Pure drinking water is free from harmful contaminants such as bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, and dissolved salts. According to WHO (World Health Organization) and Bangladeshi BSTI (Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution) standards, drinking water should have a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level below 500 mg/L, be free from pathogens, and not contain hazardous chemicals like arsenic, lead, or fluoride beyond the permissible limits.
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is a water purification process that
removes dissolved salts,
contaminants, bacteria, and other impurities using a
semipermeable membrane. The RO process works by applying pressure to force water molecules
through the membrane while blocking larger contaminants.
RO
Filtration Stages:
1.Pre-Filtration (Sediment & Carbon Filters) – Removes large particles, chlorine, and bad
odors.
2.Reverse Osmosis Membrane – Eliminates dissolved solids, heavy metals,
bacteria, and viruses.
3.Post Carbon Filter – Enhances taste and removes residual
chemicals.
4.Mineralization (Optional) – Adds essential minerals like calcium and
magnesium.
In most regions of Bangladesh, except coastal and river-side areas,
raw water has a TDS level below
700 mg/L. In these cases, RO is not always necessary. Instead, simpler
filtration methods like UV, UF,
Activated Carbon, and Microfiltration can effectively remove
bacteria and harmful substances while retaining essential minerals.
However, RO is required in the following cases:
· High TDS (>700 mg/L): Common in coastal areas with saline water.
· Heavy Metal Contamination: If water contains arsenic, lead, or mercury
beyond safe limits.
· Industrial and Urban Pollution: Areas where groundwater is contaminated with
industrial waste or pesticides.
· High Nitrate or Fluoride Levels: Found in some regions of Bangladesh.
RO is best suited for water sources with high contamination
and excessive TDS levels, including:
· Coastal areas with saline water.
· Urban areas with industrial pollutants.
· Water with heavy metal contamination (arsenic,
lead, fluoride).
· Households using deep tube wells with unknown
TDS levels.
RO is unnecessary for:
· Municipal Water Supply: Already treated and usually has a TDS below
500 mg/L.
· Natural Groundwater (Low TDS): Water from deep wells in non-contaminated
areas.
· Rural Hand-Pumped Tube Well Water: If tested safe from arsenic and pathogens.
1. Removes Essential Minerals: RO eliminates healthy minerals like calcium
and magnesium, which are vital for human health.
2. Wastes Water: Produces 3-5 liters of wastewater for every 1 liter of purified water.
3. High Maintenance: Requires frequent filter and membrane replacement.
4. Costly: Initial installation and maintenance costs are high.
Technology |
Merits |
RO (Reverse
Osmosis) |
Removes dissolved
salts, heavy metals, and bacteria. Ideal for high-TDS water. |
UV
(Ultraviolet Filtration) |
Kills bacteria and
viruses. Best for municipal or rural water with low TDS. |
UF
(Ultrafiltration) |
Filters out bacteria
and sediment without removing minerals. Best for groundwater. |
Yes, prolonged consumption of RO water without remineralization
can cause:
· Mineral Deficiency: Lack of calcium and magnesium may lead to bone and heart issues.
· Electrolyte Imbalance: RO water lacks natural electrolytes, which are
essential for hydration.
· Effects on Children: Growing children need minerals for bone and brain development, making remineralization important.
· Use a RO system with a remineralization filter.
· Consume a balanced diet rich in essential
minerals.
Water Source |
Recommended
Filtration System |
Municipal
Water Supply |
UV + Activated
Carbon (No RO needed) |
Groundwater
(Low TDS) |
UF + Activated
Carbon (No RO needed) |
Coastal/River
Side Areas |
RO + UV (Due to high
TDS & salt content) |
Industrial
or Polluted Areas |
RO + Activated
Carbon |
Rural Areas |
Sand + UF + Carbon
Filter (Affordable and effective) |
Parameter |
BSTI
Standard |
WHO Standard |
pH |
6.5 - 8.5 |
6.5 - 8.5 |
TDS |
< 500 mg/L |
< 500 mg/L |
Arsenic |
< 0.05 mg/L |
< 0.01 mg/L |
Iron |
< 0.3 mg/L |
< 0.3 mg/L |
Hardness |
< 200 mg/L |
< 500 mg/L |
Nitrate |
< 10 mg/L |
< 50 mg/L |
Most bottled water brands in Bangladesh claim to meet BSTI standards but may not
always comply. Some issues found include:
· Higher TDS and Arsenic Levels in unregulated brands.
· Lack of proper filtration processes in
small-scale brands.
For home filtration systems, certified RO, UV, and UF filters
help maintain safe drinking water standards. Aquafit Technologies provides certified RO, UF, and UV filtration solutions
that comply with international and national standards.
· Rural Areas: Sand + UF + Activated Carbon Filter
(Affordable, No Electricity Needed)
· Urban Areas: UF + UV or RO (if TDS is high)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is not
necessary for all water sources in Bangladesh. Most municipal
and rural tube well water can be safely consumed after simple filtration methods like UV, UF, and
carbon filtration. However, for high TDS or polluted areas, RO is essential.
The best drinking water solution
depends on TDS, contamination
level, and affordability.
For reliable water filtration solutions, choose Aquafit Technologies, offering high-quality RO, UV, and UF systems tailored for Bangladesh.
Here’s a summary of trusted sources for information on drinking water and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology:
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