In our daily lives, the quality of the water we drink is crucial to our health. To ensure that our water meets safety standards, it’s essential to understand what’s dissolved in it. 

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a key indicator that measures the concentration of dissolved substances in water. By measuring TDS, we can assess water quality and determine whether additional filtration or treatment is needed.

What Is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)?

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, metal ions, and some organic compounds. It is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). The TDS level plays a crucial role in determining water quality, affecting its taste, health impact, and the need for filtration.

TDS comes from various sources, including natural minerals in water bodies, agricultural runoff, industrial wastewater, and chemicals added during water treatment. In municipal water supplies, TDS levels are often higher, whereas natural water sources generally have lower TDS levels.

How Does TDS Affect Health And Water Quality?

Water with a high TDS level often has a salty or bitter taste, making it less pleasant to drink. Additionally, excessive TDS can negatively impact health. For example, high sodium levels may be harmful to individuals with high blood pressure, and excess minerals can lead to scale buildup, affecting plumbing and household appliances.

However, moderate TDS levels can be beneficial. Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium contribute to bone health and electrolyte balance. The ideal TDS range is generally between 50 and 500 mg/L, ensuring the presence of beneficial minerals while maintaining good taste.

If you're concerned about the quality of the water you're drinking, you might be wondering, is purified water bad for you?

What Is the Optimal TDS Level for Drinking Water?

The ideal TDS level for drinking water depends on its mineral content and personal taste preferences. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), TDS should not exceed 500 ppm. Here’s how different TDS levels affect water quality:

• 50-150 ppm – Ideal range: Fresh, clean taste with a balanced amount of essential minerals.
• 150-250 ppm – Mineral-rich: Suitable for daily drinking but may have a slightly heavier taste.
• 250-500 ppm – Still safe: It may have a mild salty or bitter taste, but it remains within the acceptable range.
• 500+ ppm – Potential concerns: High levels of salts, heavy metals, or contaminants, making it less suitable for long-term consumption.
• 1000+ ppm – Not recommended: May pose health risks and increase kidney strain.

On the other hand, water with an extremely low TDS (0-50 ppm) may lack the necessary minerals, which can affect electrolyte balance if consumed over long periods. For optimal health and taste, a TDS level between 50-150 ppm is generally considered the best choice.

How to Measure TDS?

There are several ways to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), with TDS meters being the most common and convenient method. A TDS meter calculates the concentration of dissolved solids in water by measuring its electrical conductivity—the higher the conductivity, the higher the TDS level.

Steps to Use a TDS Meter:

• Calibration: Ensure the TDS meter is properly calibrated for accurate readings.
• Testing the Water Sample: Submerge the probe into the water and wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilize.
• Reading the Value: The TDS value will be displayed in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L.

For more precise water quality assessments, laboratory testing provides in-depth analysis, making it ideal for large-scale water monitoring. However, for everyday use, the TOKIT water purifier offers a built-in smart display that shows real-time TDS readings of the incoming water. 

This feature eliminates the need for separate TDS meters, allowing users to monitor water quality at a glance. Additionally, TOKIT's smart filter replacement alerts help maintain optimal filtration efficiency, preventing TDS buildup and ensuring consistently clean drinking water.

The Relationship Between Water Purifiers and TDS

Water purifiers effectively reduce TDS levels, improving water quality, but different types of water purifiers vary in their ability to remove dissolved solids:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Purifiers – The most effective way to reduce TDS, RO membranes filter out the majority of dissolved solids, providing ultra-pure drinking water with a significantly lower TDS level.
• Activated Carbon Filters – Primarily improve taste and odor by removing chlorine and organic contaminants but have a limited impact on TDS reduction.
• UV Water Purifiers – Designed to eliminate bacteria and viruses, making water microbiologically safe but not significantly reducing TDS levels.

TOKIT water purifiers incorporate advanced RO filtration technology to efficiently reduce TDS while preserving essential minerals beneficial to health. Additionally, the smart display provides real-time TDS monitoring, enabling users to track water quality effortlessly and ensure effective purification.

How to Reduce TDS Levels?

Lowering Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water can be achieved through several effective methods:

• Using a Reverse Osmosis (RO) Water Purifier – This is the most common and effective method for TDS removal. RO membranes filter out most dissolved solids, producing low-TDS purified water. The TOKIT water purifier is equipped with a high-efficiency RO filtration system that not only significantly reduces TDS levels but also retains essential minerals, ensuring healthier water.
• Water Softening – In areas with hard water, where calcium and magnesium levels are high, water softeners can reduce these minerals, indirectly lowering TDS levels and improving water quality.
• Regular Filter Replacement – To maintain optimal performance, RO membranes and activated carbon filters must be replaced regularly. The TOKIT water purifier features a smart filter replacement alert, ensuring the filtration system operates efficiently and prevents TDS level fluctuations.

Best Practices for TDS Monitoring

Regular water quality monitoring is essential for maintaining safe drinking water, especially when using a water purifier. A high-precision TDS meter is recommended to ensure TDS levels remain within the healthy range.

Additionally, the TOKIT water purifier’s smart display provides real-time TDS monitoring, allowing users to track water quality changes at a glance without needing an external TDS testing device. This advanced feature enhances convenience and ensures consistently clean and safe water.

Conclusion

TDS is a key indicator of water quality, reflecting the total amount of dissolved substances in water. By regularly measuring TDS, users can better understand water purity and select the right water purification system to improve both safety and taste. 

With TOKIT’s RO filtration technology, real-time TDS monitoring, and smart filter reminders, managing household water quality becomes effortless, ensuring every drop meets the highest health standards.

Routine TDS monitoring, investing in effective purification systems, and proper maintenance are essential for securing clean drinking water and enjoying a healthier lifestyle.

Click to learn: How Much Does A Reverse Osmosis System Cost?