Humans cannot survive without water, and access to clean drinking water is critical for maintaining good health. Two of India’s most urgent problems are the lack of access to clean water and the prevalence of pollution.
The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) concentration is a crucial aspect to consider when assuring the quality of drinkable water. Total dissolved solids (TDS), which includes salts, sugars, and metals, is a measurement of the concentration of all dissolved substances in a given volume of water.
Drinking water’s mobility is significantly influenced by its TDS content. The upper and lower limits for TDS in drinking water have been established by the WHO and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), respectively. Water with a high TDS can be unhealthy, whereas water with a low TDS may be deficient in essential minerals.
We’ll talk about how India’s drinking water needs to maintain ideal and low TDS levels. We’ll also talk about how to get TDS levels in drinking water down to safe levels and the elements that influence them.
When and why should you give TDS any thought?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which comprise both inorganic and organic molecules, are the number of dissolved substances in water. TDS concentrations are frequently expressed in mg/L or ppm (milligrams per million).
Total dissolved solids (TDS) are significant because they affect drinking water’s calibre, flavour, and odour. High TDS water can leave mineral deposits on plumbing and appliances and have an unpleasant salty taste. Furthermore, contaminants like heavy metals or microorganisms, which can harm human health, may be present if TDS levels are high.
Low TDS water, however, cannot supply enough minerals for good health. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are essential for strong bones, teeth, and proper body operation. Another danger is that low TDS drinking water will corrode equipment and piping.
For the sake of preserving the integrity and quality of drinking water, safe TDS levels are essential. The appropriate TDS range for drinking water in India and the accompanying health advantages are covered in the following sections.
Optimal TDS for drinking water:
The recommended TDS level for drinking water has been established by both the World Health Organization and the Bureau of Indian Standards. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) advises keeping TDS between 300 and 500 ppm for safe consumption, in contrast to the World Health Organization’s recommendation to keep it below 600 ppm.
TDS levels in drinking water should be kept at the recommended levels for several health reasons. It can help you, for example, drink more water, take in more nutrients, and improve your digestion. TDS levels in water are essential for preventing and treating water-related ailments.
Keep in mind that TDS levels in different parts of India can be quite different from one another. The high TDS levels in Rajasthan, Gujarat, and some portions of Andhra Pradesh are due to the abundance of minerals in the soil. For example, soils in some parts of Kerala and Tamil Nadu have low TDS levels because they contain little dissolved minerals.
Therefore, when determining the ideal TDS level for drinking water, it is essential to consider the TDS levels of nearby, easily accessible water sources. Water treatment is often required to bring the TDS down to a safe level. In the following parts, we’ll talk about the minimum TDS level needed for drinking water and the permitted TDS levels in the water.
The ideal TDS for drinking water:
TDS levels between 300 and 500 ppm are optimal for human consumption, although 80 ppm is the lowest amount that is tolerable. Since it might be deficient in essential minerals, water with a TDS below 80 ppm is regarded as potentially hazardous.
Another issue related to low TDS water is corrosion in machinery and pipes. Low TDS levels could also indicate dangerous contaminants like bacteria or chemicals.
Remember that if the TDS level is within the allowed limit, water with a high TDS level may still be drinkable. Similarly, low TDS water can be treated to make it safe to drink by adding the right minerals and increasing the TDS.
The elements that may affect the TDS levels in drinking water are covered in the following section, along with techniques for determining appropriate TDS levels.
TDS in drinking water and its influencing factors:
The total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water can be affected by factors such as the soil type, the location of the water source, and the methods used to treat and filter the water.
Water sources with high TDS levels are often found in areas with high salinity or mineral deposits. TDS levels in water are usually low in regions with low mineral concentrations in the soil, such as those with acidic soils.
The filtration and water treatment procedures may alter the quantities of total dissolved solids (TDS). Reverse osmosis and distillation are water treatment processes that significantly reduce TDS levels by removing minerals and other dissolved components. Even after additional filtration using sediment filtration or activated carbon, TDS levels could not change.
What Can Be Done to Increase the Tolerable Dissolved Solids Content in Drinking Water?
To create drinking water with the correct TDS levels, it is essential to consider the TDS levels of the neighbouring water sources. In areas with high TDS levels, reverse osmosis or distillation may be necessary to bring TDS levels down to the advised range.
Corrective actions like remineralisation or adding mineral supplements may be needed to raise TDS levels and deliver critical minerals in locations with low TDS levels. Regular maintenance and monitoring are also necessary to guarantee that water treatment systems supply clean, safe drinking water.
Conclusion:
Maintaining the proper TDS levels guarantees drinking water’s continuous safety and purity. Between 300 and 500 ppm is the suggested range for TDS in drinking water, with 80 ppm being the absolute lowest.
The soil’s geological makeup, the water source’s location, and the treatment and filtration procedures can impact TDS levels in drinking water. It’s crucial to consider local water sources’ TDS levels while ensuring that treated water has an acceptable TDS level.
