TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solvents. They basically include metals, minerals, ions, and salts. These may be organic or inorganic materials. We all know that water is a solvent, and therefore, such soluble materials get absorbed in water. Sources of TDS include chemicals used to water treatment plants, sewage, and industrial wastewater. There are natural sources of TDS as well. These include lakes, rivers, springs, and the soil.
Some of the most common types of TDS or Total dissolved solvents are calcium, magnesium, zinc, chloride, potassium, lead, copper, iron, sodium, bicarbonates, sulfates, and pesticides. Water that has high levels of TDS is not fit for consumption.
Effects of high TDS in drinking water
High levels of TDS in water affect the taste of the water. It is not usually harmful to health. If the TDS levels are above 400, then the water may have to be checked for harmful particles and heavy metals. If the TDS level is above 1000, then the water is unsafe for human consumption.
TDS levels affect the quality of the water, the health of those consuming it, and also tasks such as cooking and cleaning. Tap water usually has high levels of TDS. Such water can have a bitter taste and an unpleasant smell. High concentrations of heavy metals such as copper, zinc, lead, etc can have a negative impact on one’s health.
If the water used for cooking has a TDS of above 1000, then it can affect the taste of the food. Dishes washed with water having high levels of TDS tend to have water spots on them. Clothes that are washed using such water will fade easily. Therefore, water with high levels of TDS can have an impact on cooking and cleaning activities as well.
Drinking water TDS chart
| TDS LEVELS FOR DRINKING WATER | QUALITY OF WATER |
|---|---|
| 50-150 | EXCELLENT |
| 150-250 | GOOD |
| 250-500 | POOR |
| ABOVE 1000 | UNFIT FOR CONSUMPTION |
Water having low TDS is considered to be of high quality and is not harmful. But it will have a flat taste and may be lacking in minerals.
TDS levels and Water purifiers
When TDS levels in water are between 0 and 200, the right water purification technology is UV, when it is between 200 and 300, the right water purification technology is RO + UV and when it is 300-500, RO + UV + UF is the right water purification technology.
Water purifiers have become very popular. This is because they ensure that the water is cleaner, safer, and healthier for consumption. The type of water purifier you need depends upon the TDS levels in the water that you consume. If the TDS levels are low, then a UV water purifier is good enough, for medium TDS levels, one may need RO + UV and for water with high TDS levels, RO + UV + UF water purifiers are ideal.
Some of the best water purifier brands are KENT, Eureka Forbes, AO Smith, Liv Pure, and Blue Star.
Water purifiers remove bacteria, salts, viruses, and other impurities from the water, thereby making it safe for consumption. Water purifiers also help retain essential natural minerals.
