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?
In water, dissolved solids can come from a variety of sources. Naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium contribute to TDS, as do substances like sodium, chloride and sulphate. Human activities, such as agricultural runoff, industrial processes, and pollution, can introduce additional dissolved solids like heavy metals and contaminants.
Total Dissolved Solids are the collective amount of the above-mentioned inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. Simply defined, Total Dissolved Solids are all the things dissolved in water, like minerals, salts, and other tiny particles.
TDS levels help measure the amount of dissolved substances in water. An elevated TDS level can impact taste, odour, and overall health. Hence, monitoring and managing water TDS levels are essential steps in ensuring the suitability of water for consumption.
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:
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Industrial Processes:
Many industrial processes rely on water, and the TDS content of the water can influence these processes. High TDS water might lead to scaling and fouling of equipment, reducing efficiency and increasing maintenance costs.
5. Desalination:
In desalination processes, where freshwater is produced from seawater or brackish water, TDS levels are a critical factor. High TDS levels can complicate and increase the energy requirements of desalination processes.
Methods to Measure TDS Levels in Water
There are several methods available to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water. These methods vary in terms of their accuracy, ease of use, and the type of equipment required. Here are some common methods used to measure TDS levels at home or industries.
Using Digital TDS Meter
Checking the TDS of water becomes easy and straightforward with a digital TDS meter. The major advantage here is the simplicity and instant results it provides. You don't need to perform any complex mathematical calculations or readings. The meter provides a numerical value, giving you a quick and precise measurement of the water's total dissolved solids, which is a key indicator of water quality.
Using Electrical Conductivity Methods
This method involves introducing electrical current into the water and measuring its resistance. It's a technique used to indirectly determine the TDS levels. While it may not be as user-friendly as a digital TDS meter, it can still provide accurate readings with the right equipment and knowledge.
Using Filter Paper and a Scale
For a more traditional approach, you can determine the TDS of water using filter paper and a scale. This method doesn't require purchasing any specialised equipment, making it accessible for home use. It involves evaporating a measured amount of water, leaving behind the dissolved solids, which can then be weighed to calculate the TDS concentration. While this method may be less precise than digital meters, it can still give you a rough estimate of water quality without additional costs.
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 organizations for various purposes, such as drinking water, irrigation, industrial processes, and aquatic ecosystems.
For Drinking Water:
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) - IS 10500:2012, which specifies the standards for drinking water in India, the recommended TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level for drinking water is as follows3:
Acceptable Limit: The acceptable limit for TDS in drinking water is 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or 500 parts per million (ppm). While the BIS guideline sets the acceptable limit at 500 mg/L, some individuals may prefer water with lower TDS levels for taste preferences.
Water with TDS levels within the acceptable limit is generally safe for consumption, but it's essential to ensure that it meets other water quality parameters specified in the BIS standards, such as microbial and chemical parameters, to ensure overall water safety.
For drinking water and other critical uses, it's recommended to consult local regulatory agencies, health departments, and water quality experts to determine the appropriate TDS levels based on local conditions and guidelines. Additionally, understanding the sources of TDS in your water, such as natural mineral content or contamination, is crucial for making informed decisions about water quality management.
How Water Purifiers Can Help Manage TDS Levels?
Water purifiers play a crucial role in managing Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in drinking water. Purification technologies like Reverse Osmosis (RO) effectively reduce TDS by passing water through a semipermeable membrane.
UV & UF water purifiers are effective in areas where the TDS level is a maximum of 200mg/l. Whereas RO water purifiers are effective in areas with high TDS levels up to 1000 ppm and can convert into safe and drinkable water.
Aquaguard offers water purifiers equipped with different purification technologies, including Reverse Osmosis (RO), to effectively manage TDS levels. RO purifiers from Aquaguard are designed to treat water with TDS levels ranging from 500 to 1000 mg/l, making them suitable for purifying water from various sources such as borewells, tankers, and public supply. In case the TDS level is more than 1000 mg/l or the source water is harder than 300 mg/l, it is advisable to use a membrane life enhancer.
By passing water under high pressure through a semipermeable membrane, these purifiers remove excess Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) from the water, providing the best TDS level for drinking water.
Aquaguard's commitment to technology-driven water purification aids in providing clean and safe drinking water for households across the country.
Benefits of Maintaining Optimal TDS
Maintaining optimal Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water offers several benefits:
1. Water Quality:
Proper TDS levels enhance water taste and clarity. Balanced TDS prevents unpleasant taste or discolouration caused by excessive minerals or impurities.
2. Health:
Maintaining safe TDS levels ensures water is free from harmful contaminants. High TDS can indicate the presence of pollutants, affecting overall health.
3. Nutrient Source:
TDS includes essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Optimal levels provide a source of these nutrients.
How to Choose 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:
3. Purifier Technology:
Before choosing any of the water purifiers check the buying guide to understand which purifier can best purify your water contaminants issues
4. Brand and Features:
5. Professional Advice:
You can also take advantage of the Aquaguard’s virtual water testing feature by simply entering your pin code, source of water supply, and basic details. Once provided, you will receive a comprehensive report regarding the quality of the drinking water supplied to your residence. This information will then be used to provide you with personalised recommendations for water purifiers that best suit your needs.
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.
To conclude, 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 between 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.
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