Delhi’s drinking water varies by area, and its quality changes too. A house with Delhi Jal Board supply (DJB) may have low TDS. Borewell water has high TDS. Different water supplies call for different water purifier solutions – RO does not cater to all. Using an RO purifier in a low-TDS household strips minerals from the water, while an RO+UV+UF purifier may handle high TDS, hardness, and heavy metals. Choosing the right water purifier for home in Delhi depends on the supply more than the budget.
Much of Delhi’s water supply depends on the Yamuna River. According to a Delhi Pollution Control Committee’s report (February 2025), faecal coliform is found at 16 million units per 100 ml at Asgarpur. That is around 1,600 times the limit set by the Central Pollution Control Board. The treatment plants don’t use water from that region, but it’s still worth evaluating the RO or UV purifier you use at home.
Also Read: Best pH Level of Drinking Water: Is 9.5 Safe?
Delhi’s Water Quality: Sources and TDS Levels
Delhi primarily has three water supplies. Each has a different TDS reading and relies more on its source than its locality. The water comes from:
1. DJB supply: Treated surface water from the Yamuna, the Ganga and the Bhakra system, processed at plants such as Wazirabad, Chandrawal, Haiderpur and Sonia Vihar, with some tubewell water mixed in.
2. Borewells: The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) found Delhi drew roughly 100% of its annual groundwater recharge in 2024, with 10 of 34 tehsils “over-exploited”. Groundwater in parts of north-west, west and south-west Delhi is also naturally brackish.
3. Tankers: Private tanker water can come from any borewell, so quality changes with every delivery.
| Area / Locality | Primary Water Source | Typical TDS Range (ppm) | Water Hardness |
| East Delhi | River Water (Yamuna/Ganga) | 300 – 600 | Moderate to High |
| South Delhi | Mixed (DJB & Groundwater) | 400 – 800 | High |
| North Delhi | DJB & Groundwater | 600 – 1,200 | Very High |
| West Delhi | DJB & Borewells | 800 – 1,500+ | Extreme |
TDS Reading Explained
Total Dissolved Solids, or TDS, measures dissolved salts and minerals in mg/L or ppm. The BIS limit for acceptable drinking water is 500 mg/L, with a maximum of 2,000 mg/L.
In Delhi, the TDS levels shift with the season. Summer spikes the TDS level in homes with borewell water. The monsoon dilutes TDS but increases the risk of bacterial contamination.
Which RO Purifier is Good for Delhi?
Finding the right water purifier for home in Delhi requires considering the water source and TDS reading. You can check the water at home by using a TDS meter. It is best to test the water in May or June and during the monsoon. An RO water purifier isn’t necessary for every home.
| Water TDS (ppm) | Recommended purification | Typical Delhi source |
| Below 200 | UV+UF (non-RO) | Steady DJB supply |
| 200–500 | UV+UF if taste is fine; RO with TDS controller if water is hard | DJB mixed with tubewell water |
| 500–1,000 | RO+UV+UF with TDS controller or mineraliser | Borewell, tanker or mixed |
| 1,000–2,000 | High-TDS RO with a sediment pre-filter | Brackish borewells |
| Above 2,000 | Lab-test the water and find another source | Beyond the BIS limit |
For Delhi Jal Board Water
Microbial safety is the first concern when choosing the right water purifier for a home in Delhi. TDS remains moderate, but rooftop tanks and old pipelines may develop bacteria. Choose a UV purifier with in-tank UV. Choose an RO when the reading is above 500 ppm.
For Borewell and Tanker Water
An RO purifier is necessary for borewell and tanker water. Pick a purifier rated for the highest reading. A sediment filter can protect the RO membrane. In south-west and north-west Delhi, the highest rating may be recommended due to brackish water.
Also Read: Should You Drink Borewell Water? Know Why You Should Purify
RO vs UV vs UF Purifier for Home: Which One Do You Need in Delhi?
Most home water purifiers in Delhi feature RO, UV, and UF stages. Every stage targets a different kind of contaminant.
1. RO Purifier for Home
RO water purifiers push water through a membrane with pores around 0.0001 micron. The purifier then removes hardness, dissolved salts, heavy metals, fluoride, and most microbes. The best RO water purifier can cater to high TDS. There’s one caveat to using an RO purifier: it rejects 3 litres of water for every 1 litre produced, on average.
