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Blog Water is the basic source of life and its quality directly affects human health, agriculture and industrial processes. There are many parameters that determine water quality. One of them is the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) value, which is often heard but often not known exactly what it means. Especially when it comes to drinking water treatment systems, water purifiers and rainwater collection systems, the concept of TDS plays a critical role.
In this article, you will find comprehensive answers to all questions such as what TDS is, how it is measured, in which units it is expressed, what the ideal TDS value should be and the effects of TDS on health, taste and mineral balance.
What is TDS and How is it Measured?
TDS refers to the total amount of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. These substances consist of components such as minerals, salts, metals and ions. The TDS value gives important clues about the overall quality of the water.
TDS measurement is usually carried out by electronic measuring devices or laboratory methods. The value obtained as a result of the measurement is evaluated in terms of potability and suitability of the water for its intended use.
What is TDS and Why is it Important?
TDS helps us to understand the degree of purity of water and the concentration of dissolved substances in it. High or low TDS values can directly affect the suitability of water for different uses.
In particular:
- Drinking water quality
- Performance of domestic and industrial water treatment systems
- Agricultural irrigation efficiency
- Taste and mineral balance of water
TDS value is a determining criterion in such matters.
Meaning and Importance of TDS
TDS stands for “Total Dissolved Solids”. These substances are invisible to the naked eye in water but directly affect the chemical structure of water. Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate and bicarbonate are included in TDS.
The importance of TDS comes from here:
- Too high TDS increases the hardness of water and can damage installations.
- Too low TDS can reduce the mineral content of the water, resulting in “soft” but flavourless water.
TDS Measurement and Units
TDS measurement is usually expressed in units of ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per litre). These two units have the same meaning in practice. For example, a TDS value of 150 ppm indicates 150 mg of dissolved matter in one litre of water.
How to Measure TDS?
Two basic methods are used in TDS measurement: electrical conductivity method and gravimetric measurement method.
TDS Measurement by Electrical Conductivity:
It is the most commonly used method. Portable TDS meters calculate an approximate TDS value by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water. Because ions dissolved in water can conduct electric current.
Advantages of this method:
- Fast and practical
- Suitable for home users
- Instant results
TDS meters are very useful for users interested in water treatment and rainwater systems such as Rainwater.
Gravimetric TDS Measurement:
This method is applied in the laboratory. The water sample is evaporated and the remaining solids are weighed. It is the most accurate TDS measurement method but time consuming and costly.
Usually:
- Academic studies
- Official analyses
- Industrial quality controls
is preferable.
What are TDS Units of Measurement?
The most commonly used units in TDS measurement are as follows:
- ppm (parts per million)
- mg/L (milligrams/litre)
Both units express the same value in practice. While the mg/L unit is preferred in international standards, ppm is more common in daily use.
What should be the TDS Value?
The ideal TDS value depends on the intended use of the water. Different TDS ranges are acceptable for drinking water, irrigation water or industrial use.
What should be the TDS Value of Drinking Water?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and many health authorities:
- 0 – 300 ppm: Excellent quality
- 300 – 600 ppm: Good quality
- 600 – 900 ppm: Medium quality
- Over 900 ppm: Not recommended for drinking
Generally, waters in the range of 50 – 250 ppm are considered ideal in terms of both flavour and mineral balance.
| TDS Range (ppm) | Water Quality | Drinkability |
| 0-17 ppm | Soft water | Drinkable |
| 17-60 ppm | Slightly hard water | Drinkable |
| 60-120 ppm | Medium hard water | It is recommended not to drink |
| 120-180 ppm | Hard water | Should not be drunk |
| 180-300 ppm | Very hard water | Should not be drunk |
| 300-1,000 ppm | Excessively hard water | Should not be drunk |
| 1.000-5.000 ppm | Bitter water | Should not be drunk |
| 5.000-15.000 ppm | Very bitter water | Should not be drunk |
| 15.000-30.000 ppm | Salt water | Should not be drunk |
| Over 30.000 ppm | Sea water | Should not be drunk |
What should be the TDS Value for Irrigation Water?
Acceptable TDS values for irrigation water used in agriculture are higher:
- 0 – 500 ppm: Suitable for sensitive plants
- 500 – 2,000 ppm: Acceptable for hardy plants
- Above 2,000 ppm: Risky for soil and plant health
Irrigation water with high TDS can increase soil salinity in the long term.
Effects of TDS Value
The TDS value is not only a technical measurement, but also an important factor affecting the experience of using water.
Health Effects
Extremely high TDS values:
- May lead to adverse effects on kidney health
- Water with high sodium content may increase the risk of blood pressure
Very low TDS values:
- May cause mineral deficiency in the long term
- May affect electrolyte balance
A balanced TDS level is therefore important.
Taste of Water
TDS value directly affects the taste of water:
- Low TDS: Soft but “flat” taste
- Medium TDS: Balanced and refreshing flavour
- High TDS: Bitter or metallic taste
For this reason, many users want to consciously adjust the TDS level of the treated water.
Mineral Intake
Water provides a small but important part of the daily mineral intake. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are beneficial at ideal TDS levels. Over-treated water with near-zero TDS can remove this mineral contribution.
Rainwater systems aim not only to purify water, but also to achieve a balanced and healthy TDS level.
TDS is one of the basic parameters in the assessment of water quality. Accurate measurement, correct interpretation and ensuring the TDS level suitable for the intended use are of great importance for both health and long-term water management. Knowing the TDS value in every field from drinking water to irrigation water is the key to conscious water consumption.
With Rainwater solutions, you can achieve a healthier, balanced and sustainable water use by keeping the TDS value of your water under control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TDS?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a water quality indicator that expresses the total amount of minerals, salts and ions dissolved in water.
Does the TDS value indicate that the water is clean?
The TDS value indicates the amount of dissolved matter in the water, but does not provide sufficient information about bacteria, viruses or chemical contaminants.
What should be the ideal drinking water TDS value?
The generally accepted ideal drinking water TDS value is in the range of 50-250 ppm. This range is suitable for both taste and mineral balance.
Are measurements with a TDS metre reliable?
TDS meters are practical and reliable enough for daily use. However, for precise analyses, gravimetric measurement should be performed in the laboratory.
Can you drink water with high TDS value?
Waters with TDS values above 900 ppm are generally not recommended as drinking water. In the long term, it may have negative effects on health and taste.
Is low TDS water harmful?
Water with very low TDS value may be poor in minerals. Long-term consumption may adversely affect the mineral balance of the body.
Does TDS affect the taste of water?
TDS. Moderate TDS values give the water a more balanced and pleasant taste, while high TDS can produce a bitter or metallic taste.
Why is TDS important in irrigation water?
Irrigation water with high TDS can cause soil salinisation and adversely affect plant growth. Therefore, TDS control is important in agricultural irrigation.
Do water purifiers reduce TDS?
Yes, this is true. Especially reverse osmosis systems reduce the TDS value significantly. Some systems also include a mineral balancing stage.
What is the TDS value of rainwater usually?
The TDS value of rainwater is generally low. However, collection surfaces and environmental factors can increase this value.
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