TDS in Water: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get It Right

TDS in Water: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How to Get It Right
Let’s talk about something most of us ignore—until we taste it.
You turn on the tap. The water looks clear. No smell. No color. So you assume it’s safe. But then your tea tastes bitter. Your glasses come out spotty. Your family starts complaining about a "weird aftertaste" in drinking water.
What you might not realize is that TDS—Total Dissolved Solids—is quietly shaping your water quality, your health, and even your daily comfort.
And yes, it’s more important than you think.
What Exactly Is TDS?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids—a measure of all inorganic salts and organic matter dissolved in your water. This includes:
● Calcium, magnesium (the hardness minerals)
● Sodium, potassium
● Chlorides, sulfates, nitrates
● Trace metals like iron, lead, or arsenic (in contaminated sources)
● Even microscopic organic particles
TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). So, 200 ppm means 200 milligrams of dissolved solids in every liter of water.
Now, here’s the catch:
High TDS doesn’t always mean unsafe, but it does affect taste, cooking, and long-term health—especially when certain harmful ions are present.
And more importantly: You can’t see or smell high TDS. You only feel it—in your skin, your appliances, and that odd aftertaste in your glass.
What Does WHO Say About TDS?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has studied TDS extensively and provided clear guidelines on acceptable levels for drinking water. Here’s a simplified version of their TDS recommendation table:
TDS Level | Perceived Quality | Who Recommendation |
<300 | Excellent to Good | No health concerns; pleasant taste |
300–600 | Good | Optimal for palatability |
600–900 | Fair | Marginal; may affect taste and health over time |
900–1200 | Poor | Not recommended for long-term consumption |
Above 1200 | Unacceptable | High risk of taste issues, scaling, and potential health impact |
Source: WHO Guidelines for Drinking-Water Quality, 4th Edition
Now, here’s the reality check:
In many Indian cities—Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Ludhiana—groundwater TDS levels often exceed 1000 ppm, sometimes reaching 1500–2000 ppm.
That’s not just "hard" water. That’s water pushing into the unacceptable zone.
Why High TDS Is a Problem for Drinking Water
It’s not just about taste. High TDS can:
● Alter the flavor of food, tea, and coffee
● Cause stomach discomfort or digestive issues with prolonged intake
● Lead to kidney stone formation due to excess calcium and magnesium
● Corrode pipes and damage appliances
● Leave stubborn stains on utensils, sinks, and showers
And critically: High TDS often means high levels of undesirable ions—like nitrates (from sewage), fluorides (from soil), or heavy metals (from industrial runoff)—which are a health risk.
So yes—TDS needs to be controlled.
But here’s where people get confused.
Not All Water Purifiers Treat TDS the Same Way
This is crucial.
Many purifiers on the market—especially UV and UF systems—are great at killing bacteria and removing dirt, but they do not reduce TDS.
→ UV (Ultraviolet) kills germs but leaves all dissolved salts intact.
→ UF (Ultrafiltration) removes cysts, colloids, and bacteria—but again, TDS remains unchanged.
So if your source water has 1200 ppm TDS, and you’re using a UV+UF purifier, you’re still drinking 1200 ppm water—just without bacteria.
That’s like filtering smoke but still breathing fire.
The Solution to reduce TDS is: RO Technology That Works with Your Water
The only effective way to reduce high TDS is Reverse Osmosis (RO).
RO forces water through a semi-permeable membrane that blocks over 90–95% of dissolved solids, including harmful ions, heavy metals, and excess salts.
And at Aquaflit, we don’t just offer RO. We offer smart, balanced RO systems designed for real-life needs.
Here’s what we have:
1. RO Purifiers
Ideal for homes with high TDS. Removes excess salts, metals, and impurities. Delivers clean, safe, and better-tasting water.
2. RO + UV
Adds an extra layer of germ protection. Perfect for areas with bacterial contamination and high TDS.
3. RO + UV + UF + TDS Control ← Most Intelligent System
Our RO+UV+UF+TDS Control model doesn’t just purify—it gives you control.
It allows you to adjust the TDS level of your drinking water based on your preference and health needs.
Why is this important?
Because zero TDS isn’t ideal either. WHO and health experts agree: water should retain some essential minerals for taste and electrolyte balance.
So instead of stripping water completely, this system retains the desired level of TDS.
Lets you set your ideal output—say, 150–200 ppm for balanced, healthy drinking water
● It’s not over-purification.
● It’s precision purification.
So, What Should You Do?
Start by knowing your water.
And if you want complete safety, great taste, and control over your water’s mineral balance, the Aquaflit RO+UV+UF+TDS Control system is the smartest choice.
Because clean water isn’t just about removing the bad.
It’s about keeping the good—and getting the balance just right.
Need Help Understanding Your Water?
Every source is different. Borewell, municipal, tanker—each has its own TDS and contamination profile.
If you’re unsure what kind of purifier you need, we’re here to help.
Contact Aquaflit today for a free water consultation. We’ll help you test, understand, and choose the right system—so you don’t just drink water, you trust it.
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Because when it comes to your family’s health, water shouldn’t be a guesswork.