TDS of drinking water
in India
Everything you need to know
about your drinking wate
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It's a measurement of all the inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, metals, and other impurities. We often hear about TDS because it indicates the purity of water. TDS levels are measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).
The concentration of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) serves as an important parameter for evaluating the quality of drinking water. Elevated TDS levels can be indicative of potentially harmful contaminants such as lead, arsenic, and fluoride, which may lead to adverse health outcomes. On the contrary, water with low TDS levels might be deficient in essential minerals necessary for human health. The World Health Organization (WHO) proposes a guideline of less than 300 mg/L for TDS in drinking water; however, specific limits can be influenced by local regulations and standards.
High TDS levels in water can have several negative impacts on human health. Some of these effects include an increased risk of gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting when drinking water TDS is high. Furthermore, extreme TDS levels in water can potentially lead to the formation of kidney stones, which may cause severe pain and other complications. There is also concern that high TDS levels in drinking water might pose risks to heart health, potentially increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases like hypertension and atherosclerosis. Lastly, a high TDS level can contribute to dental problems, including dental caries (cavities) and enamel erosion.
Low TDS range in drinking water can also have negative impacts on human health. Some of the effects of low TDS levels are:
Mineral deficiency: Low TDS levels in drinking water can lead to mineral deficiencies in the body. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium are essential for human health and are found missing in water with low TDS limit.
Digestive problems: Low TDS in drinking water can cause digestion problems such as constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.
Increased risk of heart disease: Limited TDS levels in drinking water have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease.- TDS Level (mg/L)Water QualityHealth ImplicationsAbove 2000UnacceptableNot suitable for drinking1200-2000Very PoorNot suitable for drinking on a regular basis900-1200PoorMay cause laxative effect in some people600-900Fair300-600300-600GoodSafe for drinking50-300ExcellentSafe for drinking
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the permissible TDS limit for drinking water is 500 mg/L, although the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a lower level of less than 300 mg/L. A minimum TDS of 50 ppm is also generally advised. Below, find information on TDS levels in India's top 5 cities based on data up to 2021. Note that water quality can vary over time due to seasonal changes, weather, and treatment methods.
- CityTest conducted byTDS RangeCommentsDelhiBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)150-400 mg/Lsafe for consumptionHyderabadMaharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB100-700 mg/Lsafe for consumptionBengaluruBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)100-600 mg/Lsafe for consumptionMumbaiMaharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB260-320 mg/Lsafe for consumptionChennaiBureau of Indian Standards (BIS)less than 300 mg/LExcellent and safe for consumption.
Keep in mind that TDS levels can fluctuate over time and differ across various neighborhoods within a city, potentially changing since the 2021 data. To guarantee the safety of your drinking water, verify current conditions by consulting local water authorities or through independent testing. Furthermore, while TDS is an important metric, a comprehensive assessment of water quality must also include parameters such as pH, harmful contaminants, and microbial content.
Disclaimer: The preceding information is provided for general informational purposes. It does not establish a definitive standard for maintenance. The servicing needs of your water purifier are contingent upon variables such as water quality, operational usage, installation environment, and other relevant factors. Our qualified technicians are equipped to assess and recommend the most appropriate maintenance schedule.