A Complete Guide to Drinking Water TDS

We can all agree that clean water is essential, not only for our health but also for its taste and smell. However, what we consider “clean” water isn’t always as simple as it seems. 

Minerals, contaminants, and sediments can affect the color, odor, and flavor of the water. But how do you truly know what’s in your drinking water and if it’s safe for consumption? One way is by using a TDS meter, a tool commonly used to measure the number of particles in water. 

However, it’s important to understand that TDS readings can sometimes be misleading if misinterpreted. In this article, we’ll discuss what drinking water TDS is, how it affects water quality, why it matters to you, and more.

What is TDS in Water?

Water TDS full form is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). It refers to the organic and inorganic materials, like minerals, salts, metals, and ions, dissolved in water. In simple terms, TDS measures all the substances dissolved in water that aren’t water molecules (H2O).

When water comes into contact with soluble materials, tiny particles from these materials mix into the water, forming TDS. 

TDS can come from many sources, such as natural springs, chemicals used to treat tap water, runoff from roads and yards, or even from your own plumbing system.

In India, most households receive water with TDS levels ranging from 50 to 5000, depending on the water source. It’s essential to measure the TDS in your water before choosing the right purifier for your needs.

TDS Levels and Drinking Water Quality

The TDS value of drinking water depends on its source. River and pond water generally have lower TDS levels compared to groundwater. The TDS level plays a key role in determining whether the water is safe to drink.

The table below shows the quality, taste, and drinking recommendations based on the TDS levels in water.

TDS levels can vary depending on the source of your water. Tap water and natural mineral water usually have TDS values between 100-200 mg/l. However, in areas with more minerals in the ground, tap water may have a higher TDS level. 

While active carbon filters don’t reduce TDS, technologies like reverse osmosis, ion exchange, and distillation can lower TDS to safe levels.

TDS levels between 300-500 mg/l are generally fine, and there’s no scientific proof that levels below 600 mg/l harm health. However, if TDS is over 1000 mg/l, it could signal unsafe levels of dissolved solids.

Not all drinking water TDS are harmful, so it’s important to understand what different TDS values mean.

On top of that, water with low TDS can taste flat and pleasant, while higher TDS levels might make the water taste bitter, salty, or even sulphuric.

How to Measure TDS Level?

To measure the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in water, you can use a simple TDS meter. This handheld device works by dipping the probe into the water, and it gives a reading in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). 

The higher the number, the more dissolved solids are in the water. You can also use home testing kits, which often include strips or solutions to compare the color change and estimate the TDS. 

For accurate results, it’s best to check the TDS regularly, especially if you’re using a water filter or purifier. 

Why Should You Measure TDS?

Total dissolved solids can impact your water quality, health, plumbing system, and even tasks like cooking and cleaning. Measuring the TDS in your water helps you understand its quality and how it affects your daily life. 

This helps you to fix any water issues and choose the best filtration system for your home.

• Assessing Water Quality: TDS indicates the concentration of dissolved substances like minerals, salts, and metals in water. High TDS levels can affect the taste and safety of your drinking water. 
• Cooking: High TDS water, though safe below 1000 ppm, can affect food taste. For instance, water with chlorine can make pasta taste unpleasant. Using a carbon filter removes chlorine effectively.
• Identifying Potential Health Risks: While some dissolved solids are beneficial, others, such as heavy metals like lead and arsenic, can be harmful. Measuring TDS helps detect these harmful substances, ensuring your water is safe to drink. 
• Protecting Household Appliances: Water with high TDS can cause scale buildup in appliances like kettles, dishwashers, and washing machines. This buildup reduces efficiency and can lead to costly repairs. 
• Improving Taste and Smell: High TDS levels can make water taste bitter or salty. By measuring TDS, you can determine if your water has an unpleasant taste or odor and take steps to improve it. 

Also Check Out – Our Health Services 

How to Reduce TDS in Water?

Certain water treatment systems are effective in lowering or removing TDS from water, especially when the TDS value of drinking water is 500 ppm or higher. 

Different filtration systems work better for different types of TDS, but reverse osmosis, water distillers, and deionization are the most reliable methods. Boiling, Electrodialysis, and Activated Carbon Filtration are also a preferred method.

These systems can reduce most of the dissolved solids in water, making it safer and more pleasant to drink.

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Reverse Osmosis systems are highly effective at reducing TDS in water. They work by pushing water through a special filter, called a membrane, which blocks most dissolved solids, including harmful substances like heavy metals and chemicals. 

This process can remove up to 99% of TDS, making the water safer and better tasting. RO units are commonly installed under kitchen sinks or as countertop models. 

While they may cost between ₹20,000 and ₹70,000 initially, they provide long-term benefits by ensuring clean drinking water.

Check Out – R.O water Purifiers

2. Distillation

Distillation is a process where water is heated to turn it into steam. The steam rises and leaves behind the dissolved solids, which are then removed when the steam is cooled back into liquid form. 

This method can effectively reduce drinking water TDS by eliminating most of the minerals, salts, and other impurities. However, distillation can be slow and requires more energy, making it less practical for large households or regular use. 

Despite this, it remains a reliable way to purify water and reduce high TDS levels.

3. Deionization (DI) Filters

DI filters remove dissolved minerals from water by using special resins that exchange harmful ions with hydrogen and hydroxide ions. 

This process makes the water purer by removing impurities like calcium, magnesium, and other minerals that contribute to high TDS. DI systems are effective at lowering TDS but may require regular maintenance to keep the resins working properly. 

They are more expensive than other filtration methods and are typically used in situations where extremely pure water is needed, such as laboratories or industrial applications.

4. Boiling

Boiling water is a common method for purifying it, as it kills harmful bacteria and viruses. However, boiling does not significantly reduce TDS levels because it doesn’t remove dissolved solids like minerals, salts, or chemicals. 

In fact, boiling may even concentrate these impurities since water evaporates during the process. While boiling is useful for sterilizing water, it is not effective in lowering TDS. 

For significant reduction of TDS, the above methods are more effective.

5. Electrodialysis

This water treatment method uses an electric field to move ions through ion-exchange membranes, effectively reducing TDS in water. This process is particularly suitable for brackish water with TDS levels below 3,000 parts per million (ppm). 

Though it’s effective at lowering drinking water TDS, this method is complex and costly, making it less practical for household use.

It’s mainly used in industries where higher volumes of water need treatment, making it less common for everyday drinking water purification.

6. Activated Carbon Filtration

Activated carbon filters are effective for removing chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and other chemicals from water, enhancing taste and odor. However, they are less effective at reducing TDS levels. 

Activated carbon primarily absorbs organic compounds and chlorine, but it does not significantly remove inorganic minerals and salts that contribute to TDS. 

Therefore, while activated carbon filtration improves water quality in certain aspects, it is not a reliable method for reducing TDS.

Conclusion

Understanding TDS in drinking water is crucial for your health and well-being. While some minerals in water can be beneficial, high TDS levels can affect both taste and quality. Regular testing and using the right water filtration methods can help maintain safe drinking water. 

Always be mindful of your water’s TDS level to ensure it stays within a healthy range, providing you with clean, fresh water for everyday consumption.

Are you looking to invest in water purifying systems such as RO for your home to improve TDS levels? Visit OLX India today and explore a wide range of options as per your budget!