Understanding TDS Levels in Water and How Water Purifiers Can Help
PUBLISHED ON: 06-Mar-2024
While water from various sources may appear clear and safe, it can contain many dissolved substances that impact its taste, odour, and most importantly, quality.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water are crucial indicators of its overall quality and safety for consumption. Hence, it is essential to understand the importance of TDS and the impact of its levels on water.
Let’s understand what TDS is and how water purifiers keep drinking water safe.
What are TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) Levels?
TDS refers to the total amount of dissolved substances in water, including minerals like calcium, magnesium, and salts such as sodium and chloride. These can be naturally present or introduced through pollution and runoff. High TDS levels can affect taste, smell, and safety. Monitoring and managing TDS helps ensure water is safe and suitable for drinking.
Impact of TDS Levels on Water Quality
It's an important parameter used to assess water quality and can have a significant impact on various aspects of water usage and environmental health. Here's how TDS levels can impact water quality:
Taste and Odour:
High TDS levels can lead to an unpleasant taste in water, making it unpalatable for consumption. This is particularly noticeable in drinking water and can deter people from using it.
Health Concerns:
Water with extremely high TDS levels might contain elevated concentrations of certain harmful minerals and ions such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride.2 Consuming water with such contaminants can have adverse health effects.
Corrosion and Scaling:
High TDS water can contribute to the corrosion of metal pipes, fittings, and appliances due to the presence of chloride and sulphate.2 It can also lead to scaling in plumbing systems and appliances, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
What is the Safest TDS Range?
The safest Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) range in water can vary depending on the intended use of the water.1
Different water quality standards and guidelines are established by regulatory agencies and organisations for various purposes, such as drinking water, irrigation, industrial processes, and aquatic ecosystems.
Here’s a quick guide to understanding safe TDS levels:
TDS Level (ppm) | Water Quality |
| 0–50 | Too low – lacks essential minerals |
| 50–250 | Ideal for health |
| 250–500 | Acceptable, may affect taste |
| 500–1200 | High–needs treatment |
| >1200 | Unsafe – avoid drinking |
According to (BIS) - IS 10500:2012, the acceptable TDS level in drinking water is 500 mg/L (ppm).3
Water within this limit is generally safe, though some may prefer lower TDS for taste. It's vital to ensure compliance with other BIS parameters like microbial and chemical safety. Consulting local water experts helps determine suitable TDS levels based on source, usage, and regional conditions for safe consumption.
Benefits of Maintaining Optimal TDS
Maintaining optimal Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water offers several benefits:
Water Quality:
Proper TDS levels enhance water taste and clarity. Balanced TDS prevents unpleasant taste or discolouration caused by excessive minerals or impurities.
Health:
Maintaining safe TDS levels ensures water is free from harmful contaminants. High TDS can indicate the presence of pollutants, affecting overall health.
Nutrient Source:
TDS includes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Optimal levels provide a source of these nutrients.
How to Choose the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS Levels
Choosing the right water purifier for home or office based on Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels involves the following steps:
1. TDS Testing:
Get the TDS level of drinking water tested. This can be done using a TDS meter or through water testing services.
2. Water Source Analysis:
- If your water has high chemical contaminants or heavy metals, an RO purifier is essential.
- If your water is microbiologically safe but has elevated TDS, a RO purifier can suffice.
3. Purifier Technology:
Water purifiers help regulate TDS levels using different technologies.
- RO water purifiers are ideal for high TDS (up to 1000 mg/L), removing excess salts via a semipermeable membrane.
- UV and UF purifiers are effective for low TDS (below 200 mg/L), ensuring microbial safety without altering mineral content.
Aquaguard offers solutions for various sources, with RO models suited for borewell, tanker, or public water supply.
Before choosing any of the water purifiers, check the buying guide to understand which water purifier can help solve your water contamination issues.
4. Brand and Features:
- Choose reputable brands offering reliable after-sales service.
- Look for additional features like Active Copper and Zinc Booster, Chemi-block, i-filter, and mineral guard technology to enhance purification and maintain essential minerals in purified water.
5. Professional Advice:
Consult water purifier experts or technicians for personalised recommendations based on your home’s water quality.
Conclusion
Selecting the right water purifier based on TDS levels involves understanding your water source, considering purifier technology, brand reputation, and seeking professional guidance if needed.
Understanding TDS levels in water is vital for assessing quality and health risks. High TDS may indicate harmful contaminants affecting taste and safety. Furthermore, it is important to recognize that a recommended minimum TDS for drinking water also exists (which is usually lower than 500 ppm as per BIS guidelines), guaranteeing its fitness for consumption.
Water purifiers play a pivotal role by effectively addressing specific TDS ranges, safeguarding health, enhancing taste, and prolonging appliance life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ideal TDS level for drinking water?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) recommends an acceptable TDS level of up to 500 mg/L. However, water with TDS between 150–300 mg/L is usually preferred for its taste and health benefits.
Do all water purifiers reduce TDS?
No. Only RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifiers are designed to reduce TDS levels. UV and UF purifiers disinfect the water but don’t lower its TDS, making them suitable for areas with low TDS.
Which purifier should I choose if my water has high TDS?
If your water source has high TDS (above 500 mg/L), an RO water purifier is recommended. For TDS levels under 200 mg/L, UV or UF purifiers are generally sufficient.
References:
World Health Organization. (2021). Total dissolved solids in drinking-water: Background document for development of WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality. Retrieved from https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/tds.pdf?sfvrsn=3e6d651e_4 /Accessed on 15/02/2024.
Wang, B. B. (2021). Research on drinking water purification technologies for household use by reducing total dissolved solids (TDS). PLOS ONE, 16(9), e0257865. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0257865 /Accessed on 15/02/2024.
- Bureau of Indian Standards. (2012). Indian Standard: Plain and reinforced concrete - Code of practice (IS 456:2000). Retrieved from https://law.resource.org/pub/in/bis/S06/is.10500.2012.pdf/Accessed on 15/02/2024.
