Total Dissolved Solids in Drinking Water

Drinking clean and safe water is a cornerstone of good health, but did you know that water’s purity is not just about being clear or odourless? One of the most critical factors that define water quality is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). While TDS is a term many have heard, few truly understand its implications for health, taste, and water system maintenance.

In this comprehensive blog, we will explore everything about Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water—what it is, why it matters, ideal TDS levels, how to measure and control it, and how it affects health and household appliances. Whether you're a domestic user, industrial buyer, or B2B supplier in India, understanding TDS is essential for ensuring safe, mineral-balanced drinking water.

What Are Total Dissolved Solids in Drinking Water?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. These solids can include minerals, salts, metals, cations, and anions. The TDS level is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Common Components of TDS

• Essential minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium

• Inorganic salts: Sulfates, chlorides, bicarbonates

• Trace metals: Iron, manganese, zinc

• Organic matter: Algae, pesticides, bacteria by-products

Not all TDS elements are harmful; in fact, some are beneficial. But excessive or extremely low TDS levels can impact both health and water quality.

Why is TDS Important in Drinking Water?

TDS levels in water influence:

• Taste: High TDS water may taste salty, bitter, or metallic.

• Health: Low TDS water may lack essential minerals; high TDS may contain harmful contaminants.

• Appliance Lifespan: High TDS causes scaling in pipes, heaters, and filters.

• Purification Needs: Determines what type of water purification system is suitable for your needs.

TDS directly affects how your water feels, functions, and nourishes. Monitoring it is crucial for long-term water safety.

What is the Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water?

Expert Guidelines:

• 0 – 50 ppm: Very low TDS – not suitable for long-term drinking; lacks essential minerals

• 50 – 150 ppm: Optimal range for human health

• 150 – 300 ppm: Acceptable and safe

• 300 – 500 ppm: Average municipal supply

• 500 – 1000 ppm: Hard water; not recommended for drinking without treatment

• Above 1000 ppm: Unsafe and potentially hazardous

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable TDS limit is 500 ppm, with a maximum permissible level of 2000 ppm in emergencies.

To explore TDS levels in-depth, read our expert guide here:
👉 What Is the Minimum TDS for Drinking Water – A Complete Guide

Sources of TDS in Drinking Water

Understanding where TDS comes from helps in choosing the right filtration or treatment system.

Health Effects of TDS in Drinking Water

Low TDS Effects (Under 50 ppm)

• Lacks minerals like calcium and magnesium

• Leads to fatigue, muscle cramps, and mineral deficiency

• Can increase corrosion in metal plumbing

High TDS Effects (Above 500 ppm)

• Causes salty/bitter taste

• May contain nitrates, lead, or arsenic

• Triggers gastrointestinal issues or hypertension

• Affects children and elderly more severely

How to Measure TDS in Drinking Water?

One of the easiest ways to monitor your water quality is using a TDS meter. This small, affordable device gives a quick and accurate reading of TDS levels.

How to Use a TDS Meter:

1. Fill a glass with water sample.

2. Turn on the TDS meter.

3. Insert it into the water.

4. Wait for a stable reading (usually a few seconds).

5. Read the value in ppm.

You can get a reliable and easy-to-use TDS meter online:
👉 Shop TDS Meter for Accurate Readings – RomegaMart

How to Reduce or Increase TDS in Drinking Water

Depending on your water source and use case, you may need to adjust the TDS levels.

Ways to Reduce High TDS:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Best for eliminating excess minerals and salts.

• Distillation Units: Evaporates and condenses water to remove all dissolved solids.

• Deionization Filters: Replaces ions to purify water, used in labs and industry.

Ways to Increase Low TDS:

• Mineral Cartridges: Add essential minerals back into RO water.

• Electrolyte Additives: Replenishes lost salts for better hydration.

• Mixing with Mineral Water: Simple way to balance TDS if below optimal level.

Best Practices to Maintain Ideal TDS Levels

• Test your water every 3–6 months using a TDS meter.

• Choose a multi-stage RO system with mineral booster for balanced results.

• For industrial setups, use advanced treatment systems based on source water profile.

• Replace filters on time to maintain purification efficiency.

Impact of TDS on Appliances and Infrastructure

High TDS doesn't just affect health—it also harms your appliances:

Negative Impacts:

• Scaling in water heaters, geysers, pipes

• Reduced lifespan of RO membranes

• Blocked nozzles in washing machines and dishwashers

• Higher maintenance and energy usage

Keeping TDS in the ideal range helps reduce maintenance costs and prolongs appliance life.

Total Dissolved Solids in Different Use Cases

Water Treatment and TDS Management in India

In India, the variation in water quality is vast due to:

• Geographical diversity (hard water in Rajasthan, soft water in Kerala)

• Inconsistent municipal treatment

• Poor infrastructure in rural areas

That’s why regular water testing and customized filtration systems are crucial. RomegaMart offers solutions for every segment—domestic, industrial, and commercial.

Explore our water treatment solutions here:
👉 Browse Water Treatment Systems at RomegaMart

Who Should Be Concerned About TDS?

• Homeowners: To ensure the health of family members

• Commercial Property Owners: To maintain appliance efficiency and customer safety

• Industrial Operators: Where TDS can affect machinery and production processes

• B2B Distributors: To offer water purifiers tailored to local TDS levels

Final Thoughts

Understanding and managing Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water is not just a technical concern—it’s a health necessity. Whether your water has too much or too little TDS, the key is awareness and action. Regularly test your water, install the right purification system, and maintain filters for clean, balanced, and great-tasting water.

Quick Action Steps:

• ✅ Test your water with a reliable TDS meter

• ✅ Read our full guide on minimum TDS for drinking water

• ✅ Choose a water purifier suited to your TDS levels

• ✅ Replace filters every 6–12 months

• ✅ Stay informed about water quality standards

Recommended Read:

Want to explore the ideal TDS range and its health impact?
👉 Check this expert guide on Minimum TDS in Drinking Water