In recent days, we are noticing noticeable changes in water quality. With increasing industrialization, pollution, and environmental degradation, the quality of drinking water has become a concern for many households.
It is important to check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) while drinking, as it directly impacts the safety, taste, and health benefits of the water we consume.
There are cases where the TDS levels in drinking water are unusually high—often due to naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium, or due to contamination from external sources. While some minerals are beneficial in moderate amounts, an excess may lead to long-term health implications.
Understanding and monitoring TDS levels is an essential step toward protecting your family’s health.
What is TDS in Water?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the total concentration of organic and inorganic substances present in a liquid. These include minerals, salts, and ions that have dissolved in the water.
Some common examples include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Bicarbonates
- Chlorides
-
Sulfates
These dissolved solids are essential in small amounts for maintaining the body's electrolyte balance, bone strength, and nerve function. However, too much of a good thing can be harmful. Elevated levels of these substances can alter the taste of water and contribute to health concerns, especially if consumed over time without proper filtration.
What is the Ideal TDS Level in Drinking Water?
The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), the regulatory body responsible for maintaining food and water safety in the country, provides clear guidelines regarding acceptable TDS levels in drinking water:
- Ideal/Acceptable TDS level: Up to 500 mg/L
-
Maximum permissible TDS level (if no alternate source exists): Up to 2,000 mg/L
These standards are set to ensure water is both palatable and safe. Water with a TDS level of less than 500 mg/L is considered healthy, while anything above may start to raise red flags.
Here’s a general classification of water quality based on TDS levels:
Why Does TDS Matter?
While it's easy to ignore something as invisible as TDS, the long-term effects of drinking water with poor TDS balance can be substantial. Here are the key reasons why monitoring TDS is crucial:
1. Health Implications
High TDS may include harmful contaminants such as heavy metals (lead, mercury, arsenic) or excessive minerals (sodium, fluoride), which are linked to various health issues, including:
- Hypertension
- Kidney stones
- Liver damage
-
Gastrointestinal discomfort
On the flip side, extremely low TDS can mean that the water lacks essential minerals that the body needs.
2. Taste and Odor
Water with unbalanced TDS often has a salty, bitter, or metallic taste. This can be unappetizing and reduce water consumption, especially among children and the elderly.
3. Impact on Appliances
High TDS in water leads to limescale buildup in household appliances like kettles, water heaters, and washing machines. Over time, this reduces their efficiency and lifespan.
4. Water Purifier Selection
Understanding the TDS level helps you choose the right type of water purifier. For example, RO (Reverse Osmosis) is ideal for water with TDS above 300 mg/L, while UV or carbon filters are sufficient for lower TDS levels.
Where Does High TDS Come From?
High TDS levels can occur naturally due to the geographical composition of the soil or from manmade sources like:
- Agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers)
- Industrial waste discharge
- Leaching from old pipelines
- Contaminated groundwater sources
This makes it essential to test your water periodically, especially if your water comes from borewells or untreated local sources.
How to Measure TDS at Home
TDS can be easily measured using a TDS meter, a compact and affordable device that gives you a digital reading of the dissolved solids in your water sample. It usually provides an accurate result within seconds and helps you decide if filtration or purification is needed.
Most TDS meters measure electrical conductivity (EC) and convert it into a TDS value, displayed in mg/L or ppm (parts per million).
Steps:
- Turn on the device and dip it in a water sample.
- Wait a few seconds for a stable reading.
- Compare the reading with FSSAI's recommended range.
How Often Should You Check TDS?
Experts recommend checking your water’s TDS every 3 to 6 months, or sooner if you notice:
- A change in taste
- White scale deposits on utensils
- Skin irritation or hair fall after showering
-
Appliance malfunction or clogging
Routine checks are especially crucial if you're relying on groundwater, well water, or live in an area with known water quality issues.
In some cases, like alkaline water, the naturally high TDS is a result of added beneficial minerals, but even then, it's important to ensure the levels are within the FSSAI-approved range for safe consumption.
Final Thoughts
Water is the most fundamental need of life—but not all water is created equal. The safety and benefits of what you drink depend heavily on understanding one simple metric: TDS.
By routinely checking your water's TDS and staying within FSSAI-recommended limits, you can take charge of your health, protect your appliances, and ensure your water tastes just as fresh as it should.
Whether you're drinking regular filtered water or occasionally consuming naturally mineral-rich water like alkaline water, make sure you're informed about the mineral content and overall quality.
Frequently Asked Question
Can Water Filters Remove TDS Completely?
Reverse Osmosis (RO) filters are designed to reduce TDS significantly, but complete removal is not ideal. Many RO systems now include a remineralization stage to add back essential minerals to improve water taste and health value.