The Chinese water purifier market has experienced rapid growth, with the sector reaching 27.1 billion yuan in 2017, marking a year-on-year increase of 33.2%. By 2018, sales were expected to surpass 33 billion yuan. This surge is driven by growing awareness among consumers about the importance of clean and safe drinking water. More households are now investing in water purifiers, not just for convenience but as a health necessity.
However, with this expansion comes a pressing question: Are there clear standards in place to ensure product quality? How many consumers truly understand how to choose the right water purifier?
In November 2017, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine and the National Standards Committee issued the national standard GB34914-2017, titled “Restriction of Water Efficiency Limit and Water Efficiency Rating of Reverse Osmosis Water Purifiers.†This was the first mandatory national standard for the industry, aiming to enforce strict water efficiency controls. The regulation came into effect in November 2018, setting a minimum water efficiency limit of 35% (Level 5), effectively eliminating inefficient products from the market.
Reverse osmosis (RO) water purifiers have become the most popular due to their high-quality filtration, capturing impurities, bacteria, viruses, and even heavy metals. With a market share of around 60%, over 4,000 manufacturers operate in this space, selling more than 10 million units annually. However, these systems also produce wastewater, raising concerns about water wastage.
The new standard introduces five levels of water efficiency, ranging from 60% (Level 1) down to 35% (Level 5). It aims to improve overall efficiency, with estimates suggesting that the average efficiency of current models is below 20%. The goal is to double this to 40% on average. Additionally, the standard includes advanced water-saving values, encouraging innovation and better performance.
When choosing a water purifier, it’s essential to consider local water quality. In northern China, where water is generally harder but less polluted, ultrafiltration or nanofiltration systems may be sufficient for daily use. Reverse osmosis purifiers, while highly effective, can strip water of beneficial minerals, potentially affecting long-term health if used exclusively.
Other factors to consider include the flow rate (flux) of the unit, the lifespan of the filter core, and the brand's reputation. High-efficiency models may require more frequent maintenance or higher upfront costs, so it's important to balance performance with budget.
Experts also warn about misleading "pure water to waste ratio" claims. Many manufacturers advertise a 1:1 ratio, but in reality, the actual ratio is often worse. The new water efficiency label system, which will be mandatory, aims to provide transparency and help consumers make informed decisions.
While the implementation of the standard may lead to a slight price increase—around 1–2%—this is attributed to rising material and labor costs, as well as a shift toward higher-end, more efficient models. Companies like Xiaomi are also moving upmarket due to cost pressures.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Some companies still misrepresent their products’ efficiency, and the transition to full compliance may take time. Nevertheless, the long-term impact of the standard is expected to drive innovation, reduce water waste, and raise consumer awareness about sustainable water usage.
In conclusion, the new water efficiency standards are not just regulatory changes—they represent a shift in consumer behavior and industry practices. As people become more conscious of water conservation, the market will continue to evolve, favoring products that are both effective and environmentally responsible.
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