9/10/2024
Understanding TDS Levels in Water- What You Need to Know for Safe Drinking?
The water that reaches our homes through the taps usually travels through pipelines that carry inorganic salts and organic matter which gets dissolved into the water, making it contaminated with harmful substances. It also increases the mineral level as well as the TDS levels in water.
Define TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
TDS full form in water purifier is Total Dissolved Solids. It is a measure of the dissolved content in water including inorganic as well as organic substances like minerals, metals, cations, or anions, due to the source where water comes from, such as agricultural and residential places.
Explain the primary concerns and benefits associated with TDS in drinking water.
TDS level usually defines whether or not your water is safe to drink. Where a high TDS level implies that the water is contaminated with harmful substances like lead. Arsenic or fluoride, low TDS levels in water usually means that the water lacks essential minerals that are required for good health.
TDS is extremely helpful in determining water quality because it provides an overall picture of the chemical composition of the water. High TDS levels can indicate the presence of contaminants, such as heavy metals, which can have bad effects on health.
What is TDS in Water?
TDS in water refers to the dissolved substances in drinking water, such as inorganic salts made of both positively and negatively charged ions like calcium, magnesium, and carbonates, as well as some amounts of organic matter.
The Role of TDS in Water Purifiers
Water purifiers come with purification technologies like ultrafiltration, ultraviolet, etc. as well as a multi-stage filtration process to ensure that the water we consume is safe and healthy.
What is considered the best TDS level for drinking water.
On average, a TDS level between 50-300 ppm is considered safe for drinking water, according to the World Health Organization.
Health Implications of TDS Levels
Water with high TDS levels above 600 ppm can lead to health problems like nausea, dizziness, skin rashes, etc. due to the presence of organic and inorganic substances in the water.
Similarly, water with low TDS levels less than 300 ppm can mean that it doesn’t contain essential minerals that are good for your health.
Potential risks of consuming water with very high or very low TDS.
Water with very high TDS levels above 1000 ppm can lead to risks of getting kidney stones, heart diseases, diabetes, and gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea or stomach ache.
On the other hand, water with very low TDS below 50 ppm lack essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, and can lead to digestive problems like constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, or even heart disease.
Best TDS for Drinking Water
The best TDS for drinking water for the cities in India are as follows:
Chennai: According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the ideal drinking water TDS range is less than 300 ppm.
Mumbai: According to the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the ideal TDS range is 260-320 ppm.
Bengaluru: According to BIS, the ideal TDS range is 100-600 ppm.
Hyderabad: According to MPCB, the ideal drinking water TDS level is around 100-700 ppm.
Delhi: According to BIS, the ideal water ppm level is 150-400 ppm for drinking.
Step-by-step guide on measuring TDS using digital TDS meters.
A common way to measure TDS levels in water is by using a digital TDS meter which measures it by its electrical conductivity. The impurities that contaminate the water like dissolved salts often make the water more conductible and reflects its TDS value.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it’s done:
Fill a clean container with water
Insert the TDS meter without letting it touch the bottom and sides of the container
The TDS meter will show the range of TDS levels in water
If it shows a water TDS level around 50 ppm, it means that the water is safe
If it shows a water TDS level above 500 ppm, it means that the water is contaminated with salts, minerals, etc.
Rinse the TDS meter with clean water and store it safely
Choosing a Water Purifier Based on TDS Requirements
Water purifiers use different purification technologies which work differently for different TDS levels in water.
Water purifiers with RO technology are ideal for water with TDS between 200 ppm to 2000 ppm.
On the other hand, water purifiers with UV, UF, and Alkaline technology are good for low TDS levels in water as they cannot remove dissolved impurities.
TDS and Water Taste
High TDS levels in water usually indicate the presence of potassium, chloride, sodium, and other hazardous ions, which makes it taste metallic, salty, and bitter.
How does TDS in water purifier work?
Purification technologies in water purifiers like RO help in removing the TDS levels in water with the help of a semipermeable membrane which only allows solvent molecules to pass through while leaving behind solute molecules.
On the other hand, some water purifiers also use UF technology with multi-purification that includes a yarn wound sediment filter, an activated carbon block, and an ultrafiltration which help in removing its bad odor, bad taste, harmful metal and substances from the water, and pathogenic microorganisms that may cause waterborne diseases.
Conclusion
Understanding TDS levels in water is important to know the range of the best water TDS for drinking. You can use a TDS meter to measure it easily and quickly and know whether or not your water is safe for drinking. The higher the TDS level, the more the contamination in the water.
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