Total Dissolved Solids in Water?

Introduction to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

Total Dissolved Solids, commonly referred to as TDS, are a measurement of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. These substances include minerals, salts, ions, and metals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chlorides.

Water, being a universal solvent, dissolves minerals from soil and rock, resulting in varying TDS levels depending on the source. Measuring TDS in drinking water is essential for understanding its quality and safety.

What Are Total Dissolved Solids in Drinking Water?

When we talk about total dissolved solids in drinking water, we refer to the total concentration of substances that are dissolved in it. These can include:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Chlorides

• Bicarbonates

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Heavy metals (in some cases)

High TDS levels may not always be dangerous, but they can affect the taste, color, and overall usability of water. Conversely, very low TDS can make water taste flat and deprive you of essential minerals.

Why TDS is Important for Health and Taste

The TDS level in water directly affects:

• Taste: Water with very low or very high TDS may taste bitter, salty, or metallic.

• Health: Water with extremely high TDS may contain harmful contaminants like arsenic, nitrates, or lead.

• Appliance Longevity: High TDS can cause scale buildup in kettles, heaters, and pipes.

• Efficiency of Water Purifiers: Knowing your TDS helps in selecting the right type of purifier (RO, UV, UF).

Safe TDS Level in Water

The safe TDS level in water for drinking purposes is generally considered as follows:

✅ The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommends a TDS level below 500 mg/L for safe drinking water.

WHO and BIS Guidelines for TDS in Drinking Water

WHO (World Health Organization)

• WHO doesn't set a strict health-based guideline for TDS but suggests levels above 1000 mg/L may cause taste issues and indicate possible contamination.

BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards)

• Acceptable limit: 500 mg/L

• Maximum permissible limit: 2000 mg/L (in absence of alternate source)

These limits help guide domestic users and industries in maintaining total dissolved solids in drinking water within safe limits.

How to Measure TDS in Water

TDS can be measured in two main ways:

1. Using a TDS Meter (Digital Method)

• Portable and easy to use

• Provides quick results in PPM (parts per million)

• Accurate for domestic testing

2. Using Laboratory Testing (Analytical Method)

• Ideal for detailed analysis

• Detects all dissolved substances

• Used for industrial or government water testing

🔍 If you're a household user, a TDS meter for water testing is the most practical and cost-effective solution.

TDS Meter for Water Testing

A TDS meter is a digital device that measures the concentration of total dissolved solids in water. It helps you:

• Know the mineral content

• Decide if you need an RO system

• Ensure your RO or UV purifier is working effectively

You can buy a reliable and affordable TDS meter here:
👉 Buy TDS Meter Online – Romegamart

Features to Look for:

• Digital display

• Auto shut-off

• Portable design

• High accuracy

• Calibration option

Whether you're a home user, supplier, or RO technician, a TDS meter is essential to maintain safe TDS levels in drinking water.

How to Reduce TDS in Drinking Water

If your water source has high TDS, consider these methods:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) System

• Most effective method

• Removes up to 95% of TDS

• Ideal for domestic and industrial use

2. Distillation

• Boils water and condenses steam

• Expensive and slow process

• Suitable for lab use

3. Deionization

• Removes ions using ion-exchange resins

• Used in industrial water systems

For household users, an RO water purifier is the most practical and affordable solution.

FAQs on TDS and Drinking Water Quality

Q1: What happens if TDS is too low in drinking water?

Very low TDS (<50 mg/L) means the water lacks essential minerals, which may affect taste and nutrient intake.

Q2: Is high TDS in water harmful?

High TDS (>1000 mg/L) may carry harmful substances like nitrates, pesticides, or heavy metals and is not safe for consumption.

Q3: Can boiling water reduce TDS?

Boiling kills germs but doesn’t significantly reduce TDS. Use RO purification for effective TDS removal.

Q4: How often should I check TDS in my water?

Every 1–2 months or if you notice a change in taste, especially after changing filters or servicing your purifier.

Q5: Which purifier is best for high TDS?

Use an RO water purifier, ideally with UV/UF combo for added protection.

Conclusion: Maintain a Healthy TDS Balance

Understanding and managing total dissolved solids in drinking water is vital for maintaining good health and taste. While TDS itself isn’t always harmful, levels that are too high or too low can signal potential problems with your water source.

Make sure to:

• Check your TDS regularly using a TDS meter for water testing

• Maintain your water purifier system properly

• Choose the right purification method based on your water source

To get an accurate reading of your water's quality, we recommend investing in a reliable TDS Meter available on Romegamart.