Smart water purifier – investment for health or just a technology fad?

Water is the most essential need of human beings. However, along with the rapid development of urbanization, industrialization and pollution from agriculture , water sources for daily life in many areas in Vietnam are facing safety risks.

Many underground water sources, drilled wells, and even tap water in urban areas still contain residual chlorine, heavy metals, or other pollutants. This reality has prompted consumers to pay more attention to water treatment solutions at the point of use. In particular, water purifiers, especially "smart" models, have become a popular choice in households.

How is a smart water purifier different?

Smart water purifiers offer many convenient features in addition to controlled water quality.

At its core, the goal of any water purifier is to remove impurities, microorganisms, heavy metals, and other contaminants to produce water that is safe for consumption. But “smart” here is not just about adding a screen or decorative LED lights. According to water treatment experts, the difference lies in three main pillars.

First is real-time monitoring and warning based on TDS (total dissolved solids) sensor, flow sensor, leak sensor that allows the machine to measure output quality, warning when the index exceeds the threshold or when the filter core expires.

Next is the ability to automate maintenance processes such as automatic RO membrane flushing, wastewater discharge or switching operating modes according to input source quality.

Finally, the ability to connect and manage OTA via mobile application helps users immediately know the machine status, core replacement schedule, maintenance schedule. Thanks to that, the operation and repair are also supported faster by the manufacturer.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Tin (Institute of Technology and Health) emphasized: “Smart filters not only produce pure water but also help users control the actual quality, reduce risks due to incorrect operation, and prolong the life of the system if used properly. This is especially useful in areas where the input water source fluctuates (changes according to season, floods, salinity, etc.)”.

Smart feature selection is the trend

In recent years, the Vietnamese water purifier market has seen the emergence of many domestic and imported brands competing in all segments — from basic RO-filtering machines to alkaline ionized water electrolysis machines. This reflects the great demand of consumers — both for food safety and for the trend of healthy living.

tuong-tac-ac-va-kiem-soat-may-loc-nuoc-thong-minh-qua-smartphone.jpg — You can monitor the water supply status, water quality or control the water purifier via smartphone.

Dr. Nguyen Huu Tin said that consumers do not simply choose "smart machines", but when they choose advanced functions, smart features will almost be integrated according to market trends. Smart water purifier lines are divided into groups based on practical functions and prices, helping users easily consider according to their needs and financial capabilities.

First in the basic segment, “minimum smart” water purifiers usually cost from 5 to under 10 million VND. This product line has standard RO/UF filtration, TDS display or LED warning, core replacement warning, sometimes with basic app connection.

For example, Karofi IOTEC U98, Xiaomi Pro, Mutosi MP-S128H, AOSmith AR75-AS-H1, etc. models are introduced as smart lines with LED screens displaying status, many filter cores - reference price about 7-10 million VND) suitable for families of 2-4 people. Basically, this product line provides safe drinking water, prioritizes reasonable costs but still wants to have operating warnings.

In the mid-range segment, more economical control and filtration features are added for less than 15 million. TDS sensor is more accurate, full management app (core replacement schedule, error reporting), some models have membrane cleaning mechanism or reduce wastewater, add minerals. Brands like Karofi, Kangaroo, AO Smith in this segment often have touch screens and automatic maintenance mode. Capacity is enough for a family of 5 people.

For families with conditions, need higher quality water, good for health and output. Typical features of this line are adding electrolytes/alkaline ions, creating water with adjusted pH, large screen, multiple water modes (drinking, cooking, washing vegetables), integrated hot/cold on some models, integrated protection and comprehensive monitoring.

Typical in this segment are Panasonic TK-A700, ROBOT IonQueen 511X, Panasonic TK-HS92, etc. with prices ranging from 15-35 million VND. This line is suitable for families with the elderly, children, people with special medical needs or people who want to invest in long-term health.

Previously, the filter was only used for drinking water needs, but Ms. Ha Thi Minh Nguyet's family ( Da Nang ) realized that it was not enough for their needs, so they spent money to upgrade. Ms. Nguyet said: "Since her son gave birth to children, the old machine could not meet their needs. Her son bought a new machine that can get hot and cold alkaline ionized water to drink, make milk, and can also be used to wash vegetables and cook quite comfortably. She just needs to use it, and her son monitors the rest on the phone."

Ms. Nguyet's son shared: "I like the safety feature, only items with magnetic labels can get boiling water, safe for children. In addition, on my phone I can check the quality of tap water, sometimes the machine reports an unusually high chlorine level but still ensures good filtration for safe use."

Based on features and capacity, there are a variety of prices for smart water purifiers.

The most advanced are specialized alkaline ionizers from international brands. Smart water purifiers in this segment are equipped with high-end electrolyzers, multiple electrode plates, the ability to create hydrogen-rich, anti-oxidant water, advanced management software, self-cleaning electrode mode, and a long warranty period of up to 10 years.

Standing out in this segment is the Fuji Smart alkaline water purifier line (Japan) with a variety of products such as FS U-60, FS JP900, or P-90 with prices ranging from 40 to over 100 million VND. Mitsubishi with the Cleansui water purifier line and Panasonic with the TK-AB line also have outstanding high-end products. In addition, there are also brands from Italy and Korea but they are less popular.

Investing in health is never too much

According to expert Vu Hai Duong from the Vietnam Alkaline Water Business Association (VACA), smart water purifiers are an inevitable step forward in the water filtration equipment industry. He said: “Equipment manufacturers are almost forced to integrate smart features into high-end water purifiers and gradually popularize them in popular models. This is a big and inevitable development step in the water filtration industry.”

In an era where technology permeates every corner of life, owning a smart water filter not only gives you peace of mind about your water source but also shows your concern for your quality of life and long-term health.

If you are considering upgrading your domestic water system, a smart water purifier is definitely worth the investment. In areas with a high risk of water pollution (wells, suburbs, nearby industrial zones), smart machines can also help provide timely warnings and reduce the risk of unsafe water use.

For those on a tight budget or with well-controlled water, a basic filter may still suffice – but you'll lose the benefits of real-time monitoring and some of the convenient automation features that a smart line offers.