Understanding TDS And Its Role in Drinking Water India
The mineral water we drink today is not as pure as we might think. Contaminated with impurities, chemicals, and dissolved solids, even a seemingly clean glass of water can be harmful without proper purification. To ensure the water you consume is safe, understanding TDS is essential.
What is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. It includes both inorganic salts (like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium) and organic matter (like pesticides or industrial contaminants). These dissolved substances influence the taste, quality, and safety of drinking water.
TDS is typically measured in Parts Per Million (PPM) or mg/L.
Why is TDS in Drinking Water Important?
TDS levels in drinking water come from various sources:
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Natural springs or rivers
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Urban and industrial runoffs
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Sewage and plumbing systems
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Chemical fertilizers and water treatment processes
Though high TDS levels don’t always pose immediate health risks, they can:
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Alter the taste (making water bitter, salty, or metallic)
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Increase hardness, leading to scaling and staining
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Signal the presence of harmful metals like lead or copper
TDS Level Chart: What Do the Numbers Mean?
| TDS in Water (PPM) | Suitability for Drinking |
|---|---|
| 50–150 | Excellent |
| 150–250 | Good |
| 250–300 | Fair |
| 300–500 | Poor, needs filtration |
| Above 1200 | Unacceptable, unfit for drinking |
Why Should You Measure TDS Levels?
Measuring the TDS level in your water ensures that you and your family are drinking clean and safe water. Here's why it's important:
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Taste: High TDS alters the natural taste of water.
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Health: While some minerals are beneficial, excess salts or harmful metals like lead can cause illness.
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Cooking: Water with high TDS (above 1000 PPM) can affect the flavor and texture of food.
✅ Check your water’s TDS at home using a
👉 Digital TDS Meter
Effects of TDS on Health and Taste
While TDS itself isn’t a single harmful contaminant, elevated levels may indicate the presence of undesirable salts or heavy metals. These can result in:
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A salty, metallic, or bitter taste
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Dry skin and hair from regular use
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Long-term health risks if harmful ions (like arsenic or lead) are present
It’s important to note that a TDS test doesn't identify specific contaminants. For a more accurate understanding of water quality, consider advanced water testing kits or lab analysis.
How to Reduce TDS in Water
Here are the 3 most effective methods to reduce TDS:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that removes up to 99% of TDS.
✅ Explore RO-compatible TDS controllers here:
👉 TDS Adjuster
2. Distillation
Water is boiled into vapor and condensed back, leaving behind dissolved solids.
3. Deionization (DI)
Water passes through charged resins that remove positive and negative ions, often used after RO.
🔍 Don’t have these systems at home? You can still boil your water or opt for branded mineral water with safe TDS levels.
How Much TDS is Good for Drinking Water in India?
In India, the standards for TDS in drinking water are:
| Source | Recommended TDS Level |
|---|---|
| BIS Standard | Up to 500 PPM (permissible limit) |
| WHO Recommendation | Below 300 PPM (optimal for taste & health) |
| Ideal for RO Water | 50–150 PPM |
TDS Range of 50–300 PPM is generally considered best, balancing taste and essential minerals.
Conclusion
Maintaining an appropriate TDS level in drinking water is crucial for taste, health, and safety. Regular monitoring, using tools like a TDS Meter, and adjusting it with a TDS Adjuster ensures optimal water quality.
You can also explore a wide range of water purifiers, spares, and TDS management solutions at RomegaMart — your one-stop shop for safe and smart water solutions in India.
FAQs
1. What is the best TDS level for drinking water?
The ideal TDS level for drinking water is between 50–150 PPM, ensuring purity and good taste.
2. Is low TDS bad for health?
Extremely low TDS (<50 PPM) might lack essential minerals, but it's not necessarily harmful.
3. What TDS level does Bisleri maintain?
Bisleri maintains around 150 PPM, considered safe and optimal for daily consumption.
4. What’s the difference between TDS and hardness?
TDS includes all dissolved solids, while hardness is specific to calcium and magnesium salts.
5. How can I test the TDS of drinking water?
Use a Digital TDS Meter for easy home testing.
6. How much TDS is good for drinking water in India?
The BIS standard allows up to 500 PPM, but WHO recommends <300 PPM. Most RO systems aim for 50–150 PPM
