Water is a universal solvent as it can dissolve and absorb molecules from different substances. TDS refers to the number of dissolved particles in a certain volume of water. Furthermore, total dissolved solids could be inorganic and organic.
It is imperative that you understand the TDS level in your drinking water and which dissolved solids are present. This will give you a clear picture of the water’s quality. In the following sections, you can learn about total dissolved solids- their types, ways to measure and how to reduce their level in your water supply.
What is TDS?
TDS, short for Total Dissolved Solids, encompasses the overall content of dissolved substances within drinking water. It includes both inorganic salts and a minor quantity of organic substances. Among the inorganic salts, there are positively charged cations such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium. It has negatively charged anions like carbonates, nitrates, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates are also present. The TDS level quantifies the proportion of total dissolved solids found in the water.
Sources of Total Dissolved Solids
Total dissolved solids originate from various sources. It encompasses both natural and artificial sources. In terms of natural sources, TDS is present in springs, lakes, rivers, vegetation, and soil. For instance, water flows through underground passages in a natural spring. It assimilates minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium from the surrounding rocks.
Conversely, human activities can also contribute to the presence of total dissolved solids in water. Agricultural runoff can introduce pesticides and herbicides. Also, ageing plumbing systems may release lead, and water treatment facilities may introduce chlorine. Furthermore, there are instances where certain industries release total dissolved solids intentionally into water.
Why is it important to check the TDS levels in your water?
It’s essential to assess the TDS concentration by a water purifier service in Nagpur for various reasons, including:
Health and Safety
The taste of water changes when TDS levels exceed a certain threshold, leading to a salty, bitter, or metallic flavour. Beyond a particular point, elevated TDS in water signifies the existence of harmful minerals that can adversely affect one’s health.
Hardness
Hard water has an elevated TDS concentration. It leads to the accumulation of scale in plumbing, dryness in hair, stains on kitchen utensils, and potential issues with household appliances.
Presence of harmful contaminants
TDS levels exceeding a specific threshold signal the presence of harmful contaminants and chemicals in the water. When utilising a Commercial RO Plant, it’s crucial to use a water softener to render the water suitable for consumption. This is because high TDS levels are responsible for the water’s hardness and make it unfit for consumption.
How is TDS measured?
You can measure total dissolved solids (TDS) in terms of milligrams per litre (mg/L), commonly referred to as parts per million (ppm). The recommended maximum TDS level for drinking water is 500 ppm. Any measurement exceeding 1000 ppm is an unsafe TDS level. If it surpasses 2000 ppm, filtration systems may struggle to remove these dissolved solids effectively.
The simplest method to assess TDS is by using a TDS meter. For instance, if a TDS meter reads 100 ppm, it implies that out of one million particles, 100 consist of dissolved ions, while 999,900 are water molecules, indicating a low TDS level.
Nevertheless, it’s important to note that a TDS meter does not provide information about the specific types of dissolved solids present. It is crucial for understanding water quality. To gain insight into the specific types of TDS in your water, it is advisable to consult a professional water purifier service provider.
TDS Level Chart for Drinking Water
| TDS in Water (in PPM) | Suitability for Drinking Water |
| Between 50 to 150 | Excellent for drinking |
| 150 to 250 | Good |
| 250 to 300 | Fair |
| 300 to 500 | Poor, not good for drinking |
| Above 1200 | Unacceptable |
Use RO Water Purifiers to Reduce TDS in Your Water Supply
One highly effective method for decreasing the TDS content in your drinking water involves installing Reverse Osmosis water purifiers (RO). An RO filter achieves this by compelling water through a membrane containing minuscule pores.
These pores are small enough to eliminate even the tiniest particles. Employing such a water filtration system can swiftly and efficiently lower your TDS levels. Thus, it provides protection not only for your plumbing but also for your overall health.
Conclusion
It is crucial to uphold the optimal TDS level in mineral water. Let the experts check the TDS level and suggest a water purifier that best meets your requirements. With the best RO service near me in Nagpur, there’s no need to be concerned about filtration and impurities. Installing an RO water purifier and maintaining it regularly can ensure a continuous supply of pure drinking water.
