Do you ever feel like your water just doesn’t taste right? If so, you’re not alone. Many people find their water has a high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level, making it difficult to drink. In this guide, we will teach you how to reduce the TDS of your water and make it more palatable. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right filter to using additives to lower the TDS level. So don’t wait. Follow these steps and start enjoying better-tasting water today.
What is TDS?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a metric generally used to describe the hardness level of water. TDS is a measure of how many dissolved ions are present in water. Generally, calcium and magnesium are the most common dissolved ions in hard water.
Aside from calcium and magnesium, other dissolved ions, such as nitrates, arsenic, lead, mercury, etc., can be dangerous at much lower concentrations than calcium and magnesium. When their amount is high enough, water is called hard.
The composition of TDS doesn’t matter as long as it doesn’t contain heavy metals or excess chlorine and chloramines.
What is a good TDS level in water?
The TDS level in water measures the total dissolved solids present in the water. It is generally expressed as parts per million (ppm) concentration. The range of TDS levels considered safe for drinking water varies depending on the water source but is typically between 50 and 150 ppm.
How to take the TDS reading of your tap water
Once you have the right equipment and a water sample, it’s time to take a TDS reading. To do this, place the meter into the solution and wait for it to set up. The display should read 0 ppm or mg/L once it has stabilized. Although this reading may seem low (and it is), in reality, it is quite high because these meters are calibrated to indicate zero when no salt is present.
How to remove TDS from water
● You can use a water filter.
● You can use distilled water.
● You can get a reverse osmosis system.
● You can get a water softener.
● You can add Drumstick seeds (dried)
● You can use the three-pot method
Tips to reduce the TDS of water
- Use a water filter. There are many filters and purifiers on the market, meaning you can find one to suit your needs and budget. Some filters use a combination of charcoal, activated carbon, and ion exchange resins to remove contaminants. Minerals and chemicals are filtered through tiny holes in reverse osmosis membranes under high pressure.
- Make coffee with distilled water instead of tap water when you don’t need minerals like iron or calcium (for example).
- When you want to protect your drinking water supply from heavy metals and other contaminants, get an ionization system; these systems also reduce chlorine smell and taste in drinking water by producing negative ions that neutralize free radicals in the air. They can even improve houseplant health.
- Add drumstick seeds: Just take 50g or 100g drumstick seeds and powder them, then mix them with 10-liter water. It does a wonderful job, and you don’t need to worry about the TDS level in your water.
- The last method is the three-pot method. In this method, we use activated charcoal, a layer of sand, then a layer of pebbles. This method is most effective when used with a water filter.
- Activated charcoal: It is a porous form of carbon that can remove contaminants from water through adsorption, a process in which molecules adhere to its surface.
- Sand: Sand acts as a mechanical filter, trapping large particles such as dirt, gravel, and Rust.
- Pebbles: Pebbles help to support the sand and provide a surface for bacteria to grow, which can help to remove contaminants from the water.
- To reduce the TDS of your water using this method, add one cup of activated charcoal, one layer of sand, and one layer of pebbles to your water filter.
Is water with a high TDS level can be harmful?
Water with a high TDS level can be harmful. This is why you should try to lower your water’s TDS. In addition, health problems such as kidney stones and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can result from high TDS levels.
TDS stands for total dissolved solids, which are any salts or minerals dissolved in water. If you don’t remove the minerals from your water supply before drinking or bathing, you will have difficulty using them as a drinking or bathing fluid.
What are the sources of TDS in water?
Various sources of TDS in water can be broadly categorized into natural and anthropogenic (human-caused).
Natural sources of TDS in water include the presence of dissolved minerals in rocks and soils, as well as the Sea-Salt effect. Through precipitation, salts and minerals from seawater evaporate into freshwater systems, causing the Sea-Salt effect.
TDS is typically caused by human activity, such as agricultural runoff or factory discharges. However, global population and industrialization have increased anthropogenic sources of TDS in water in recent years.
How does TDS impact water quality?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measure the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in a liquid. TDS includes salts, minerals, metals, and microscopic organisms in the water.
The higher the TDS level in the water, the less palatable it becomes. High TDS also can cause health problems such as kidney stones and other health issues. Additionally, high TDS levels reduce the effectiveness of water treatment processes.
