NGT said that ROs, in the water filteration process, waste almost 75 per cent of water
In what can come as a major shock to water RO companies in India, the National Green Tribunal has requested the central government to ban ROs in areas where water TDS levels are below 500. Electronics For You had earlier published a video where we had shared the same thing along with the ways users can choose ROs as per the water quality available in their area.
Interestingly, World Health Organisation, had time and again stressed that water with TDS levels lower than 600 is safe for consumption. Similarly BIS (Bureau of India standards) has termed water with TDS levels below 500 as safe for consumption.
Water RO market size in India
A recent report by Techsci Research highlighting the RO water purifier market in India read, “India water purifiers market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of more than 11 per cent by 2023. This growth can be majorly attributed to rising demand for combination technologies, booming industrial & commercial sectors coupled with growing demand for safe drinking water across the country. Ultraviolet and Reverse Osmosis are the major water purifying technologies used in the country and both of these technologies are expected to maintain their dominance throughout the forecast period.”
It also attributed several government initiatives that may help the industry to generate more demand for ROs in the country. The report read, “In 2027, the country’s northern and western regions accounted for the largest share in India water purifiers market. Furthermore, government initiatives such as, Smart city mission, AMRUT, ‘Make in India’ initiative along with growing health awareness are expected to positively influence demand for water purifiers across India in the coming years.”
What this might mean for water RO companies
If the centers agrees to act accordingly on the request made by National Green Tribunal, the industry will face a major blow in terms of revenues and profits. It is to be noted here that the RO market in India is highly organized. The likes of Eureka Forbes, Kent, AO Smith, Hindustan Unilever and Livpure, who are counted among the top players of this industry here might face big troubles.
ROs in the unorganized sector sell for starting prices of Rs 3,000, while the same from big brand names Rs 10,000. The most expensive one from brands are being retailed at prices upwards of Rs 40,000.