2. UV and UF Water Purifiers
UV purifiers for home kill bacteria and viruses, but the technology cannot balance TDS. UF traps cysts, particles, and bacteria through a membrane without electricity. It does not affect the TDS. Both purifiers are suitable for low-TDS water. Many top-rated RO water purifiers combine reverse osmosis with UV/UF to remove germs and dissolved salts.
Sediment and carbon filters reduce sand, odour, chlorine, and rust. Some of the best RO water filters rely on cheap stages to protect the membrane; it’s important to replace them on time.
Also Read: Can You Reuse RO Waste Water? 6 Ways To Use Reject RO Water!
How to Choose the Best Water Purifier for Home in Delhi?
Choosing a good water purifier for home in Delhi requires checking a few things.
1. Storage tank: Food-grade plastic is the most affordable option. Stainless steel ensures a neutral taste, and copper can add trace amounts of copper. In-tank UV keeps stored water safe.
2. Wall-mounted vs. under-sink: Wall-mounted purifiers for home are easy to service. Under-sink purifiers free up counter space but need cabinet space and a dedicated tap.
3. TDS Controller and mineraliser: A TDS controller blends UV- or UF-treated water back in. A mineraliser can add calcium and magnesium after the RO stage – when the water is purified.
4. Certification/service: Look for a BIS license under IS 16240 or NSF/WQA marks, plus genuine filters and service in your area. The best home water purifier is only as good as the last filter change.
Local RO vs Branded RO: Which is the Better Option?
A local RO purifier likely uses generic parts. You may save upfront, but you may not be able to rely on its membrane quality, warranty, or certification. A genuine RO membrane ranges around ₹3,100; however, a local RO water purifier’s unit is priced far below branded models. So, a quality membrane may not be a focus of a cheap RO.
Some local RO water purifiers raise TDS with a bypass valve that adds unpurified water. If you choose a local unit, you should ask for the membrane brand, its rated TDS, and whether the bypass water passes through UV or UF.
Best RO Water Purifiers for Home in Delhi
Top-rated water purifiers for home in Delhi work well when the source and supply match. There is no single water purifier that caters to all households.
Rentomojo, founded in 2014, is recognised as India’s largest furniture and appliance rental platform with 2,27,000+ subscribers. The platform offers Livpure and DrinkPrime purifiers, along with its own line of purifiers. Here are some of the best water purifiers for home:
1. DriftGo 7 Stage Water Purifier
The 7-litre DriftGo rents for ₹391/month on a 36-month plan. Its 7-stage RO+UV+UF system adds minerals back after the RO membrane, handles TDS up to 2,000 ppm, and purifies up to 20 litres an hour. DriftGo is a good unit among other budget RO purifiers for borewell water.
2. DriftPro 7 Stage Water Purifier
The 8.5-litre DriftPro rents for ₹419/month on a 36-month plan. Water passes through sediment, pre-carbon, RO, UV, UF, a TDS controller and an alkaline-plus-copper stage, with support for TDS up to 2,000 ppm. DriftPro is a good choice for anyone looking for mineral-rich, alkaline purified water.
3. Livpure Envy Alkaline Water Purifier
The 8-litre Livpure Envy Alkaline rents for ₹725/month on a 36-month plan. It purifies up to 15 litres an hour, with a duty cycle of up to 75 litres a day; removes bacteria and viruses; and adds an alkaline mineral stage. It supports TDS up to 1,500 ppm. Livpure Envy is a popular choice for large families.
4. DrinkPrime RO+
The 6-litre DrinkPrime RO+ rents at ₹423/month plus GST on a 12-month plan, with a ₹1,499 refundable deposit. This wall-mounted, 4-stage RO+UV purifier retains essential minerals, supports TDS up to 2,000 ppm, and uses IoT monitoring to track consumption. DrinkPrime RO+ makes it easy to track water usage.
5. DrinkPrime Copper Under The Sink
The 6-litre DrinkPrime Copper Under The Sink rents at ₹609/month plus GST on a 12-month plan, with a ₹1,999 refundable deposit. The 5-stage RO+UV+copper unit sits below the sink to free up counter space, supports TDS up to 2,000 ppm, and tracks use through IoT. For small kitchens with limited space, DrinkPrime’s under-the-sink purifier makes sense.
6. NiraFlo Water Purifier
The 7-litre NiraFlo rents for ₹417/month on a 36-month plan. This wall-mounted, 7-stage purifier kills bacteria and viruses and adds an alkaline boost to balance pH and minerals. NiraFlo supports a wide voltage range, and it’s a good choice for alkaline water.