How can I measure the TDS of water?
It’s quite simple to measure the TDS of water. All you need to do is evaporate a water sample and weigh the remains with a precision analytical balance. The results will tell you the TDS of the water.
Of course, taking such measurements requires some technical expertise and proper equipment. But with that said, it’s not all that difficult to do. If you have access to the right tools, anyone can measure the TDS of water quite easily.
What is the difference between RO, UV, and carbon filters?
There are three main water filters: RO, UV, and carbon. Each has its unique benefits and drawbacks.
RO (reverse osmosis) filters are the most expensive but effective type. In addition to heavy metals, pesticides, and other chemicals, they remove virtually all impurities. However, they also remove many beneficial minerals from the water, which can be harmful in large quantities.
UV (ultraviolet) filters kill bacteria and parasites in the water but do not remove any impurities. They are a good choice for people concerned about contamination but do not want to sacrifice purity.
Carbon filters are the cheapest and most effective at removing chlorine, lead, and other contaminants. However, they are not as effective as RO or UV filters in terms of purity.
Which water purifier is best for reducing TDS?
There are many different types of water purifiers on the market, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, the best water purifier for reducing TDS (total dissolved solids) will depend on your specific needs and requirements.
If you are looking for a water purifier that can remove high levels of TDS from your water, reverse osmosis (RO) systems are usually the best option. Using a semipermeable membrane, RO systems remove impurities from water. This makes them ideal for reducing TDS levels in your water.
Another option for reducing TDS levels in your water is a deionization system. These systems work by removing charged ions from water, including dissolved minerals. Deionization systems are usually less expensive than RO systems but are not as effective at removing impurities.
If you are concerned about contaminants in your water, UV (ultraviolet) purifiers are a good option. UV purifiers kill bacteria and parasites in the water but do not remove any impurities.
Carbon filters are another option for reducing TDS levels in your water. Carbon filters remove chlorine, lead, and other contaminants from water. However, they are not as effective as RO or UV filters in terms of purity.
The best way to determine which water purifier is best for reducing TDS levels in your water is to consult a professional. They can help you choose the right system for your specific needs.
How often should I change my water filter?
It depends on the type of water filter you have and your water quality. Generally speaking, carbon filters need to be changed more frequently than RO or UV filters.
If you have a carbon filter, it is recommended that you change it every three to six months. If you have an RO or UV filter, it is recommended that you change it every one to two years.
It is also important to regularly clean your water filter, regardless of the type. This will help ensure that it works correctly and reduces impurities in your water.
What are the long-term effects of drinking water with high TDS?
Drinking water with high TDS levels can have several long-term effects on your health. These effects include an increased risk of kidney stones, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Kidney stones are one of the most common long-term effects of drinking water with high TDS. Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys. They are painful and can cause serious health problems.
High blood pressure is another common long-term effect of drinking water with high TDS. High blood pressure is a condition in which the force of blood against your artery walls is too high. This can lead to various health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.
Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the United States. Drinking water with high TDS can increase your risk of developing heart disease. Heart disease is a condition that affects the heart muscle and can lead to a heart attack.
Drinking water with high TDS can also lead to other health problems, such as gastrointestinal issues and dehydration. Therefore, drinking plenty of water daily to stay hydrated and avoid these long-term effects is important.
Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]
1. Can water softener reduce TDS?
Water softeners do not remove dissolved minerals from water. Instead, they work by exchanging the calcium and magnesium ions in hard water with sodium ions. This process does not reduce the TDS of your water.
2. What is the TDS of Bisleri water?
The TDS level of max 120 PPM in 20-liter cans of Bisleri makes it a perfect pick for consumption.
3. Can we adjust TDS in the water purifier?
No, the TDS in the water purifier is fixed and cannot be adjusted.
4. How much TDS is safe in drinking water?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that the TDS level in drinking water should be less than 300 mg/L.
5. Does Brita reduce TDS?
No, Brita filters do not remove dissolved minerals from water. Instead, they work by reducing the chlorine taste and odor in water.
Conclusion
Now, you know everything there is to know about the TDS. The good news is that most of the steps we’ve mentioned above are relatively easy. From checking your water source and relying on a powerful water filter to switching to drinking bottled water, there isn’t much you can do wrong to keep your water clean and safe for consumption.
