Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a key factor in assessing the quality of drinking water. It refers to the concentration of dissolved substances, including minerals, salts, and metals, present in water. For water supply companies in Ernakulam, understanding and managing TDS is crucial to ensure that households receive safe and clean water. Let’s explore the importance of TDS, acceptable levels, and how it affects your health and water’s taste.
What is TDS in Water?
TDS in water is a measure of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in it. These substances can include salts, minerals like calcium and magnesium, and trace amounts of metals like iron and manganese. TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) and is often a useful indicator of water purity.
Though some dissolved minerals are beneficial for health, excessive amounts can lead to undesirable taste and potential health risks. Sources of TDS in water can include natural minerals, urban runoff, sewage, and agricultural or industrial waste.
Why is TDS Important?
TDS levels are important because they give a snapshot of the overall water quality. While high TDS doesn’t always indicate harmful water, it can affect taste, hardness, and purity. Low TDS water may taste flat, while higher TDS levels could make the water taste salty, metallic, or bitter.
For water supply companies, managing TDS is essential to ensure the water delivered to consumers is both safe to drink and pleasant in taste. Elevated levels of dissolved solids may also interfere with plumbing systems, causing scaling and pipe damage.
Acceptable TDS Levels
The acceptable range of TDS levels for drinking water varies by country, but the general recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) is:
- TDS Level of 50-150 ppm: Ideal drinking water. Water in this range is considered pure and great in taste.
- TDS Level of 150-300 ppm: Good quality water. It has a slightly more pronounced taste but is still acceptable for drinking.
- TDS Level of 300-600 ppm: Fair water quality. Water may taste a bit salty or bitter and could have a slight impact on health.
- TDS Level of 600-900 ppm: Poor water quality. This water may be less desirable for consumption and might not be the best for regular use.
- TDS Level above 900 ppm: Water becomes unfit for drinking. It can have severe health impacts and taste unpleasant. Water with this level of TDS should be filtered or avoided altogether.
Testing Your Water TDS
To determine the TDS levels in your drinking water, you can use a TDS meter, which is a small and portable device. The process involves dipping the meter’s electrode into a water sample and reading the TDS value displayed in ppm. Regular testing of water, particularly in areas like Ernakulam, where TDS can fluctuate due to environmental factors, ensures that your drinking water stays within the recommended levels.
What are the Effects of TDS on Health and Taste?
- Health Effects: While TDS itself is not harmful, its composition could be. High TDS levels may indicate the presence of harmful substances such as lead, arsenic, or nitrates, which pose health risks like kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, and gastrointestinal issues.
However, water with appropriate TDS levels can provide essential minerals that promote good health. For instance, calcium and magnesium are vital for strong bones and heart health.
- Taste Effects: The taste of water is largely influenced by TDS. Water with a lower TDS level (less than 100 ppm) may taste flat or bland. On the other hand, higher TDS levels (over 300 ppm) can impart a salty, bitter, or metallic taste, making it unpalatable.
How Can You Reduce the TDS of Water?
If the TDS level in your water is too high, there are several ways to reduce it:
- Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration: RO is one of the most effective methods for reducing TDS. It works by forcing water through a semipermeable membrane, removing up to 99% of dissolved solids.
- Distillation: This process involves boiling the water and then condensing the steam back into the water, leaving behind most dissolved solids. Though effective, distillation can be energy-intensive.
- Deionization: This method involves using ion-exchange resins to replace dissolved ions in the water with hydrogen and hydroxyl ions, which combine to form pure water.
- Activated Carbon Filters: While these filters primarily remove organic compounds, they can also slightly reduce TDS, improving the taste and odor of water.
Conclusion
Understanding the TDS of your drinking water is crucial for ensuring both its quality and safety. Nile Water Drinking water supply in Ernakulam consistently monitor and control TDS levels to maintain a balance between beneficial minerals and harmful substances. Regularly testing and, if necessary, reducing TDS levels in your drinking water will ensure it remains safe, healthy, and pleasant to drink.