 

1. https://www.unicef.org/india/what-we-do/clean-drinking-water
2. https://www.eurekaforbes.com/blog/study-on-water-pollution-affecting-water-quality-in-india.html