What’s Better—RO Water Filters or UV Filtration?

Finding the best water filtration method tends to come down to two factors. First, we need to understand the water quality issues that are currently happening at your property. Then we’ll want to know about your personal preferences for taste and energy efficiency.




Reverse osmosis (RO) water filters and ultraviolet (UV) treatment solutions are two types of powerful systems that can give you clean and delicious drinking water. But they work in distinct ways and will give you slightly different results. Let’s figure out which one is right for you!

Benefits of RO Drinking Water Filtration

Water that is being filtered through reverse osmosis will travel through multiple stages. The filter membranes will have a pore size of about 0.0001 micron, which allows pure water to reach your faucet without undesirable elements and contaminants that are health hazards. RO filters have a very high effectiveness in removing:

  • Chlorine water disinfectants
  • Metal ions, including copper and lead
  • Nitrates, VOCs, ibuprofen, and “forever chemicals”
  • Protozoa, including Cryptosporidium and Giardia
  • Bacteria, including Salmonella and E. coli
  • Viruses, including Hepatitis A

The ability to remove such tiny particles from water is unique to RO filtration. This makes the drinking water extremely safe and clean. RO water also tastes very pure, which is why some people will choose to add on an optional pH filter. This feature allows you to reintroduce calcium and magnesium back into your water. Depending on your taste buds, the flavor of these minerals can sometimes be more desirable. Fortunately, the best RO filters will let you customize your solution!

What Makes UV Water Filtration Different?

UV water filters use ultraviolet light to destroy bacteria with a reduction rate of over 99%. It’s a great technique for purifying water because it’s zero-waste. RO filters actually use up water during the treatment process. In that sense, UV filtration can ultimately be more eco-friendly. But there are still other aspects to consider.

For example, UV filters typically need to be paired with a pre-filter. This is especially true for water that has higher turbidity levels, such as well water. Your water needs to be clear in order for UV filtration to remain effective. A good solution for purifying well water often utilizes an iron filtration system to remove sediment. Then that’s followed by a UV system. The ultraviolet light will be the last stage of the purification process, killing any remaining protozoa, bacteria, and viruses.

Combining filters and purification systems allows you to tackle water issues in truly special ways. Maybe it’s the taste and odor of your tap water that are bothering you the most. Or maybe it’s about safety. Being able to remove the pesticides and heavy metals that can sometimes leach into our drinking water helps keep families safe. RO filtration, chlorine removal, and UV purification can help make all of that happen!

Let’s Find the Perfect Solution for Your Clean Drinking Water

Indy Soft Water proudly serves the Central Indiana area, as well as organizations throughout the state. If you’re exploring your options for drinking water filtration, we can help!

  • Remove the harmful contaminants
  • Save money and reduce waste from plastic water bottles
  • Get water that tastes great—right from your tap!

We love being able to help families and businesses customize their water filtration solutions. We’ll start with a water quality assessment. Then we’ll discuss which systems and filters can give you exactly what you need! We’re on a mission to deliver high-quality solutions that address all of your top concerns and preferences. Send us a message, and we’ll be happy to schedule your consultation.