What is Meant by Total Dissolved Solids?
🧪 Introduction
When you drink a glass of water, you're not just consuming H₂O — you’re also ingesting minerals, salts, and other microscopic substances. The amount of these dissolved substances is known as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). Monitoring and managing TDS is critical for ensuring safe, healthy drinking water.
In this blog, we’ll break down what is meant by total dissolved solids, why it matters, how it's measured, and what role TDS meters play. We’ll also guide you on the acceptable TDS level in drinking water and how TDS in RO water is different.
🌊 What is Meant by Total Dissolved Solids?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the total concentration of inorganic and organic substances present in a liquid. These substances are small enough to pass through a 2-micrometer filter, making them “dissolved” in water.
TDS is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (PPM).
Common elements that make up TDS:
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Calcium
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Magnesium
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Sodium
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Potassium
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Chlorides
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Sulfates
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Bicarbonates
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Organic matter (small amounts)
🔬 What Do Total Dissolved Solids Contain?
TDS includes both beneficial minerals and harmful substances. Here's a breakdown:
| Type of Solids | Examples | Effects |
|---|---|---|
| Inorganic Salts | Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium | May improve taste, necessary in trace amounts |
| Organic Matter | Pesticides, Industrial waste | Harmful at high levels |
| Heavy Metals | Lead, Arsenic, Mercury | Toxic and dangerous |
| Nutrients | Nitrates, Phosphates | May indicate pollution or poor filtration |
High TDS doesn't always mean the water is unsafe, but it could indicate pollution or contamination.
🌍 Sources of Total Dissolved Solids in Water
TDS in water can originate from both natural and human-made sources. Here’s how:
Natural Sources:
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Rocks & Soil: Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium dissolve from rocks.
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Rainwater: Picks up impurities from the atmosphere.
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Groundwater Movement: Water percolates through various layers and dissolves minerals.
Human-made Sources:
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Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides and fertilizers increase TDS.
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Industrial Waste: Factories discharge waste into rivers or lakes.
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Municipal Water Treatment: Chlorine and coagulants contribute to TDS.
📊 Why is it Important to Measure TDS?
Knowing your water’s TDS level can tell you a lot about its quality, safety, and taste.
Health:
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Very high TDS may carry toxic heavy metals or harmful chemicals.
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Low TDS may mean lack of essential minerals, making water tasteless or acidic.
Taste:
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High TDS can lead to salty, bitter, or metallic taste.
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Optimal TDS offers pleasant-tasting water.
Appliance Efficiency:
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High TDS levels can cause scaling in RO systems, kettles, and heaters.
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Reduces the lifespan of household appliances.
🧪 How to Measure TDS in Water?
The easiest and most accurate way is to use a TDS meter.
✅ What is a TDS Meter?
A TDS meter is a handheld digital device that measures the conductivity of dissolved ions in the water, giving a direct TDS reading in PPM.
👉 Check TDS meters on RomegaMart:
🔗 Buy TDS Meter Online
How to Use a TDS Meter:
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Take a clean glass of water.
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Insert the TDS meter into the water.
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Wait for 5–10 seconds.
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Note the reading displayed on the screen.
✅ What is the Acceptable TDS Level in Drinking Water?
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and WHO guidelines, here’s the ideal TDS range:
| TDS Level (mg/L or PPM) | Water Quality |
|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | Too pure (may lack minerals) |
| 50 – 150 | Excellent |
| 150 – 300 | Good |
| 300 – 500 | Fair |
| 500 – 1000 | Poor |
| Above 1000 | Unfit for drinking |
👉 Ideal TDS range for drinking water is 150–300 PPM, ensuring it’s safe, mineral-rich, and great tasting.
💧 TDS in RO Water: How It Affects Quality
Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are commonly used to reduce TDS levels in water. They work by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out most dissolved solids.
Pros of Low TDS RO Water:
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Free of harmful contaminants
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Tasteless, odorless, and safe for babies or sensitive individuals
Cons:
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Removes essential minerals
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May require remineralization filters
👉 Tip: Use a TDS meter regularly to check if your RO system is functioning properly and maintaining ideal water quality.
🔻 How to Reduce TDS in Water
There are several effective ways to lower TDS levels in drinking water:
1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)
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The most effective method for reducing TDS.
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Removes up to 99% of dissolved solids.
2. Distillation
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Heats water to steam, then condenses it.
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Time-consuming but effective.
3. Deionization
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Uses ion-exchange resins.
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Good for industrial or lab use.
🚫 Boiling does NOT reduce TDS — it only kills bacteria.
📦 Best TDS Meters You Can Buy Online
Top Pick: Digital TDS Meter from RomegaMart
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Easy-to-use design
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Accurate readings
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Long battery life
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Affordable price
🧾 Conclusion
Understanding what is meant by total dissolved solids is key to making informed decisions about your drinking water. TDS levels affect taste, safety, appliance performance, and even your health. While TDS meters offer a quick and easy way to monitor water quality, using RO systems and keeping track of the acceptable TDS level in drinking water ensures long-term safety.
Make your home water-smart. Invest in a TDS meter and check your water today!
