Leonardo da Vinci famously said water is the driving force of all nature. However, not all water is fit for consumption. Even the water that your local municipality supplies to your home can have quality related issues that need fixing to make the water safe for drinking. One of these parameters is TDS for drinking water. We will delve deeper into the health implications of TDS, but first let’s learn a little about TDS and its suitable levels in drinking water.
What is TDS?
TDS means total dissolved solids and indicates the total concentration of these substances in drinking water. It majorly comprises organic matter and inorganic salts, which are made up of negatively charged anions (nitrates, carbonates, chlorides, sulfates, and bicarbonates) and positively charged cations (magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium). Simply put, TDS measures any dissolved matter that is not a water molecule.
Total dissolved solids are created when soluble material comes into contact with water and its particles are absorbed in the same. Sources of TDS may include almost anything from natural water springs, runoff from roadways, home plumbing systems, and even chemicals for treating municipal water.
What is the Ideal TDS of Drinking Water?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), per its IS:14543 guidelines, states that quality drinking water should have a TDS level of 500 mg per liter as the maximum limit. Drinking water should not be consumed if it has TDS levels above this threshold, and more so if it crosses 1000 mg per liter.
Water with higher TDS may have an unpalatable and bitter taste and a bad odor. This will worsen with increasing TDS levels, while the reverse is also true, i.e. a balanced TDS level will improve the smell and taste of water. TDS affects not just water quality, but also your plumbing systems and pipes, along with your water filters. Hence, measuring it is always the best solution to ensure you drink pure and hygienic water.
Does TDS Have Any Health Implications?
Excessive TDS levels may also lead to heart disease, kidney stones, gastrointestinal disorders like diarrhea and stomach pain, and diabetes. You may also gradually lower your water intake due to the unpleasant taste and smell, leading to dehydration and subsequent problems.
It’s not just high TDS levels that you should avoid; lower volumes will also not benefit you since they indicate the absence of several vital minerals that are good for the body in balanced amounts. The World Health Organization (WHO), in its reports, states that although recent data is unavailable on health effects linked to TDS in drinking water, it has been linked to several diseases across regions. These include arteriosclerotic heart disease, cardiovascular ailments, and coronary heart disease. Hence, one thing is clear- balanced TDS levels in drinking water are essential to maintain good health.
Conclusion- Opt for Safe Drinking Water with Proper TDS Levels
It is thus crucial to pay attention to TDS for drinking water at home or elsewhere. If water in your area has a high concentration of TDS and you do not have access to RO filters and other purification equipment, choose bottled water without a second thought. Packaged drinking water from reputed brands like Bisleri will ensure balanced TDS levels and the best possible purity, taste, and quality.