Drinking Water TDS: how much TDS in water is good for health?

Total dissolved solids or TDS in drinking water refers to the concentration of solids or dissolved particles in water. Drinking water TDS comprises of inorganic salts and mineral compounds like magnesium, calcium, bicarbonates, and chlorides.
Whether the levels of TDS in drinking water is goof or bad depends on the type of salts and compounds present in the water. Levels of TDS not only change the taste of the water but can also adversely affect human health. In this article we have articulated for you what research shows so that you know about the levels of TDS that are considered good for health.

High TDS water leads to complications like pulmonary issues, nausea, dizziness, skin rashes and so much more. Not just the water, your blood needs a thorough testing as well to rule out any possible consequences. Schedule a complete blood work to breathe a sigh of relief.

What is drinking water TDS?

Being a universal solvent, water dissolves almost all organic and inorganic materials in itself really quickly. The inorganic materials naturally present in water according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) are calcium, bicarbonates, nitrates, magnesium, sulphate, phosphate, chloride, dust and dirt. Likewise, organic materials that are frequently found in water are fungi, bacteria, algae, pathogens, germs, viruses and pesticides that are also responsible for spreading waterborne diseases like cholera, hepatitis, diarrhoea and typhoid in humans.

The Hard Water or High TDS content in water can have some significant effects on its taste and health like:

• Presence of materials like lead and copper above 1000 ppm can have adverse effects on your health.
• Water with high TDS tastes salty or even brackish. It can also change the taste of cooked food.
• High TDS water can lead to scaling of electronic appliances like dishwashers, washing machines, water purifiers and geysers and plumbing pipelines as well.

How much TDS in water is considered Good for health?

The levels of TDS in water depends on the source of water. The TDS level in river and pond water is lower than the groundwater. The levels of TDS in water determines whether it is fit for drinking or not.
The table below shows the quality, taste and the drinking recommendation of water on the basis of its TDS levels

S.No.	TDS level	Quality	Taste	Fit for drinking	Remarks (if any)
1	< 50 ppm - 250 ppm	Low	Flat	Not fit for drinking	Some minerals that are beneficial for health are missing
2	300 ppm - 500 ppm	Perfect	Good	Good	Contains appropriate levels of minerals
3	600 ppm - 900ppm	Okay	Fair	Unacceptable	The water should be purified using the RO purifiers
4	> 1000 ppm	Bad	Poor	Unsafe	The water can have adverse health effects

How is the TDS level in water measured?

Total dissolved solids refers to the sum of the negatively charged and positively charged ions that are present in the water. The presence of dissolved ions enables the water to conduct electricity. Therefore, by testing the electrical conductivity in water you can measure the TDS levels. A small digital TDS metre is used to measure the TDS levels in Parts Per Million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L). 

Takeaway

Clean and safe drinking water is very important for the normal functioning of your body. High TDS levels can make the drinking water unfit for your health. Measuring the TDS level of the water supplied at your home will ensure that you and your family drink safe and healthy water. Subsequently, if you receive high TDS water you can take measures to reduce the levels of TDS in drinking water so that it is fit for consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I reduce the level of TDS in drinking water?

   If you receive drinking water with a TDS more than 500 ppm, then using a RO purifier can help you reduce the levels of TDS in the water and make it fit for drinking.

2. Are total dissolved solids good for my body?

   The effect of TDS on your body depends completely on the types of salts and compounds that are present in water. 

3. Is high TDS water good for consumption?

   According to the World health organisation (WHO), the levels of TDS above 300 ppm are not considered fit for consumption. Apart from adverse health effects, TDS levels above 300 ppm also makes the water salty which makes the water non consumable for humans.

4. Is RO water safe for drinking?

   Yes, RO water is considered safe for drinking as it removes the bacteria and virus components from the water along with minerals.