The World Health Organization (WHO) does not specify a recommended Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) value for drinking water. TDS is a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular (colloidal sol) suspended form. The acceptable TDS level for drinking water can vary based on regional standards and local preferences.
In general, TDS levels in drinking water are often influenced by the geological and environmental conditions of the area. Some regions may naturally have higher TDS levels due to the presence of minerals, salts, and other dissolved substances in the water.
Rather than focusing solely on TDS, it’s more common to consider individual parameters like concentrations of specific ions (such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate) and other contaminants when assessing water quality.
Drinking water standards often set limits for these specific parameters rather than TDS as a whole.
It’s advisable to consult local drinking water standards and guidelines established by relevant health authorities or environmental agencies in your area to determine the acceptable water quality parameters for consumption.
If you are concerned about the quality of your drinking water, you may also consider getting your water tested through a certified laboratory.
As of best of my knowledge, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the standards for drinking water in India and recommended the acceptable limit for TDS-500ppm, total hardness-200ppm and total alkalinity-200ppm (more details are given in table below). The relevant standard for drinking water quality in India is IS 10500:2012, titled “Drinking Water -Specification.”
The IS 10500 standard provides specifications and maximum permissible limits for various physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters in drinking water. These parameters include pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), turbidity, hardness, chloride, fluoride, iron, manganese, nitrate, and various other contaminants.
It’s important to note that standards may be subject to updates and revisions, so it’s recommended to check for the latest version of the IS 10500 standard or consult with relevant authorities for the most recent information. If there have been updates or changes to the standards, you should refer to the latest documents published by the Bureau of Indian Standards or consult with local water regulatory authorities for the current drinking water quality standards in India.