A Beginner Guide to Understanding TDS Level in Bottled Water
TDS, which stands for Total Dissolved Solids, is one of the key indicators of water quality. Therefore, measuring the TDS of the water you consume is necessary. It helps you determine whether the water you consume or will consume is safe.
This also applies to bottled water. However, how do you understand TDS levels in bottled water? Nevas, one of India’s leading mineral water brands, explains TDS levels in bottled water through this blog, which serves as a beginner’s guide.
What Do You Mean by the TDS Level of Water?
As stated earlier, TDS means Total Dissolved Solids. It is the weight of everything dissolved in your water. These solids that dissolve down to the molecular level are expressed in parts per million (ppm).
Now, the solids include a range of elements like:
- Essential Minerals: Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium.
- Salts: Chlorides, Sulfates, Bicarbonates.
- Trace Elements: Sometimes, other inorganic contaminants.
The origin of the bottled water and the treatment (such as Reverse Osmosis or added minerals) it undergoes often influences its TDS levels.
Why is Measuring TDS Crucial?
Measuring TDS is critical for the following reasons.
- Assess Water Purity: High TDS levels mean contamination that needs treatment.
- Ensure Better Water Taste: Balanced TDS contributes to sweet, smell-free water.
- Safeguard Health and Appliances: Increased TDS can pose health risks and scaling in pipes, water heaters, kettles, etc.
- Choose the Right Purifier: Learning about the TDS of your water helps you select the right purification method, which includes RO, UV, or UF.
How to Calculate TDS Level in Water?
You can determine water’s TDS level in different ways. Let’s look at some of them.
- Digital TDS Meter
This is a compact device that calculates TDS, depending on water’s electrical conductivity. It involves the following steps.
- Switch on the device and dip the sensor into your water sample.
- Make sure you submerge the probe without touching the container walls.
- Wait a few seconds to let the reading stabilize.
- Note the TDS value that the device displays in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L.
Make the right choice with a trusted mineral water bottle from Nevas balanced in minerals, great in taste, and safe for everyday consumption
- Manual Calculation Via Conductivity
Labs, particularly, use the manual method with conductivity meters. As TDS is approximately proportional to conductivity. Hence, you can calculate it with TDS (ppm) = 0.64 X EC (μS/cm) = 640 X EC (dS/m).
- Ideal TDS Ranges
Water with a 50 ppm may lack calcium and magnesium. This can result in a flat taste and poor hydration value. But TDS between 150-300 ppm is usually considered ideal. It balances purity and palatability, while retaining essential minerals and avoiding harmful contaminants. On the other hand, TDS levels of 500 ppm+ signal the presence of excess salts, industrial pollutants, or heavy metals. Thus, such water requires advanced purification levels such as RO.
Normal TDS Levels in Different Types of Bottled Water
Let’s now look at the TDS levels of different bottled waters.
- Natural Mineral Water
Typical TDS: 150–300 mg/L: Originates from underground sources and has calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates.
- Spring Water
Typical TDS: 50–200 mg/L: Comes from natural springs and retains essential minerals.
- Packaged Drinking Water
Typical TDS: 50–150 mg/L: This is for treated water from various sources.
- High-Mineral or Premium Mineral Waters
Typical TDS: 300+: Such water contains increased mineral concentrations and is usually promoted for specific health benefits or taste profiles.
Facts of the TDS of Bottled Water
Understanding the facts of bottled water TDS will help you choose the type that aligns with your taste, preference, and nutritional requirements. So, here are some.
- TDS Affects Taste: Low TDS water tastes clean, light, and is described as flat. Medium-to-high water TDS usually has a richer flavor due to calcium and magnesium.
- High TDS isn’t Always Unsafe: Premium mineral water can have a TDS of 500 ppm+ as it is rich in calcium. But if your tap water suddenly has an increased TDS, it may signal contamination from harmful sources, requiring a full lab test.
- Very Low TDS Can be a Problem: TDS below 50 ppm is chemically pure, lacking essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. On the other hand, water with minimal dissolved solids tastes bland and can sometimes be corrosive.
Conclusion
So, we hope the above gave you adequate insights into the TDS levels of water and bottled water. If you are looking for the best mineral water in India, something that contributes positively to your health and taste, choose Nevas Water. Trusted by millions, we are one of the leading mineral water brands with a nationwide presence.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is high TDS harmful?
Not necessarily. It depends on the mineral dissolved.
Does low TDS mean healthy water?
No. Low TDS means fewer minerals, but not necessarily health benefits.
Is it good to drink water with a TDS level above 500 mg/L?
Yes. If the water is from a trusted brand. But you must consult your doctor to know the best-suited type and TDS for you.
