Best TDS Level for Drinking Water in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Drinking water quality is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good health. In India, where access to clean and safe drinking water remains a challenge in many regions, it's crucial to understand the various factors that contribute to water quality. One of these factors is the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in water. In this blog, we'll explore the best TDS level for drinking water in India, how it affects your health, and how to choose the right water purifier to ensure you're consuming water at an optimal TDS level.

What is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)?

TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including salts, minerals, metals, and other compounds. These solids are usually present in water in the form of ions such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

While some of these dissolved solids are beneficial for health, others can be harmful. The key is to maintain the right balance to ensure that the water is safe and healthy to drink.

Why is TDS Important for Drinking Water?

TDS levels play a vital role in determining the taste, quality, and safety of water. The right TDS level ensures that the water is neither too pure (lacking essential minerals) nor too contaminated (with harmful salts and chemicals). Let's take a look at how TDS affects drinking water:

1. Taste of Water: Low TDS levels may make the water taste flat or bland, while higher TDS levels can make the water taste salty or bitter, depending on the composition.

2. Health Impact: Certain minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for the body, but excessive TDS, especially from contaminants like lead, arsenic, and nitrate, can have adverse health effects.

3. Effect on Appliances: High TDS levels can cause scaling in pipes, boilers, and water heaters, leading to the malfunction of appliances. On the other hand, very low TDS can sometimes result in corrosion of pipes and utensils.

What is the Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water in India?

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the recommended TDS levels for drinking water are as follows:

• TDS level less than 300 ppm: This is considered excellent for drinking and cooking. The water is free from excessive salts and chemicals and tastes good.

• TDS level between 300-500 ppm: This is the ideal range for drinking water in India. Water with TDS in this range is generally considered safe, and it provides essential minerals like calcium and magnesium without any harmful contaminants.

• TDS level between 500-1000 ppm: Water with TDS levels in this range is acceptable, though it might taste salty or bitter. It’s usually safe to drink but may not be the best in terms of taste and mineral content.

• TDS level above 1000 ppm: Water with such high TDS levels is not recommended for drinking. It can contain harmful substances like heavy metals, salts, and other contaminants, which can lead to serious health issues.

How to Measure TDS in Water?

The most common way to measure TDS in water is through a TDS meter. This device measures the electrical conductivity of water, which correlates with the concentration of dissolved solids. You can find TDS meters online or at local stores for affordable prices. For accurate readings, it’s essential to calibrate the TDS meter regularly and test the water at different points in your household.

How to Control the TDS Level in Drinking Water?

In India, the TDS levels in water can vary significantly depending on the region. In some places, the water may have low TDS, while in others, the levels can be very high due to contamination with salts and chemicals. Fortunately, water purification technologies can help control TDS levels to make water safe and drinkable.

Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purifiers:

Reverse Osmosis (RO) is one of the most popular water purification methods in India. It works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes contaminants like salts, metals, and other impurities. RO purifiers can significantly reduce TDS levels in water, but they also remove essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

UV (Ultraviolet) Purifiers:

UV purifiers use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. However, UV purifiers do not remove dissolved solids or contaminants from water. They are most effective when used in combination with other purification technologies.

UF (Ultrafiltration) Purifiers:

UF purifiers use a membrane to filter out large particles and microorganisms from water. Like UV purifiers, they don’t remove TDS or dissolved solids, but they can help with water clarity and microbe removal.

TDS Adjuster:

Many modern RO purifiers come equipped with a TDS adjuster feature. This allows users to control the TDS level in their drinking water. You can increase or decrease the TDS levels based on your preference and the mineral content of the water. If you live in an area with high TDS levels, a TDS adjuster is a must-have feature to ensure you get clean, balanced water.

Choosing the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS Levels

The right water purifier for your home depends on the TDS level of your local water supply. Here are some options to consider:

1. Jet Aqua Seven Plus 10L White Transparent RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

   • This water purifier is equipped with multiple stages of filtration, including a TDS adjuster to help you get the ideal TDS level in your drinking water.
   • Link: Jet Aqua Seven Plus 10L White Transparent RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

2. Jet Aqua Seven Plus 10L White Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

   • The copper-infused filtration process in this purifier helps in maintaining the right TDS level while also adding the benefits of copper to your water.
   • Link: Jet Aqua Seven Plus 10L White Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

3. Jet Aqua Rever 10L White Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

   • This model offers a sleek design with copper technology, which is known for its anti-bacterial properties. It also comes with a TDS adjuster for personalized filtration.
   • Link: Jet Aqua Rever 10L White Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

4. Jet Aqua Rever 10L Black Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

   • The black color variant offers a modern look along with the same advanced filtration technology. It's perfect for homes with higher TDS levels.
   • Link: Jet Aqua Rever 10L Black Copper RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

5. Jet Aqua Rever 10L White Copper Transparent RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

   • The transparent design of this purifier makes it easy to monitor water levels and filtration stages. The TDS adjuster ensures that the water is at the right TDS level.
   • Link: Jet Aqua Rever 10L White Copper Transparent RO+UV+UF Water Purifier

Conclusion

The best TDS level for drinking water in India is generally between 300 and 500 ppm. This range ensures that the water contains essential minerals without excessive contaminants. However, the TDS level in your local water may vary, so it’s important to choose a water purifier that can adjust the TDS levels according to your preference and water quality. The Jet Aqua range of water purifiers offers excellent options with TDS adjusters, ensuring that you get safe, healthy, and great-tasting water every time.