7. Nirapure UV+UF Water Purifier (Non-RO)
The 7-litre Nirapure rents for ₹292/month on a 36-month plan. It is a UV+UF+minerals purifier for water with TDS below 200 ppm, purifies up to 60 litres an hour, and can be mounted on a wall or tabletop. With no RO membrane, it sends no reject water down the drain. The Nirapure water purifier is suitable for the low TDS levels found in Delhi Jal Board water supply.
Water Purifier Comparison of Rentals in Delhi
| Water Purifier | Purification | Tank | Rental plan | Best for |
| DriftGo 7 Stage | 7-stage RO+UV+UF+minerals | 7 L | ₹391/mo (36 months) | Budget borewell RO |
| DriftPro 7 Stage | 7-stage RO+UV+UF+TDS+alkaline+copper | 8.5 L | ₹419/mo (36 months) | Alkaline, mineral-rich water |
| Livpure Envy Alkaline | RO+alkaline minerals | 8 L | ₹725/mo (36 months) | Large families |
| DrinkPrime RO+ | 4-stage RO+UV+minerals | 6 L | ₹423/mo + GST (12 months) | Tracking water use |
| DrinkPrime Copper Under The Sink | 5-stage RO+UV+copper | 6 L | ₹609/mo + GST (12 months) | Small kitchens |
| NiraFlo | 7-stage with alkaline boost | 7 L | ₹417/mo (36 months) | Space-saving alkaline water |
| Nirapure (Non-RO) | UV+UF+minerals | 7 L | ₹292/mo (36 months) | Low-TDS Delhi Jal Board supply |
Why Consider Renting a Water Purifier from Rentomojo in Delhi?
Buying an RO water purifier requires an upfront cost. Buyers also need to handle annual maintenance and filter replacements. A mid-range RO purifier costs ₹19,999, but renting a comparable model costs ₹15,100 (₹419×36) over three years. Rentomojo changes filters every six months and offers a free trial for seven days.
Here are a few reasons to rent a water purifier for home in Delhi:
1. Home delivery and installation within 48-72 hours of order confirmation.
2. Free maintenance and free filter changes for Rentomojo’s purifiers.
3. All plans include free relocation across Delhi and serviceable cities (Bangalore, Pune, Mumbai, etc.).
4. Rentomojo’s water purifiers on rent are available for 3 to 36 months.
5. Unlimited water with no per-litre caps for Rentomojo’s purifiers.
6. The technician checks the TDS before and after the installation.
Also Read: AMC for Water Purifier: Pros & Cons Explained
Last-Minute Takeaway
The best water purifier for Delhi must have an RO+UV+UF filter with TDS control. For low-TDS areas, a UV+UF unit is usually recommended – the water should test below 200 ppm. Consider renting a water purifier if you are likely to relocate frequently. As the water supply changes, so does the water quality. Beyond the price tag, check the purification technology and how it works with your water supply.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is the best water purifier for home use in Delhi?
The best water purifier for home in Delhi is an RO+UV+UF model with a mineraliser or TDS controller. RO reduces the high TDS of borewell water. UV/UF kills germs that come from leaking pipes.
2. How to select a water purifier for home?
First, check your water supply. Then test the water to decide the required technology. If the TDS level is above 500 ppm, you need an RO with a TDS controller. If the water is below 200 ppm, you need a UV+UF purifier.
3. How much does it cost to rent a water purifier in Delhi?
Rentomojo’s entry-level water purifiers are available for ₹292/mo on a 36-month plan for a non-RO purifier. DriftPro RO unit is available for ₹419/mo on the same plan. DrinkPrime’s water purifier rentals range between ₹423/mo and ₹609/mo plus GST on 12-month plans.
4. Is it safe to drink Delhi water after boiling it?
Boiling water can kill bacteria, but it can’t remove dissolved salts or hardness. When high TDS is a concern, boiling water in Delhi isn’t a safe option. You need an RO purifier then.
5. How much TDS is good in RO water?
BIS has not published a limit for RO-purified water. Consider the IS 10500 acceptable limit of 500 mg/L. The WHO rates TDS below 300 mg/L; RO with a TDS controller or mineraliser is recommended for very low TDS levels.
6. Which is the best RO purifier for Delhi water?
For homes in Delhi, an RO+UV+UF purifier with a TDS controller or mineraliser is a safe choice. RO reduces the high TDS of borewell and mixed supply; UV or UF reduces the high TDS of borewell and mixed supply. UV+UF can remove bacteria accumulated from leaking pipelines, and the controller retains minerals. A non-RO UV+UF purifier works where TDS remains below 200 ppm.
