When it comes to drinking water, one of the most common terms you might encounter is TDS or Total Dissolved Solids. Whether you’re concerned about the quality of your tap water, considering a water filter, or purchasing bottled water, TDS plays a major role in determining the quality of the water we drink.
In this blog, we’ll explore:
- What is TDS in Water?
- Sources of TDS in Drinking Water.
- Measuring TDS.
- How Much TDS Should Be in Drinking Water?
- How Does TDS Affect Drinking Water?
- TDS and Your Water Source.
- Reducing TDS in Drinking Water.
- Conclusion
What Is TDS (Total Dissolved Solid) In Water?
TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. These substances can include salts, minerals, metals, and other organic compounds. It is usually measured in Parts Per Millions (PPM) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher TDS levels indicate a greater concentration of dissolved solids in the water.
In simple terms, TDS measures how much “stuff” is dissolved in the water you drink. This could include essential minerals like calcium and magnesium but may also involve harmful substances like lead and chlorine.
Sources of TDS in Drinking Water
There are many potential sources of TDS in water. Some of the most common include:
- Natural Sources: Water naturally flows through rocks, soil, and other natural sources, it naturally absorbs minerals and salts from the environment. For example, calcium, magnesium and sodium are minerals found in natural water.
- Industrial Runoff: Waste products from industrial activities, including chemicals, can contaminate water supplies, contributing to higher TDS levels. This is especially problematic in areas where there are factories or plants.
- Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals used in agriculture can wash into nearby water bodies, increasing TDS levels.
- Municipal Water Treatment: Sometimes, water treatment facilities use chemicals like chlorine or fluoride to disinfect water. These chemicals can also contribute to the overall TDS levels in drinking water.
Measuring TDS
TDS levels are measured with a TDS meter, a device that measures the concentration of dissolved solids in water. The higher the TDS reading, the more solids dissolved in the water. Water with a TDS level below 300 ppm is generally considered safe to drink. However, if the TDS level is above 1000 ppm, the water will be salty or bitter and may not be safe to drink regularly without treatment.
How Much TDS Should Be in Drinking Water?
The World Health Organization (WHO) and national health organizations have developed guidelines for TDS levels in drinking water:
| TDS Level | Description | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Low TDS (<300 ppm) | Water is typically pure with little taste or mineral content. It has a clean, fresh taste. | Preferred for bottled water and drinking. |
| Medium TDS (300-600 ppm) | Contains some beneficial minerals that enhance taste but may be slightly salty. | Considered suitable for drinking. |
| High TDS (600-1000 ppm) | May taste salty or metallic with an unpleasant aftertaste. Still safe to drink, but not ideal. | Not recommended for regular consumption. |
| Very High TDS (>1000 ppm) | Often contains harmful contaminants, with an uncomfortable salty or metallic taste. | Not safe for drinking. |
How Does TDS Affect Drinking Water?
TDS plays an important role in determining the taste, safety and overall quality of drinking water. Let’s explore how different TDS levels affect water:
1. Taste of Water
The taste of water is often one of the first things people notice when drinking water. Water with a very low TDS (like distilled water) can taste flat, as it lacks minerals. On the other hand, water with a higher TDS (containing minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium) usually tastes better. However, if the TDS levels are too high, the water will taste bitter.
2. Health Effects
While some water-soluble minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, are healthy, other impurities can be harmful. For example:
- Beneficial Minerals: Calcium and magnesium are important nutrients that contribute to bone health, heart function, and muscle-function.
- Harmful Bacteria: High levels of harmful bacteria such as lead, arsenic, or fluoride in drinking water can cause significant health problems. This is why it’s important to ensure that TDS levels remain w ithin a safe range.
An average TDS level of 300-600 ppm is generally considered the best drinking water because it is both healthy and free of harmful bacteria. High TDS levels indicate the presence of contaminants or chemicals that make the water unsafe to drink.
3. Water Purification
A water purifier or reverse osmosis (RO) system is recommended for areas with high TDS in water. These machines remove excess liquid and other contaminants from water, making it safer and tastier. Water purifiers reduce TDS to acceptable levels, allowing you to drink clean, mineral-balanced water.
TDS and Your Water Source
It is important to remember that TDS levels will vary depending on your water source. For example:
- Bottled Water: Most brands of bottled water like Bestone Water have controlled TDS levels to ensure that the water is safe, clean and delicious.
- Tap Water: The TDS levels in tap water depend on the water source (water, groundwater, etc.) and local water treatment. In many cities, tap water may have a higher TDS due to pollution, runoff, and other factors.
- Well Water: Groundwater from wells often has a higher TDS level due to minerals deposits and rocks formed by its runoff.
Reducing TDS in Drinking Water
If you find that water has high TDS level, there are a few ways to reduce it:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO): This is the one of the most effective methods of lowering TDS in drinking water. RO system removes impurities and dissolved solids by passing water through a semi-permeable material.
- Distillation: This process involves boiling water and collecting steam, leaving most of the waste behind. However, it also removes beneficial minerals, so distillation is not typically recommended for regular drinking water.
- Activated Carbon Filters: While they are more effective at removing chlorine, sediment, and organic compounds, activated carbon filters can also reduce TDS to some extent.
- Water Softeners: Water softeners are effective at removing calcium and magnesium, two minerals that contribute to hard water, reducing TDS and improving water quality.
Conclusion
TDS is important in determining the quality of drinking water. While a moderate TDS level is ideal, a high TDS level can indicate the presence of harmful bacteria that make the water unsafe to drink. Regularly testing your water for TDS levels and using a water filter, when necessary, can help assure that the water you drink is not only safe, but also tastes good.
At Bestone Water, we understand the importance of TDS and provide clean, fresh and clear water to ensure your health and water needs are met. Stay hydrated and stay healthy!