WHAT IS TDS LEVEL?
TDS in drinking water, full form of "Total Dissolved Solids," and it is the measure of all inorganic and organic substances that are dissolved in water. Magnesium, calcium, and potassium are three of the most common inorganic substances found in water. To some extent, the presence of these minerals in water is beneficial, but when the level becomes excessive, it is cause for concern.
IDEAL TDS LEVEL IN WATER
According to World Health Organization (WHO) report on TDS in drinking water, there is a lack of reliable data on potential health effects associated with TDS in drinking water. For the ideal TDS of drinking water, no health-based guideline value is proposed. Because TDS in water can be high due to a variety of factors, the individual constituents of the water supply should be identified in areas where the TDS content of the water supply is extremely high.
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established 500 mg/L as the acceptable limit of TDS in drinking water. However, the standard states that if no other source of drinking water is available, this acceptable limit can be reduced to 2,000 mg/L. The BIS report also states that if the TDS in the drinking water exceeds 500 mg/L, it may reduce palatability (acceptable taste) and cause gastrointestinal irritation.
Water's taste may be affected by the presence of dissolved solids. Panels of tasters rated the palatability (acceptable taste) of drinking water in relation to its TDS level as follows:
<300: Excellent
300-600: Good
600-900: Fair
900-1200: Poor
>1200: Not acceptable
This acceptable TDS limit only applies to normal freshwater; if the water contains toxic impurities such as arsenic or fluoride, other BIS standards will apply.
It is important to note that some of the dissolved minerals in water are beneficial to human health, so very low or zero TDS is also not advised. Reducing the TDS level to a very low value also has an effect on the pH level of the water, which BIS specifies should be between 6.5 and 8.5. Water with a very low TDS level will taste bland. There is no official lower limit, but TDS of at least 80 ppm is considered acceptable.
REASONS FOR NON-ACCEPTANCE OR ACCEPTABILITY
-Fewer than 50: This is not acceptable. Because water with such a low TDS level lacks essential minerals.
-50-150: Acceptable: TDS levels in the 50-150 range, on the other hand, are considered ideal. If you're using a RO water purifier, make sure the TDS level in the purified water isn't less than 80 mg/L.
-150-250: Acceptable: In terms of cardiovascular fitness, this is the ideal TDS range.
-250-350: Acceptable: Most Indian homes in the city have access to water with a TDS in this range.
-350-500: Acceptable: A TDS level of less than 500 mg/L is acceptable, according to BIS guidelines.
-500-900: Not acceptable: Utilize a RO water purifier equipped with a TDS controller or mineralizer.
-900-1200: Not acceptable: Utilize a RO water purifier equipped with a TDS controller or mineralizer.
-1200-2000: Not acceptable and unfit for consumption: Choose a RO water plant that can remove up to 2000 mg/L of impurities.
-Don't drink if you're over 2000: Most home water purifiers are incapable of purifying water with a TDS level greater than 2000 mg/L. You may need a larger RO plant for such capacity removal.
