How much TDS is required in water? Complete Analysis
Ever wondered about the stuff floating in your drinking water? That’s where TDS comes in. TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids It’s a measure of all the tiny particles dissolved in water. These can include minerals salts and metals. Understanding TDS is crucial for assessing water quality and safety. Let’s have an how about that how much TDS is required in water?
What exactly is TDS?
TDS refers to any substance dissolved in water that isn’t H2O itself. Common TDS include:
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Sodium
• Potassium
• Bicarbonates
• Chlorides
• Sulfates
These substances occur naturally in water as it moves through rocks and soil. Human activities like agriculture and industry can also add TDS to water sources. TDS is typically measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L). These units are interchangeable. A TDS meter or laboratory test can measure TDS levels.
Ideal TDS levels for drinking water
So how much TDS should be in your drinking water? The answer isn’t straightforward. Different organizations have varying recommendations:
• World Health Organization (WHO): Below 600 ppm
• US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Below 500 ppm
• Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): 500 ppm (acceptable) to 2000 ppm (permissible)
Generally a TDS range of 50-150 ppm is considered excellent for drinking water. Water with TDS below 300 ppm is typically regarded as good. Levels between 300-600 ppm are fair while 600-900 ppm is poor. Anything above 900 ppm is unacceptable for drinking.
Remember these are guidelines. The ideal TDS can vary based on individual needs and local water sources.
Health impacts of TDS
TDS itself isn’t necessarily harmful. Many dissolved solids like calcium and magnesium are beneficial in moderation. However extremely high or low TDS levels can cause problems:
Low TDS (< 50 ppm):
• Can taste flat or bland
• May not provide essential minerals
• Could lead to mineral deficiencies over time
High TDS (> 1000 ppm):
• Often tastes bitter salty or metallic
• Can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances
• May contain harmful contaminants in some cases
Excessively high TDS (> 5000 ppm) can cause gastrointestinal irritation. It may also lead to kidney or gallbladder problems with long-term consumption.
It’s important to note that TDS alone doesn’t indicate water safety. Low TDS water can still contain harmful bacteria or chemicals. High TDS water might be perfectly safe if the dissolved solids are benign.
TDS for specific uses
Different water uses have different TDS requirements:
Drinking water: As mentioned 50-150 ppm is ideal. Up to 300 ppm is generally fine.
Coffee and tea: 150-200 ppm is optimal for flavour extraction.
Cooking: Similar to drinking water. Lower TDS (50-200 ppm) is better for preserving food flavours.
Aquariums: Varies by species. Freshwater fish usually prefer 50-250 ppm. Marine life needs much higher TDS.
Agriculture: Depends on the crop. Most plants tolerate up to 500 ppm. Some can handle higher levels.
Industrial processes: Requirements vary widely. Some need ultra-pure water (< 1 ppm) while others can use water with thousands of ppm TDS.
How to test and adjust TDS
Testing TDS is easy with a handheld TDS meter. These affordable devices give quick readings. For more accurate results, send a water sample to a certified laboratory.
If your TDS is too high there are several ways to lower it:
• Reverse osmosis: Very effective removes up to 95% of TDS
• Distillation: Produces nearly pure water but energy-intensive
• Ion exchange: Good for softening water high in calcium and magnesium
• Activated carbon filters: Can reduce some TDS but not as effective as other methods
To increase TDS you can add mineral drops or use remineralization filters. This is sometimes done after purification to improve taste and mineral content.
Regional variations in TDS
TDS levels can vary dramatically by region. Factors influencing TDS include:
• Geology: Areas with limestone or gypsum deposits often have high TDS water
• Climate: Arid regions tend to have higher TDS due to evaporation
• Human activity: Agriculture mining and industrial discharge can increase TDS
For example groundwater in parts of Rajasthan India can exceed 3000 ppm TDS. Meanwhile some mountain springs might have TDS below 30 ppm.
It’s important to know your local water conditions. This helps you make informed decisions about treatment and consumption.
TDS and water treatment systems
Many home water treatment systems affect TDS:
• Activated carbon filters: Minimal impact on TDS
• Ceramic filters: Little to no effect on TDS
• UV purifiers: No effect on TDS (but kill microorganisms)
• Reverse osmosis (RO): Significantly reduces TDS
• Water softeners: Replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium altering TDS composition
When choosing a system consider your water’s starting TDS and your desired outcome. RO might be overkill if your water is already low in TDS. Conversely a basic carbon filter won’t help if your goal is to reduce TDS.
Conclusion
TDS is a key factor in water quality but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Ideal TDS levels depend on the water’s use and source. For drinking water a range of 50-300 ppm is generally good with 50-150 ppm being optimal.
Remember TDS alone doesn’t determine water safety or health impacts. It’s important to consider other factors like specific mineral content and potential contaminants.
Understanding TDS empowers you to make informed choices about your water. Whether you’re assessing your tap water choosing a filter or managing an aquarium TDS knowledge is valuable.
To explore customised commercial RO plants, Industrial RO plants, ETP or STP solutions for your needs in your areas and nearby regions, contact Netsol Water at:
Phone: +91-965-060-8473
Email: enquiry@netsolwater.com