What is TDS in Drinking Water & Why Should You Measure It?
Water is referred to be a universal solvent because of its capacity to dissolve and absorb molecules from a wide range of substances, and the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level refers to the number of dissolved particles in a volume of water. The amount of TDS in your water gives you an idea of how good your water is.
What is TDS in water?
If you want to know what is TDS, then you must understand that TDS is the amount of organic and inorganic compounds dissolved in a given volume of water, such as metals, minerals, salts, and ions. TDS is essentially a measure of anything dissolved in water that isn’t an H2O molecule. When water comes into contact with soluble material, the material’s particles are absorbed into the water, resulting in total dissolved solids. TDS can be found in water from a variety of places, including natural springs, municipal water treatment chemicals, road and yard runoff, and even your home plumbing system.
Types of Total Dissolved Solids
Here are some of the most common drinking water TDS that can be found in your tap water:
- Chloride
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Copper
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Iron
- Aluminum
- Chlorine
- Sodium
- Fluoride
- Bicarbonates
- Pesticides
- Sulfates
- Herbicides
Why do you need to measure total dissolved solids?
Water testing is a terrific technique to ensure the quality of water you get and utilize for various purposes.
Here are a few reasons why you should test your water for TDS:
- Taste: TDS levels in water have an impact on the taste of your drinking water. Depending on the type of dissolved solids in your water, it may taste bitter, salty, or sulfuric.
- Health Purposes: The drinking water with a high TDS level is perfectly safe. Except for some substances, such as lead or copper, which can, nevertheless, be harmful to one’s health.
- Maintenance of Filters: A high amount of TDS can wreak havoc on water filtering systems. Regularly testing the water purifier systems will guarantee that the filters are in good working order.
- Cooking: Though a high TDS level isn’t harmful to your health, except for some contaminants, it might change the flavor of your meal.
- Cleaning: Water with a high TDS level creates unsightly stains on your kitchenware. This type of water also stains your clothes and causes a buildup in your sinks, tubs, and faucets.
Drinking-Water TDS Chart
One of the most common concerns that many people have is what an acceptable TDS level in water is.
Here are two tables with the palatability quotient and acceptable TDS level:
| TDS Level in Million | Palatability Quotient |
| Between 50-150 | Excellent for drinking |
| 150-250 | Good |
| 250-300 | Fair |
| 300-500 | Poor |
| Above 1200 | Unacceptable |
How much TDS in water is good for health?
The below table provides a permissible range of water TDS levels in drinking water and the reason why the TDS level mentioned in water is not acceptable for consumption:
| TDS Level (Milligram/Litre) | Remarks |
| Less than 50 | Unacceptable as it lacks important minerals |
| 50-150 | Acceptable for drinking. The TDS level is ideal for areas where the water is polluted by sewage or industrial waste |
| 150-350 | Good. Ideal for people who suffer from cardiovascular disease |
| 350-500 | Fairly acceptable |
| 500-900 | Less acceptable |
| 900-1200 | Least acceptable. Avoid drinking water that has a TDS level of 900 or more |
| 1200-2000 | Water is not acceptable for drinking |
| Above 2000 | Unacceptable |
Importance of TDS in drinking water
Natural sources, sewage, urban run-offs, industrial wastewater, chemicals in the water treatment process, chemical fertilizers used in the garden, and plumbing are all sources of TDS in drinking water. Water is a universal solvent that can easily pick up contaminants and quickly absorb and dissolve them. Although high TDS levels in drinking water may not pose a health risk, they do give the water a bitter, salty, or brackish flavor. Water hardness, scale development, and discoloration can all be caused by calcium and magnesium, the two minerals that can typically be present in TDS.
Is low TDS water harmful to Human Body?
As TDS in water is not a measure of any particular contaminant, many regulatory authorities do not regulate it as a health hazard. However, a high TDS level can alter the taste and odor of the water. A TDS meter can be used to determine the TDS level in the water. The total amount of dissolved solids in water can be determined using a TDS test. It does not, however, identify any specific substances or sources. As a result, several extra tests to determine the pollutants present in water are required.
Which water purifier is best to use?
When looking for a water filter, one of the most crucial elements to consider is the TDS level. You must select if you need a RO, UF, or UV water filter based on the TDS level. To make it easy, here is the table which will help you to understand which water purifier is best for a particular level of TDS:
| TDS Level | Types of Purifier |
| 0-200 | UV Water Purifier |
| 200-300 | RO+UV water purifier |
| 300-500 | RO+UV+UF |
Conclusion:
The TDS level of water must be maintained or checked before consumption. When you can drink purified water obtained from a water filter, you don’t have to worry about filtration or pollutants. Buy a purifier that maintains the appropriate TDS level and ensures that your body receives the necessary dissolved organic and inorganic salts. Waterdrop RO water Filter help soften water.
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