Water and different criteria related to water have been named by various organizations. The UN’s definition of safe water is crucial among all of them. According to that, water that doesn’t contain any side effects or impact on life’s existence is the safest drink.
TDS of water or Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is one of the best ways to find the safest water to drink. But, we should have a thorough understanding of the TDS of water.
This article will cover everything you should know about the TDS of drinking water.
What is the optimum TDS of drinking water?
The optimum level for drinking water is between 50-200 mg/L. Although the particular value may differ from one person to another, it is a stable value.
It is essential to have minerals in water that your body may require. We assume that such elements or particles create the particular conductivity of water.
Therefore, it is better to drink 50-200 mg/L TD water than water at 0 TDS level.
Is TDS 50-200 mg/L safe guaranteed?
That is the most important thing you should know. Just because there are not many particles in a certain amount of water, we can’t assure what has dissolved in that limit. For example, if the lead is in that amount, that will be risky too. In normal conditions, along with necessary minerals, 50-200 mg/L is optimum for drinking.
What is the unsafe level of TDS in water?
It is not recommended to drink water that exceeds 1000 TDS level. 1000 TDS means the water produces a high level of conductivity, and the water contains a large amount of water.
The body can’t tolerate such high amounts of minerals, although those are made of necessary minerals. The most important thing is there can be unfavourable minerals such as lead in that amount.
Can I drink 0 TDS water?
Of course, you drink. As you must have observed, the 0 TDS water is available after the filtering process. You will not feel any mineral taste but a flat taste in that water. It has been found that low TDS water doesn’t contain any adverse effects, although they lack minerals. Since a person can get minerals through food, that will not be a matter at all.
What factors affect TDS levels in water?
There can be several factors that depend on the TDS value of water. We discovered that some of these factors have affected having increased value of TDS even after filtering.
Geology
The TDS of water is highly affected by Geology. The rock’s soil type and elevation highly affect the TDS of water.
Water Treatment Process
After going through water treatment practices, the TDS can increase especially. For example, chlorination and fluoridation may increase TDS value.
Industrial Activities
The wastage added by the industrial works may increase the mineral in water.
Water temperature
We discovered that higher temperature levels might result in getting higher TDS values. When the water temperature increases, it also increases the conductivity.
Climate
The climate can affect them both unfavourably and favourably to the TDS level. For example, after rain, the rainwater may wash the pollutants into the soil water. That will cause getting high TDS levels.
The region in the world
The TDS level of water may differ from one country to another. Some countries have declared safe limits according to specific conditions as well.
The following table will give you an idea.
Differences in acceptable TDS levels for different regions and countries.
Region/Country | Acceptable TDS Level (mg/L) |
USA | 500-1000 |
EU | 500 |
Canada | 500-1500 |
Australia | 600-1500 |
India | 500 |
China | 1000 |
Japan | 210-700 |
Middle East | 1000-3000 |
Africa | Varies depending on country |
Is It Necessary to Test TDS Levels in Water for Drinking Purposes?
Testing tds levels in water is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water. High TDS levels can indicate the presence of harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, while low levels may lack essential minerals. Regularly testing TDS levels helps to identify potential health risks and allows for necessary measures to be taken to maintain clean and safe drinking water.
How to reduce TDS in drinking water?
The following methods can be identified as ways of reducing the TDS of drinking water.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is one of the highly effective methods for removing TDS from water. It involves forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. The particular membrane removes dissolved solids, salts, and other impurities that could pollute water.
Distillation
Distillation is the process of boiling water and then condensing the steam back into a clean water source. It has been found that this process can effectively remove TDS and other impurities.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters are used to remove chlorine, volatile organic compounds, and other impurities in water. Those impurities can increase the TDS level of water, and active carbon filters are a proper way to reduce TDS in drinking water too.
Ion Exchange Resins
Ion resins can remove specific ions which are commonly available in water, such as sodium.
Water Softening
Water softening systems are used to remove excess minerals and salts, which are applicable on large scales.
Conclusion
We hope now you have a proper understanding of the TDS of water fit for drinking. If you still have anything to get clarified, please contact us.