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How to Check the TDS Level In Water At Home

TDS means Total Dissolved Solids. Milligrams per unit volume of water (mg/L) is the way to measure TDS. It is referred to as parts per million (ppm). Water that is used for drinking, the maximum concentration level set by EPA is 500 mg/L.

Various contaminants are present in water if these are larger than 2 microns they are termed as total dissolved solids. If it is fresh water, the minerals from the soil or ground are dissolved. Pesticides, harmful wastes that release from the factories and homes, can also pollute it. All of the impurities that are dissolved in water are referred to as TDS and is expressed in mg per unit volume of the water. (mg/l) which is also referred to as ppm (parts per million). RO water purifiers are used for removing all these kind of impurities and is said to be the best water purifier for home. Certain minerals that are already present in water are very important for health, but during the process of RO, these minerals somehow reduce with the dissolved impurities. Maintaining the TDS level in water is essential; hence, certain brands use something known as TDS controller that helps maintain all the essential minerals in water making the water that we consume clean and safe.

 

• Is TDS necessary?

 

The water that we consume must be pure and safe. Pure water will not have any taste whatsoever. There are certain salts like calcium, magnesium and potassium that are necessary for imparting the required flavour along with added nutrition. Therefore, maintaining the TDS level is important.

 

• TDS Acceptability Levels

 

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) decides the acceptability levels of TDS in water. If the TDS is up to 500 mg /litre, it is acceptable, according to BIS. Below is a clearer picture of the same:

If the TDS level (mg/litre) is

1. Less than 50:  It is an unacceptable level because if water with such a low proportion of TDS is consumed, the required minerals that are required for healthy growth are missed.
2. 50 to 150: Industrial and other types of pollution are involved; hence, it is an acceptable level.
3. 150 to 250: As far as cardiovascular health is concerned, this particular level of TDS is proved the healthiest.
4. 250 to 350: This is an acceptable level in TDS. There are some places in India wherein the ground level water has TDS.
5. 350 to 500: TDS level that is upto 500 is acceptable for the consumption of humans. The BIS also certified it.
6. Above 500 and up to 1200: The level of TDS that is fit for consumption is  500 if the level exceeds that you can use RO water purifier or any other kinds of water purifiers and eliminate the excess TDS.
7. Above 1200: Water that contains TDS level over 1200 is unfit for human consumption.

 

 

• How can one measure TDS levels in water at home?

 

There are three methods by which TDS levels in water can be measured:

 

• Digital TDS Meter

 

This is said to be the easiest among all the methods and is used to determine the TDS levels in the water. For this method, you do not have to do any such readings or calculations nor use any mathematical formulas. Immediate results are obtained.

 

• The Electrical Conductivity Meter Method

 

TDS contributes organic as well as inorganic salts. This particular method is most commonly used today.

 

• Making Use of Filter Paper and a Weighing Scale

 

This method is said to be the conventional one for measuring TDS levels in the water. This can be done very easily at home. The electrical conductivity apparatus is not required to be bought.