How Much TDS in Water is Drinkable?

The quality of your water can greatly affect your health and in this article we will explore what you should know about the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in water and whether or not that poses a risk to your health.

The World Health Organisation has guidelines for safe drinking water that are based on the amount of TDS in the water. The WHO’s guideline is that drinking water should have a TDS level of 500 mg/litre or less.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a maximum contaminant level goal for TDS to be 500 ppm for both tap water and bottled water due to potential health risks from drinking high amounts of TDS in a lifetime.

How much TDS in water is best for optimal health benefits?

While the WHO and other organisations and countries have varying minimum requirements for acceptable levels of TDS in drinking water, many sources agree that an optimal level should be in the range of 150 to 300 ppm.

What will happen if you drink water with high levels of TDS?

When you drink high levels of TDS water over a long time period, especially if it is from a single source, you can experience problems such as:

  • Headaches.
  • Fatigue.
  • Stomach problems such as diarrhoea and nausea.
  • Dizziness.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Weight loss or gain.
  • Swelling in the ankles, feet and hands.
  • Skin irritations such as eczema.
  • Hair loss.
  • Bone and joint problems.

While there are many potential health risks associated with drinking high levels of TDS water, it is important to note that the severity of the symptoms will vary from person to person. Many people may not even have any of the above-listed health problems.

What can you do to reduce your exposure to high levels of TDS?

If you are concerned about the levels of TDS in your drinking water, there are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure:

  • Filter your water using a water purifier that is rated to remove particles down to the sub-micron level such as an activated carbon filter.
  • Avoid drinking straight from the tap, especially if you live in an area with substandard water quality.
  • If you drink well water, have your water tested for contaminants regularly by a qualified testing lab.

Conclusion

Water is essential to life and removing all traces of TDS from it may not be necessary. However, high levels of TDS in drinking water can pose some health risks, so it is important to have a general idea of the TDS levels in your drinking water and take whatever steps you can to reduce or remove them.

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