What Is TDS and How Monitoring Improves Your Water

We often assume the water flowing from our taps is clean and safe—but do we really know what’s in it? As cities expand and freshwater sources shrink, many households, Apartments now rely on borewells or alternative water supplies. These may appear clear, but often contain high levels of dissolved salts, chemicals, and impurities. This is where TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, becomes important. TDS reflects the overall quality of water—the number of dissolved substances in it—and monitoring these levels is the first step toward making healthier, safer choices for your home and your health. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what TDS is, why it matters, and how smart devices like Waltr Q make TDS monitoring simple and effective. 

What Is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)? 

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which includes all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. These substances may be in molecular, ionized, or colloidal form and typically include salts like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and bicarbonates. TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). 

Maintaining the right TDS level ensures that the water is safe, healthy, and suitable for drinking, cooking, and other household uses. 

• High TDS levels can affect the taste of water, indicate possible contamination, and lead to scale buildup in pipes and appliances. 

• Low TDS levels may result in water with fewer essential minerals, which can affect the taste and reduce potential health benefits. 

Why Is It Necessary to Monitor TDS? 

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a key indicator of overall water quality. By monitoring TDS, you get a quick idea of how clean or contaminated the water is—without testing each component separately. If the TDS level is too high or too low, it signals that something may be wrong, prompting a deeper check of individual water parameters like minerals, salts, or contaminants. Here are some benefits of monitoring TDS:

Image by dragana-gordic, gpointstudio, Freepik on Freepik

Water Quality Assessment TDS gives a clear indication of overall water quality. High levels may mean excessive salts or contaminants affecting taste, odor, and clarity. 

Health Protection Elevated TDS can point to harmful substances like heavy metals or pesticides. Regular checks help ensure safe water consumption. 

Appliance Maintenance High TDS contributes to scale buildup in pipes, heaters, and appliances. Monitoring helps prevent damage and extend their lifespan. 

Water Treatment Efficiency Monitoring TDS before and after filtration systems helps evaluate how well your purification methods are working. 

Environmental Safety TDS levels also affect natural ecosystems. Regular checks can help detect pollution in local water bodies and support better environmental management. 

TDS Level Chart for Drinking Water 

When considering the TDS level, we are often confused about the right TDS rate. So, in this table, we will show you the taste quality and acceptable TDS level. 

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the permissible limit for TDS in drinking water is 500 mg/L. However, the World Health Organization recommends a TDS level should be less than 300 mg/L for drinking water. The minimum TDS of drinking water should not go below 50 ppm. However, the ideal TDS level for drinking water can depend on several factors, including regional geological characteristics and local regulations.

How can we reduce TDS?

Each method has its advantages and suitability depending on factors like cost, water quality goals, and available resources. 

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration: A reverse osmosis system removes sediment and chlorine from water with a prefilter before it forces water through a semipermeable membrane to remove dissolved solids. 

2. Distillation: Boils water to create steam, leaving dissolved solids behind, and then condenses it into purified water. 

3. Ion Exchange: Passes water through a resin bed to exchange ions, removing dissolved solids like calcium, magnesium, and sodium.

4. Electrodialysis: It is a membrane-based process involving the transport of ions through semipermeable membranes using an applied electric field. 

5. Activated Carbon Filtration: Activated carbon removes certain chemicals that are dissolved in water passing through a filter containing GAC by trapping (adsorbing) the chemical in the GAC. 

6. Deionization (DI): Passes water through ion exchange resins to remove both positive and negative ions, reducing TDS levels. 

7. Boiling: Can slightly reduce TDS levels by causing some dissolved solids to precipitate out, but it is less effective compared to other methods. 

What are the Benefits of TDS monitoring to your health?

1. Improved Hydration: Optimal TDS levels provide essential minerals, supporting hydration and vital bodily functions such as fluid balance and cellular function. 

2. Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Certain minerals present in water aid in nutrient absorption, ensuring overall health and well-being by maximizing the uptake of essential nutrients from food. 

3. Better Digestive Health: Balanced TDS levels support digestion by aiding in the breakdown of food and promoting regular bowel movements, thus preventing issues like constipation and promoting gastrointestinal health. 

4. Stronger Bones: Minerals such as calcium and magnesium found in water promote bone density and strength, reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis and ensuring skeletal health. 

5. Boosted Immune Function: Mineral-rich water supports immune function by providing essential nutrients like zinc and selenium, which play a vital role in immune response, helping the body defend against infections and diseases. 

6. Good Skin: High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) levels in water can harm skin by causing dryness, irritation, and clogged pores, leading to acne and premature aging. Balancing TDS levels is crucial for maintaining healthier, clearer, and more youthful-looking skin. 

7. Healthier Hair: Elevated levels of minerals in water can damage hair, leading to dryness, dullness, and breakage. Balanced mineral levels are crucial for healthier, shinier hair. 

What is Waltr Q? Why is it better than a normal TDS monitor device? 

Waltr Q is a smart device that accurately monitors the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in your water in real time. Just place it inside your water tank or container—Waltr Q continuously tracks the concentration of dissolved solids without the need for manual testing. 

It’s a more practical and reliable solution compared to traditional TDS meters. With cloud connectivity and real-time monitoring, you can check your water quality anytime in the app, as long as you have an internet connection. 

Waltr Q also stores historical data and sends instant alerts when TDS levels go beyond safe limits—helping you take timely action to ensure your water stays safe and healthy. 

Conclusion 

In a world where access to clean water is becoming increasingly challenging, checking water quality is essential for good health and well-being. The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level is a key indicator of water quality, impacting everything from hydration to immune function. Neglecting TDS monitoring can lead to health risks and appliance damage, underscoring the importance of proactive water quality management. 

By making TDS monitoring a priority and using smart solutions like Waltr Q, we not only protect our health but also take meaningful steps toward responsible water use. With Waltr Q, every tracking session becomes a chance to make informed choices—leading to a healthier, safer future for all. 

Order today on Amazon, Flipkart, or directly from our website. For inquiries, contact us on WhatsApp.