Understanding TDS in Water Purifier

Do you know why understanding the TDS level in your drinking water is crucial? Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) indicate the number of inorganic salts, heavy metals, and other contaminants present in the water. Especially in cities like Mumbai, India, where water sources can vary from municipal supplies to groundwater and borewells, TDS levels often fluctuate—and that directly impacts your health.

If you've been wondering what TDS is, what the safe TDS level for drinking water should be, and how water purifiers like RO systems help manage it, this blog will clear it all for you.

What is TDS in Water?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids—a measurement of all organic and inorganic substances, including minerals, salts, cations, anions, and metals, that are dissolved in water. These can be naturally occurring, or introduced through agricultural runoff, sewage discharge, or industrial waste.

The common sources that elevate TDS in drinking water include:

• Industrial effluents

• Use of chemical fertilizers

• Old plumbing systems

• Contaminated groundwater sources

As water is a universal solvent, it absorbs minerals and impurities easily. This can lead to water that tastes salty or bitter and impacts not just health but also household plumbing and appliances.

What is the Safe TDS Range for Drinking Water?

Understanding the safe TDS range is essential to determine whether your water needs purification. TDS is measured in PPM (Parts Per Million) and the quality varies accordingly:

• 50 – 150 PPM: Excellent (Ideal for drinking)

• 150 – 250 PPM: Good

• 250 – 300 PPM: Fair

• 300 – 500 PPM: Poor (Needs purification)

• Above 1200 PPM: Unacceptable

According to BIS IS 10500:2012, the maximum permissible TDS level in drinking water is 500 PPM. However, for better health and taste, the optimal range is between 50 and 150 PPM.

If you're unsure about the current TDS of your water, it's wise to measure it using a TDS Meter, a handy device that quickly determines whether your water is within the safe limit or not.

Why Does TDS Level Vary?

The TDS level in your water depends on the source:

• Municipal supply in areas like Mumbai typically ranges from 50 to 300 PPM.

• Borewell or groundwater can range from 200 to 2000 PPM, depending on depth, soil type, and contamination.

This variation makes it important to test your water regularly and treat it accordingly using the right water purifier.

How Does High TDS Affect Health and Appliances?

High TDS not only affects the taste and odor of water but also has long-term implications:

1. Unpleasant Taste and Odor

A high TDS level often results in salty, bitter-tasting water that’s hard to consume regularly.

2. Health Risks

Elevated TDS may include lead, arsenic, nitrates, and fluoride, all of which can pose serious health risks when consumed over time.

3. Appliance Damage

Hard water caused by high calcium and magnesium content can lead to scaling and corrosion in your pipes, water heaters, and kitchen appliances, shortening their lifespan.

What Role Does a Water Purifier Play in TDS Management?

To ensure your drinking water is safe and free from excess TDS, Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the most effective method.

RO water purifiers pass water through a semipermeable membrane that removes up to 99.9% of dissolved solids, including harmful chemicals and heavy metals. If your water source has a TDS level above 300 PPM, an RO system is essential for safe consumption.

You can also fine-tune the TDS output of your RO system using a TDS Adjuster, ensuring that essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are retained while unwanted contaminants are removed.

What is the Ideal TDS Level for RO Water?

While RO purifiers can bring TDS down to below 25 PPM, it's recommended to maintain a level between 75-150 PPM to ensure the water has enough essential minerals for taste and health.

If you're relying on borewell or groundwater sources, RO is your best option to consistently maintain this optimal TDS range.

Benefits of RO Water Purifiers in Managing TDS

• Removes contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, and pesticides

• Improves taste and odor of water

• Protects your appliances from hard water damage

• Ensures long-term health benefits by filtering harmful substances

Explore a range of RO-compatible TDS management tools and accessories on RomegaMart—your trusted platform for domestic water purification solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recommended TDS level for drinking water?

A TDS level between 50 to 150 PPM is considered excellent and ideal for drinking.

Is low-TDS water safe to drink?

Extremely low TDS (below 30 PPM) may lack essential minerals. While it's not harmful, it may not be ideal for regular consumption.

What is the best TDS level for RO water?

The optimal TDS level for RO-treated water is 75–150 PPM to retain essential minerals and ensure safe consumption.

How does high TDS affect water quality?

High TDS can lead to poor taste, odor, scale buildup, and potential health risks due to the presence of heavy metals and contaminants.

Can RO systems remove all contaminants from the water?

Yes, RO systems can remove up to 99.9% of all contaminants, including heavy metals, salts, and microorganisms, ensuring clean and safe drinking water.