Main Sources of high TDS in water

Water is a powerful drink and a universal solvent, making it capable of dissolving molecules from several substances. These dissolved particles in water are referred to as Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which affect the water’s flavour and safety. TDS consists of inorganic salts like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates, and some small amounts of organic matter. Understanding your water's TDS level provides a picture of the overall quality of your water.

In this blog, we will understand the primary causes of elevated TDS in water, recognize impurities, comprehend their effects, and investigate strategies for efficient water treatment and administration.

What are the Main Sources of High TDS in Water?

Generally, the TDS level of water is measured in Parts Per Million (PPM) or milligrams per liter (mg/l), with higher TDS indicating more minerals dissolved in the water. And, water with a TDS below 500 mg/l is safe for drinking.

1. Biological Contaminants:

Biological contaminants like viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and parasites are one of the main sources of high TDS in water.

2. Physical Contaminants:

Water bodies may absorb pesticides and fertilizers from agriculture, which raises TDS levels. Water quality is impacted by the dissolved salts and chemicals carried by runoff.

3. Chemical Contaminants:

Industrial processes discharge various contaminants, such as salts and heavy metals, into water sources. This can increase the TDS level of water.

Common Minerals That Cause TDS and Their Effects

Here we have listed a few minerals that cause high TDS levels in water.¹

1. Sodium (Na)

High TDS is caused by an excess of sodium from natural sources. High salt content alters flavour and can be harmful to anyone following a sodium-restricted diet.

2. Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca)

Hard water, which is high in calcium and magnesium, frequently contributes to high TDS. These minerals affect water hardness and can lead to scaling problems, even if they are not hazardous.

3. Chlorides (Cl)

Seawater and some industrial discharges contain chloride ions, which increase the TDS of water. Elevated quantities of chloride can give food a salty flavor and be harmful to health.

What are the Health Risks Associated With High TDS?

1. Digestive Disorders

Drinking water with a high TDS might cause an upset stomach, such as nausea and diarrhea, because the body cannot handle too much mineral content.²

2. Issues with Cardiovascular Health

Increased salt intake can adversely affect cardiovascular health due to high sodium levels in water. TDS levels should be watched in people with cardiovascular disease or hypertension.³

3. Implications for Bone Health

Excessive calcium in water is not dangerous when consumed in moderation. However, it’s important to keep an eye on your calcium consumption overall.

What are the Various Methods for Measuring TDS Levels?

1. TDS Meters

Designed to measure the levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water, TDS meters are useful and easy-to-use instruments. The electrical conductivity of these meters drives their operation. TDS meters analyze the conductivity of water to determine the concentration of dissolved solids because dissolved solids conduct electricity. The meter is simple to use and offers a rapid TDS level reading, making it ideal for on-the-spot, convenient water quality assessments. Users may simply submerge the meter into a water sample.

2. Water Testing Laboratories

Qualified water testing laboratories are a great resource for a more thorough examination of the quality of the water, including TDS levels and particular pollutants. These labs deliver precise and comprehensive results by utilizing innovative testing techniques and tools. Laboratories that test water provide information on the general composition of the water.

Finding Remedies for Elevated TDS

1. Advanced Purification

To counter excessive TDS, you can opt for water purifiers with RO, UV, or a combination of RO+UV water purifiers. Reverse Osmosis (RO) uses a semi-permeable membrane to successfully lower TDS levels. It passes water under pressure to filter out excess TDS and harmful bacteria and viruses from the water. This procedure guarantees complete purification and effectively reduces high TDS. UV, on the other hand, disinfects the water, removing bacteria and viruses, delivering water pure and safe as water boiled for 20+ minutes.

2. Observation and Continual Examination

You can use TDS meters to test the TDS levels in your water. TDS levels may be continuously assessed, making it easier to identify and mitigate high TDS issues on time. Regular testing guarantees a proactive strategy for managing water quality.

3. Managing Sources

TDS pollution can be avoided by following recommended agricultural practices, disposing of trash properly, and treating industrial effluents. It is possible to drastically lower the total TDS levels in water sources by addressing them.

4. Education and Community Awareness

Encourage community awareness and education initiatives that focus on conserving water and avoiding pollution. Promoting environmentally friendly behaviors and appropriate waste disposal helps with source management and lessens the overall effect on TDS levels.

Summing Up

Managing the complexities of high TDS in water necessitates an integrated strategy. Communities may protect their water quality by understanding the sources, detecting contaminants, and putting effective solutions in place.

Products like Aquaguard Marvel NXT RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline, Aquaguard Glory RO+UV+MTDS+Alkaline Water Purifier, and Aquaguard Blaze Insta RO+UV+TA+Hot & Ambient Water Purifier are great products if you’re on the lookout for TDS removal from your water. These water purifiers have superior RO and UV filtration that’s capable of removing high TDS from water.

References

1. World Health Organization. (2017). Guidelines for drinking-water quality: Fourth edition incorporating the first addendum (Vol. 1). Retrieved from https://cdn.who.int/media/docs/default-source/wash-documents/wash-chemicals/tds.pdf?sfvrsn=3e6d651e_4/ Accessed on 27/02/2024.

2. Sengupta, P. (2013). Potential Health Impacts of Hard Water. International Journal of Preventive Medicine, 4(8), 866-875. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3775162/ Accessed on 27/02/2024.

3. Wang, J., Yeh, L., Shih, C., Tu, K., & Chien, L. (2020). Dietary Sodium Intake and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis. Nutrients, 12(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12102934/ Accessed on 27/02/2024.