TDS stands for Total dissolved solids. It is the dissolved solids that are present in your drinking water.
TDS stands for Total dissolved solids. It is the dissolved solids that are present in your drinking water. This term refers to the dissolved concentration of solids particles that are present in the water. TDS Drinking water constitutes mineral compounds including magnesium, chlorides, bicarbonates, calcium, and other inorganic salts.
The type of salts and other compounds present in the drinking water determines whether the TDS levels in your drinking water are at a good level or a bad level. The TDS levels in your drinking water does not only change the water’s taste but also can cause adverse effects on human overall health.
High levels of TDS quantity in the water can cause certain complications including nausea, pulmonary issues, dizziness, skin rashes and others. To rule out any consequences happening in your body, testing water is not enough, but, you should get your blood tests as well.
What is Drinking Water TDS?
Water is a universal solvent. It can dissolve almost any or all organic substances and inorganic materials within itself very quickly. According to WHO- World health Organisation, water contains certain inorganic naturally present materials including bicarbonates, calcium, nitrates, sulphates, magnesium, dust, phosphate, chloride and dirt. Likewise, there are certain organic materials that are commonly found in drinking water. These might include bacteria, fungi, algae, germs, pathogens, pesticides and viruses. These creatures are mainly responsible for causing the spread of waterborne diseases including hepatitis, cholera, typhoid and diarrhoea in human beings.
High TDS value water, also known as Hard Water can bring certain significant taste effects and health issues including:
- Lead and copper materials if present in water above the level of 1000 ppm can cause adverse health effects.
- Water having a high value of TDS will taste brackish or salty. Hard water can change cooked food taste.
- High levels of TDS can cause scaling of electronic devices including washing machines, dishwashers, geysers, water purifiers and plumbing pipelines.
How Much TDS in Water is Considered Good for Health?
The water source determines the TDS levels in water. Pond water and river water usually have a lower TDS level than groundwater. The fact that whether water is appropriate for drinking is determined by its TDS levels.
The below values show the TDS levels of the water, quality, taste and drinking recommendation of water
|
S.No. |
TDS level |
Taste |
Quality |
Fit for drinking |
Remarks (if any) |
|
1 |
50 ppm - 250 ppm |
Flat |
Low |
Not considered fit for drinking |
Some health-beneficial minerals are not present |
|
2 |
300 ppm - 500 ppm |
Good |
Best |
Good, can be drunk |
Has sufficient levels of minerals |
|
3 |
600 ppm - 900ppm |
Fair |
Okay |
Not Fit for drinking |
Water needs to be purified using the RO |
|
4 |
> 1000 ppm |
Poor |
Bad |
Unsafe for drinking |
The water can pose adverse health effects |
How is the TDS Level in Water Measured?
TDS (Total dissolved solids) is the aggregate of the positively and negatively charged ions present in the water. These dissolved ions renders water electricity conducting nature. Therefore, electric conductivity can be tested for water and TDS levels can be calculated. There are small meters/digital TDS metres, these are used to calculate the levels of TDS in miligrams per litre (mg/L) or Parts Per Million (ppm).
Takeaway
Normal body functioning can be attributed to safe and clean drinking water. Unfit drinking water is water with high TDS levels. Home water supplies should be calculated for their TDS levels to ensure your family's health. A high TDS level water is not fit for consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I reduce the level of TDS in drinking water?
RO water purifiers can reduce certain amounts of TDS from drinking water. More than 500 ppm TDS water is appropriate to be filtered and purified using RO.
Are total dissolved solids good for my body?
The types of compounds and salts present in the water determine the TDS effects on your body.
Is RO water safe for drinking?
Yes, RO water purifies water bacteria, viruses and others. This water is considered safe for drinking.
