Understanding LPH: What the Rating Actually Means
LPH stands for Litres Per Hour — the rated permeate output of the RO system under specified operating conditions (typically at the manufacturer’s stated feed-water TDS, temperature and pressure). In Lahore bore water conditions, which typically have higher TDS (700–2000 ppm) and require higher operating pressure, actual output may be 10–20% lower than the rated figure. Always calculate demand against actual expected output, not the nameplate rating.
500 LPH vs 1000 LPH: Direct Comparison
| Specification | 500 LPH System | 1000 LPH System |
|---|---|---|
| Rated output | 500 litres/hour | 1000 litres/hour |
| Daily output (20hr operation) | ~10,000 litres/day | ~20,000 litres/day |
| 18.9L bottles filled/day (at 20hr) | ~530 bottles | ~1,058 bottles |
| Capital cost Pakistan 2026 | PKR 450,000–850,000 | PKR 850,000–1,600,000 |
| Annual operating cost (Lahore bore water) | PKR 85,000–230,000 | PKR 160,000–380,000 |
| High-pressure pump typical rating | 2–5 HP | 4–8 HP |
| Membrane elements (4″ x 40″) | 4–8 elements | 8–14 elements |
| Suitable for | Restaurant, school, small water shop | Medium water business, hotel, hospital |
| Feed water demand (65% recovery) | ~770 litres/hour | ~1,540 litres/hour |
The Recovery Rate Factor — What Most Suppliers Do Not Explain
Recovery rate is the percentage of feed water that becomes permeate. A 500 LPH system at 65% recovery (typical for Lahore high-TDS bore water) needs approximately 770 litres of feed water per hour to produce 500 litres of permeate. A 1000 LPH system needs approximately 1,540 litres per hour.
This affects two things: your bore well yield (must sustain that feed demand) and your storage requirement. Ensure your bore well can supply the feed water demand at the required rate before committing to either capacity.
When 500 LPH Is Sufficient
A 500 LPH system running 20 hours per day produces approximately 10,000 litres of permeate per day. This is suitable for: a small to medium water shop filling up to 530 x 18.9L bottles per day; a restaurant with high daily cooking and drinking water demand; a school with 500–800 students; a medium office building.
When You Need 1000 LPH or More
If your daily demand exceeds 10,000 litres, or if you want headroom for business growth, a 1000 LPH system is the appropriate step up. At PKR 850,000–1,600,000 installed (with Lahore bore water pretreatment), the 1000 LPH system costs approximately twice the 500 LPH system but produces double the output — meaning cost per litre is similar.
For larger water businesses targeting 2,000+ bottles per day, a 2000 LPH system is more appropriate.
🔧 Aqua Prima Tip
Do not choose capacity based on price alone. A 500 LPH system running at 100% capacity 20 hours per day will degrade faster than a 1000 LPH system at 50% capacity. Build in headroom. Aqua Prima includes capacity calculations in every consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference between 500 LPH and 1000 LPH RO plants in Pakistan?
A 500 LPH system with Lahore bore water pretreatment costs PKR 700,000–850,000. A 1000 LPH system costs PKR 1,300,000–1,600,000. The 1000 LPH system costs approximately twice as much but produces double the output, so cost per litre is similar.
Which RO plant is right for a water shop in Pakistan?
A water shop filling 18.9L bottles needs to calculate target daily bottles x 18.9L to determine daily litre demand. 530 bottles/day needs 500 LPH. 1,058 bottles/day needs 1000 LPH. 2,100 bottles/day needs 2000 LPH. Always add 25% headroom.
Is a 500 LPH RO plant enough for a restaurant in Lahore?
For most restaurants in Lahore, yes. A restaurant consuming 3,000–5,000 litres of purified water per day for cooking and drinking is well within 500 LPH capacity at 20 hours operation (10,000 litres/day). Larger hotels or banquet facilities may need 1000 LPH.
Get the Right Capacity for Your Business
Aqua Prima calculates the correct LPH for your specific demand, bore well yield and recovery rate. Free consultation from Ichhra, Lahore.
📍 Aqua Prima, Ichhra, Lahore | 0327 457 5527