Is Your Water Harmful? See RO Water TDS Level Chart

The Hidden Danger in Your Water

What if the water you drink every day is quietly harming your body?

High levels of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) could be turning your tap water into a health hazard.

Learn how to assess your water’s safety with our comprehensive RO water TDS level chart—before it’s too late.

What is TDS?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, and organic matter.

These substances can come from various sources such as natural water bodies, agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and even the plumbing system in your home.

TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm), which indicates the number of milligrams of dissolved solids in one liter of water.

Both very high and very low level of TDS in water may harm our health.

What is the ideal TDS level then?

let’s find out below:

Ideal RO Water TDS Level Chart for Drinking Water

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have set guidelines for TDS levels in drinking water. While these guidelines might vary slightly by country, the general recommendation is:

TDS Level (ppm)	Water Quality	Remarks
Below 50	Very Pure	May lack essential minerals, flat taste
50-150	Ideal	Perfect for drinking, retains essential minerals
150-300	Acceptable	Still good, though some may notice slight taste change
300-600	Noticeable Taste	Safe, but taste might be affected
600-900	Caution	Consume with caution, possible presence of contaminants
900-1200	Unsafe	Not recommended without further treatment
Above 1200	Dangerous	Avoid drinking, contains harmful contaminants

Why TDS levels in water are Important?

• Taste and Drikability: Water with very high or very low TDS can affect the taste. High TDS water may taste bitter, salty, or metallic, while water with very low TDS might taste flat.
• Health Impacts: While some minerals in water, like calcium and magnesium, are beneficial, excessive TDS can indicate the presence of harmful substances like lead, arsenic, or nitrates.
• Appliance Longevity: High TDS water can lead to scaling in appliances like kettles, water heaters, and pipes, reducing their lifespan and efficiency.

Health Risk of High TDS Levels

Elevated TDS levels can lead to various health issues, including:

• Gastrointestinal Problems: High TDS can increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases, causing symptoms like diarrhea and nausea.
• Kidney Stones: Excessive minerals can contribute to kidney stone formation.
• Cardiovascular Issues: High TDS levels may be associated with hypertension and other heart-related conditions.

Low TDS Level is not Good for Health

Conversely, low TDS levels can also have negative health implications:

• Mineral Deficiency: Water with low TDS may lack essential minerals such as calcium and magnesium, leading to deficiencies over time.
• Taste Issues: Water with very low TDS can taste flat or bland, potentially leading to reduced water consumption

TDS Level Comparison of Different Water Sources

It’s also useful to compare TDS levels found in different types of water sources. This can help you understand where your water might fall before treatment and after using an RO system.

Water Source	Typical TDS Level (ppm)
Rainwater	10-20
Municipal Water	200-500
Well Water	500-1000
Seawater	35000-40000
RO Water	10-50

Impact of TDS on Water Taste

Here’s a closer look at how TDS levels can affect the taste of water:

TDS Range (ppm)	Taste Quality	Taste Description
< 50	Flat	Lacks minerals, may taste bland
50-150	Fresh	Balanced, pleasant, retains essential minerals
150-300	Slightly Noticeable	Some may notice a difference, still acceptable
300-600	Noticeable	Salty or metallic taste can become apparent
600-900	Strong Taste	Noticeable changes, often unpleasant
> 900	Very Strong	Water may taste bitter, metallic, or salty

Appliance Longevity and TDS Levels

High TDS levels can also impact the longevity and efficiency of household appliances. The following chart illustrates the potential effects:

Appliance Type	Impact of High TDS (300+ ppm)
Water Heater	Scaling, reduced efficiency, shorter lifespan
Kettle	Scale build-up, slower heating
Dishwasher	Mineral deposits, spots on dishes
Pipes	Corrosion, blockages over time

How to Measure TDS in Water

Measuring TDS in your water is relatively simple. TDS meters are readily available in the market and provide a quick and accurate reading of the dissolved solids in your water.

Here’s how you can use a TDS meter:

1. Turn on the TDS Meter: Ensure that the meter is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Dip the Meter into the Water: Submerge the probe into a sample of the water you want to test. Make sure it’s deep enough to cover the sensor.
3. Wait for the Reading: The meter will quickly provide a reading in ppm. Compare this reading with the chart above to assess your water quality.
4. Clean the Probe: After use, rinse the probe with distilled water and dry it properly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

Understanding TDS levels is crucial for ensuring the water you consume is both safe and pleasant to drink.

While RO systems are highly effective at reducing TDS, it’s essential to monitor these levels regularly to maintain optimal water quality.

By using the TDS level chart provided, you can easily assess whether your water is within the ideal range for consumption, ensuring the health and safety of your household.

If you have any concerns about your water’s TDS levels or quality, it’s always best to consult with a water treatment professional to explore your options for further purification.