Water TDS Level - What It Is and Why It Matters
Introduction
Have you ever considered the quality of the water you drink daily? While it may appear clear and taste fine, it could contain dissolved substances that are not visible to the naked eye. One crucial parameter to assess water quality is the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level. Understanding the water TDS level is essential for ensuring the safety and palatability of your drinking water.
In this blog, we'll delve into:
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What TDS is and its significance
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Acceptable TDS ranges for drinking water
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Health implications of high or low TDS levels
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Methods to measure and reduce TDS
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The role of RO water purifiers in managing TDS
What Is TDS in Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances present in a liquid in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular suspended form. These substances include minerals, salts, metals, cations, and anions dissolved in water. TDS is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).Wikipedia
Sources of TDS in Water
TDS in water can originate from various sources:
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Natural sources: Mineral springs, seawater intrusion, and carbonate deposits can contribute to TDS.
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Agricultural runoff: Fertilizers and pesticides can leach into water sources.
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Urban runoff: Road salts and other urban pollutants can increase TDS.
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Industrial wastewater: Discharges from factories can elevate TDS levels.
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Sewage and wastewater: Improperly treated sewage can introduce dissolved solids into water bodies.
While some dissolved minerals are beneficial for health, excessive TDS can affect water taste, lead to scaling in pipes, and pose health risks.
Understanding Water TDS Levels
The water TDS level is a critical indicator of water quality. Here's a general classification of TDS levels in drinking water:
| TDS Level (mg/L or ppm) | Quality Classification |
|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | Unacceptable (too low) |
| 50 – 150 | Excellent |
| 150 – 250 | Good |
| 250 – 350 | Fair |
| 350 – 500 | Poor |
| Above 500 | Unacceptable (too high) |
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable limit for TDS in drinking water is 500 mg/L. However, in the absence of an alternative source, a TDS level of up to 2,000 mg/L is permissible.
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that TDS levels below 300 mg/L are considered excellent, while levels above 1,000 mg/L are unacceptable.
Health Implications of TDS in Drinking Water
High TDS Levels
Consuming water with high TDS levels can lead to several health issues:
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Taste and Odor: High TDS can impart a bitter, salty, or metallic taste to water.
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Health Risks: Elevated levels of certain dissolved solids, such as nitrates, arsenic, and lead, can pose serious health risks, including gastrointestinal issues and neurological disorders.
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Kidney Function: Excessive mineral intake can strain kidney function over time.
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Gastrointestinal Irritation: High sulfate levels can cause diarrhea and dehydration.
Low TDS Levels
While low TDS levels are generally safe, extremely low levels can also have drawbacks:
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Flat Taste: Water with very low mineral content can taste flat or bland.
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Mineral Deficiency: Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are beneficial for health; their absence can lead to deficiencies over time.
It's important to note that TDS is not a direct measure of harmful contaminants but rather an indicator of the total concentration of dissolved substances. Therefore, water with acceptable TDS levels might still contain harmful contaminants, and vice versa. Safe Drinking Water FoundationThe Times of India
Measuring TDS in Water
Measuring the water TDS level is straightforward and can be done using a TDS meter. These portable devices provide instant readings in ppm.
How to Use a TDS Meter
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Turn on the TDS meter.
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Immerse the probe into the water sample up to the specified level.
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Wait for the reading to stabilize.
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Record the TDS value displayed.
Regular monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of water purification systems and ensuring water quality.
Reducing TDS in Drinking Water
If your water has high TDS levels, several purification methods can help reduce it:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
RO filtration is one of the most effective methods to reduce TDS. It works by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 90-99% of dissolved solids.
RO systems are widely used in households and industries to ensure safe drinking water.
2. Distillation
Distillation involves boiling water to produce steam, which is then condensed back into liquid form, leaving most dissolved solids behind. While effective, it's energy-intensive and less commonly used for household water purification.
3. Deionization (DI)
Deionization uses ion-exchange resins to remove mineral ions from water. It's effective in producing high-purity water but is typically used in industrial applications rather than for drinking water.Wikipedia
Choosing the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS Levels
Selecting an appropriate water purifier depends on the TDS level of your water source:
| TDS Level (ppm) | Recommended Purifier Type |
|---|---|
| 0 – 200 | UV or UF Purifier |
| 200 – 500 | RO + UV Purifier |
| Above 500 | RO + UV + UF Purifier with TDS Controller |
In areas with high TDS levels, such as Mumbai, where groundwater TDS can range from 220 to 1050 mg/L, an RO-based purifier is advisable.
Maintaining Optimal TDS Levels
While reducing high TDS is essential, it's equally important to maintain optimal TDS levels to ensure water is both safe and palatable. Some modern RO purifiers come equipped with TDS controllers or mineralizers that reintroduce essential minerals into the purified water, enhancing its taste and nutritional value.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing the water TDS level is crucial for ensuring the safety, taste, and overall quality of your drinking water. Regular testing and appropriate purification methods, especially RO filtration, can help maintain optimal TDS levels, safeguarding your health and enhancing your drinking experience.
FAQs
Q1: What is the ideal TDS level for drinking water?
The ideal TDS level for drinking water ranges between 50 to 150 ppm, ensuring the presence of essential minerals while maintaining good taste.Credihealth
Q2: Can I drink water with a TDS level above 500 ppm?
While the BIS allows up to 500 ppm, water with higher TDS may have an unpleasant taste and could contain harmful contaminants. It's advisable to purify such water before consumption.
Q3: Does boiling water reduce TDS?
No, boiling water does not reduce TDS. It may kill microorganisms but doesn't remove dissolved solids.
Q4: How often should I test my water's TDS level?
It's recommended to test your water's TDS level every 6 months or whenever there's a noticeable change in taste or appearance.
Q5: Is low TDS water harmful?
Extremely low TDS water (below 50 ppm) may lack essential minerals and have a flat taste. While not harmful, it's less desirable for regular consumption.
Also Read - Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
