Water is essential to all life on Earth. Every living thing needs it. But how can you ensure that the water is safe and clean? Four key aspects are typically checked to ensure that the water is safe to drink: colour, pH, dissolved oxygen, and Turbidity. Turbidity can be used to measure the suspended particles within the water. This is an indicator of water quality. This article will tell you how water turbidity measured, how it is used to determine water cleanliness, and what you should do to improve drinking water quality.
What is TDS in Water and How Does It Work?
Water is a universal solution. It can pick up impurities quickly and dissolve many organic as well inorganic material. These contaminants can’t be seen with naked eyes. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is a measure of the presence of organic or inorganic materials in the water.
According WHO, water can contain inorganic material such as bicarbonates, calcium and chlorides, dirt and dust, magnesium, Nitrates, Phosphates, and Sulfates. Water can also include organic materials such algae, bacteria, pathogens or pesticides that can spread diseases and harm your health.
How can high TDS affect drinking water quality?
Water in its best condition is colourless. It has no odour and tastes tasteless. TDS levels that are high can make water taste salty. TDS increases make it more difficult and dangerous to drink water that has not been purified.
Here are the consequences of drinking water with high TDS.
- Safety: High TDS levels don’t mean they are unsafe for drinking, unless they are over 1000 ppm. However, the presence of certain materials like lead or copper is considered to be a health risk.
- TDS Level: High amounts of TDS can indicate salty or even bitter taste. It could affect the taste and texture of food, especially if it’s used in cooking.
- Equipment. Hard water causes scaling inside plumbing pimples. Scaling can lead accelerated ageing and other problems.
How is TDS measured in water?
TDS can be described as the sum of the positively charged and negatively charged cations and anions found in water. TDS is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged) present in water. This allows water to conduct electric currents. Water’s electrical conductivity can be tested to determine its TDS. TDS is measured using a compact, digital TDS meter. It can be measured as ppm or milligrams per L. TDS meters may be purchased online or in local stores.
To use the TDS-meter digitally, you need to first take the water out of the glass. Next, let it cool in a cup. Turn on the TDS-meter and then immerse the probes or metal pins into the water for a few moments. On the TDS meters screen, the TDS levels of your water are displayed.
TDS Levels. What TDS Levels are Safe to Drink Water?
TDS levels may vary depending on the water source. TDS levels in groundwater tend to be higher than TDS levels found in water sources like rivers and ponds. TDS levels above a certain level can cause salty or sour taste. Because it might lack minerals, it is best to avoid water with extremely low TDS levels. WHO says that water with less than 300 parts per million is good to drink. A TDS level over 1,000 is considered unsafe for drinking.
How can TDS be reduced in drinking water
To reduce TDS levels in homes that have drinking water with TDS levels of 500 and higher, you may use RO purifiers. RO (Reverse Osmosis), water purifiers use a pump that pushes water at high pressure through the RO chamber. This semipermeable membrane has pores with a diameter of about 0.0001 microns. When water molecules pass from one side of the membrane to another, they leave behind dissolved impurities. The purified water then passes to you while impurities are released through a separate outlet (called “reject line”).
RO water purifiers often have additional filters that improve the quality of the water. The prefilter is designed to remove large impurities such dirt and dust from the purifier, while carbon activated blocks are designed to remove bad odours as well as chlorine. The UV chamber neutralises bacteria, germs and viruses. A post-carbon filter improves water’s flavor. RO water purifiers can help you in boosting immunity.