What Is TDS in Water and Why Does It Matter?

Introduction

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is a crucial water quality parameter that affects taste, safety, and health. Many people hear about TDS when buying a water purifier but don’t truly understand its impact. In this blog, we’ll break down what TDS is, what levels are acceptable, and how to control it.

What Is TDS?

TDS refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in water. These include:

• Minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium
• Heavy metals like arsenic, lead, and mercury
• Chlorides, sulfates, and nitrates
• Pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial waste

TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) using a digital TDS meter.

Ideal TDS Levels for Drinking Water

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the recommended TDS level for drinking water is:

Water with TDS below 150 may lack essential minerals, while water above 500 ppm might contain harmful contaminants.

Why High TDS Is a Problem

• Taste Issues: High TDS water often tastes salty or bitter.
• Health Risks: It may contain unsafe levels of fluoride, lead, or nitrate, especially in borewell water.
• Appliance Damage: High TDS can cause scaling in kettles, pipes, and water heaters.

How to Check TDS at Home

Use a portable digital TDS meter:

1. Turn on the device.
2. Dip the probe into a glass of water.
3. Wait for 10–15 seconds for a stable reading.

How to Reduce TDS

• RO Water Purifiers are the most effective way to reduce TDS. They can remove up to 95–98% of dissolved solids.
• For areas where TDS is too low, TDS controllers or mineral cartridges can reintroduce essential minerals.

Conclusion

Understanding and managing TDS is vital for safe, tasty, and healthy water. Always test your source water before choosing a purifier, and invest in an RO system if levels are too high.