TDS of Water - Understanding Total Dissolved Solids and Safe Levels

What is the TDS of water?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in water refers to the concentration of dissolved substances such as minerals, salts, and organic matter. It is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). The ideal TDS level for drinking water, as per the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), is below 500 ppm.

1. Introduction: What is TDS of Water?

Fact to start:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), while water with low TDS may taste flat, excessively high TDS can pose serious health risks due to heavy metals or contaminants.

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is a critical water quality parameter that measures the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. These solids are present in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended forms. Common examples include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates.

TDS is especially important in household and industrial water purification because it affects not only the taste of water but also its suitability for consumption, cooking, and equipment longevity.

2. Why TDS Matters in Drinking Water

Water may look clear and clean but still contain high levels of dissolved impurities that are not visible to the naked eye. These could include:

• Heavy metals (lead, arsenic, mercury)

• Pesticides and herbicides

• Industrial pollutants

• Natural minerals in excess

Drinking water with inappropriate TDS levels can lead to gastrointestinal issues, kidney strain, and even long-term health damage if consumed consistently. Moreover, water with very low TDS may also lack essential minerals that the body requires, making it equally unsuitable.

3. Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water

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Different organizations around the world have varying guidelines for acceptable TDS levels. Here are the recommended limits:

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012), the acceptable TDS limit for drinking water is 500 mg/L, and the permissible limit in the absence of a better source is 2000 mg/L.

Generally accepted TDS levels:

• 0–50 ppm: Very low, may lack essential minerals

• 50–150 ppm: Excellent for drinking

• 150–300 ppm: Good and acceptable

• 300–500 ppm: Fair, considered safe

• 500–1000 ppm: Marginal; may be used with caution

• Above 1000 ppm: Unsafe for human consumption

4. TDS Chart: Acceptable Ranges Explained

Understanding the TDS chart helps you quickly evaluate your water quality:

This chart is especially helpful when choosing the right filtration system or evaluating your household water source.

5. How to Check TDS of Water at Home

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There are two common ways to check the TDS of water at home:

1. Using a Digital TDS Meter

This is the most accurate and affordable method. You can buy a handheld TDS meter online or from any electronics store.

Steps:

• Turn on the meter and dip it in a glass of water.

• Wait for 10–15 seconds.

• Read the value displayed on the screen (in ppm).

2. Using a Laboratory Test Kit

More comprehensive results can be obtained via test kits, which also analyze contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, and nitrates in addition to TDS.

It’s advisable to test your water source every 6 months to ensure continued safety, especially if you use borewell or untreated municipal water.

6. TDS in RO Water – Is It Too Low?

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Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifiers are extremely effective in reducing TDS levels. However, they can sometimes reduce TDS to below 50 ppm, which might make water taste bland and strip away essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

How to Balance TDS in RO Water:

• Use a TDS controller to retain essential minerals

• Install a mineral cartridge in your RO purifier

• Choose RO systems with intelligent TDS adjustment features

Many modern RO units allow customization, helping users maintain a TDS level between 80 to 150 ppm, which is both safe and palatable.

7. Effects of High and Low TDS on Health

High TDS Water:

• Bitter, salty, or metallic taste

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Possible presence of harmful elements like lead or nitrate

• Potential kidney and liver strain

Low TDS Water:

• Flat or tasteless water

• Deficiency of essential minerals

• Increased water acidity in extreme cases

Both extremes are undesirable, making it essential to maintain a balanced TDS range.

8. How to Control TDS in Water

Depending on your water source, you can reduce or balance TDS using different filtration technologies:

To Lower High TDS:

• RO (Reverse Osmosis) Systems: Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids

• Deionization (DI): Used in laboratories or industrial settings

• Distillation Units: Effective but slow and energy-consuming

To Increase TDS (if too low):

• TDS Controller Valves

• Mineral Add-on Filters

• Blending with mineral water sources

This ensures that your water is not just clean but also healthy and full of essential trace elements.

9. RO vs UV vs UF: Which Is Best for TDS Management?

RO (Reverse Osmosis):

• Best for high TDS reduction

• Removes heavy metals and bacteria

• Suitable for borewell and hard water

UV (Ultraviolet Purification):

• Kills bacteria but does not reduce TDS

• Suitable for municipal water with already low TDS

UF (Ultrafiltration):

• Removes larger impurities

• Also does not reduce TDS

• Good for surface water

Conclusion: If your water source has a TDS level above 300 ppm, RO is the most effective system to purify and balance your drinking water.

10. TDS FAQs: Common Questions Answered

Q1: What is the safe TDS level for infants?

Answer: Ideally between 50–150 ppm, ensuring essential minerals are retained.

Q2: Can I drink RO water with TDS below 50?

Answer: While technically safe, it may lack essential minerals. Use a TDS controller or mineralizer.

Q3: Does boiling water reduce TDS?

Answer: No. Boiling kills bacteria but does not remove dissolved solids.

Q4: Is rainwater high or low in TDS?

Answer: Rainwater is naturally low in TDS but can pick up contaminants if not stored properly.

Q5: Should TDS levels be the same in cooking and drinking water?

Answer: Yes. Ideally between 100–300 ppm for both applications.

11. Conclusion: What Should You Do About Your Water's TDS?

TDS plays a vital role in determining the safety, taste, and health impact of your water. Whether you're using municipal supply, borewell, or tank water, it's important to regularly test and manage TDS levels.

Here’s what you should do:

• Test your water's TDS every 6 months using a digital meter

• If TDS is over 500 ppm, invest in a quality RO water purifier

• If it's under 50 ppm, ensure you're using a mineral cartridge or TDS controller

• Choose a water purification system that suits your source water and health needs

At Romegamart, you can explore a wide range of RO purifiers and TDS controllers designed for Indian households. Visit our categories for:

• Wall Mount RO Systems

• Under Sink Water Purifiers

• Non-Electric Water Purifiers

• TDS Controllers and Filters

Safe water is smart living. Manage your TDS and drink with confidence