For generations, Indian households have relied on boiling water as the go-to method for making water safe to drink. But does boiled water remove TDS? The short answer might surprise you.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore whether boiling water reduces TDS, compare boiled water vs RO water, and help you choose the best safe drinking water methods for your family’s long-term health.
Understanding TDS in Drinking Water
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. These include minerals like calcium and magnesium, salts, metals, and even traces of organic matter.
Think of TDS as everything that’s dissolved in your water – both good and potentially harmful substances. When water travels through soil and rocks, it naturally picks up these dissolved solids. Learn more about TDS and how to reduce it with RO water purification.
Safe TDS Levels for Drinking Water
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable TDS levels for drinking water are:
- Excellent: Less than 50-150 mg/L
- Good: 150-200 mg/L
- Fair: 200-300 mg/L
- Poor: 300-1200 mg/L
- Unacceptable: Above 1200 mg/L
The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that water with TDS levels below 300 mg/L is considered excellent for drinking. However, many Indian cities have water with TDS levels exceeding 500 mg/L. Check out our guide on the best pH value of drinking water
Why TDS Levels Matter for Your Health
High TDS water can impact your health in several ways. While some minerals are beneficial, excessive TDS often indicates the presence of harmful substances like lead, arsenic, or pesticides.
Long-term consumption of high TDS water may lead to kidney stones, digestive issues, and mineral imbalances. That’s why understanding your water’s TDS level is crucial for your family’s health. Discover the health effects of low TDS water
What Happens When You Boil Water?
Here’s the truth that might surprise you: Boiled water does NOT remove TDS. In fact, it can actually increase the concentration of dissolved solids in your water.
When you boil water, two things happen:
- The heat kills harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms – which is excellent for preventing waterborne diseases.
- Some water evaporates as steam, leaving behind all the dissolved solids.
The Science Behind Boiling and TDS
Let’s understand this with a simple example. If your water has 500 mg/L TDS and you boil it for 10 minutes, some water evaporates, but all the dissolved solids remain.
The result? The remaining water now has a higher concentration of TDS – perhaps 520-550 mg/L. It’s like making tea stronger by boiling it longer – the minerals and salts become more concentrated.
Boiled Water vs RO Water – Key Differences
Understanding the difference between boiled water and RO water is essential for making informed decisions about your family’s drinking water.
Boiled Water: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and parasites
- Simple and cost-effective method
- No electricity required (if using a gas stove)
- Useful during emergencies or water contamination alerts
Disadvantages
- Does not remove dissolved salts, heavy metals, or chemicals
- Increases TDS concentration through evaporation
- Cannot remove pesticides or industrial pollutants
- Time-consuming for daily use
- Doesn’t improve taste or odor
RO Water: Pros and Cons
Advantages:
- Removes up to 95% of TDS from water
- Eliminates heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals
- Removes bacteria, viruses, and cysts
- Improves taste and odor significantly
- Provides consistent water quality
Disadvantages:
- Requires initial investment
- Needs regular maintenance
- Requires electricity to operate
- Produces some wastewater
Comparison Table: Boiling vs RO Purification
| Parameter | Boiling Water | RO Purification |
| Removes Bacteria/Viruses | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Removes TDS | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (90-95%) |
| Removes Heavy Metals | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Removes Pesticides | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Removes Hardness | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Energy Requirement | Gas/Electricity | Electricity |
| Time Required | 15-20 minutes | Instant |
| Long-term Cost | Low-Medium | Low (per liter) |
| Maintenance | None | Regular |
Is Boiled Water Safe for Long-Term Use?
While boiled water is certainly safer than untreated water, it’s not an ideal long-term solution for areas with high TDS or water contamination issues.
Boiling works well in emergencies or when microbial contamination is the only concern. However, if your water source has high TDS, heavy metals, or chemical contamination, boiling alone won’t make it safe for regular consumption. Understand the risks, causes, and remedies of high TDS levels to protect your family’s health.
Health Risks of High TDS Water (Even When Boiled)
Consuming high TDS water regularly, even after boiling, can lead to:
- Kidney stones due to excess calcium and magnesium
- Cardiovascular stress from high sodium content
- Digestive issues from mineral imbalances
- Scaling in internal organs similar to pipe scaling
- Poor nutrient absorption due to mineral interference
Hard water with TDS above 500 mg/L remains hard even after boiling. The minerals that cause hardness don’t evaporate – they stay in your drinking water.
Best Safe Drinking Water Methods for Indian Homes
Based on your water’s TDS level and contamination type, here are the most effective safe drinking water methods:
For High TDS Areas (Above 500 mg/L)
RO Purification is your best bet. It effectively reduces TDS to safe levels while removing other contaminants. Consider pairing it with a water softener to protect your appliances and plumbing.
For Low-Moderate TDS Areas (Below 500 mg/L)
UV+UF Purification works well when TDS is already acceptable. This combination kills microorganisms and removes suspended particles without removing beneficial minerals.
For Whole-House Protection
Install a water softener system to reduce hardness throughout your home. This protects your skin, hair, appliances, and plumbing from hard water damage.
For Safe Water Storage
Use stainless steel water tanks instead of plastic. They prevent bacterial growth, don’t leach chemicals, and maintain water quality longer.
Install a water softener system to reduce hardness throughout your home. Learn why every Indian household needs a water softener to improve water quality and protect your appliances.
Final Verdict – Does Boiled Water Remove TDS?
Let’s be clear: boiling water kills germs but doesn’t remove TDS. While it’s an important step during emergencies or contamination alerts, it shouldn’t be your only water treatment method.
For comprehensive protection, especially in areas with high TDS or hard water, RO water purification provides complete safety. It removes excess TDS, chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms – giving you truly safe drinking water.
The Bottom Line on Boiled Water vs RO Water
- Boiling = Kills germs, but TDS remains (or increases)
- RO Purification = Complete purification for long-term health
- Best Practice = Know your water’s TDS level and choose accordingly
Looking for safe, healthy water for your family? Explore why you should choose Paqos for water treatment solutions including RO purifiers, water softeners, and stainless steel storage tanks. With the right combination, you can ensure your family enjoys pure, safe water every day.
Faq’
Question – Does boiling water remove TDS?
Answer:
No, boiling water does not remove TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). Boiling kills bacteria and viruses, making the water microbiologically safe, but it does not eliminate dissolved salts, heavy metals, or other contaminants. In fact, boiling can increase the TDS concentration as water evaporates.
Question – What is TDS in water?
Answer:
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter. TDS affects the taste, quality, and safety of drinking water.
Question – What is the safe TDS level for drinking water?
Answer:
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable TDS levels for drinking water are:
- Excellent: Less than 50-150 mg/L
- Good: 150-200 mg/L
- Fair: 200-300 mg/L
- Poor: 300-1200 mg/L
- Unacceptable: Above 1200 mg/L
Water with TDS below 300 mg/L is considered excellent for drinking.
Question – How can I reduce TDS in water?
Answer:
To reduce TDS in water, you can use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifier. RO systems are designed to remove up to 95% of TDS, along with heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants, ensuring safe and clean drinking water.
Question – Is boiled water safe for long-term use?
Answer:
Boiled water is safe for short-term use as it kills bacteria and viruses. However, it is not ideal for long-term use in areas with high TDS, heavy metals, or chemical contamination, as boiling does not remove these impurities.
Question – What are the health risks of high TDS water?
Answer:
Consuming high TDS water regularly can lead to:
- Kidney stones due to excess calcium and magnesium
- Cardiovascular stress from high sodium levels
- Digestive issues from mineral imbalances
- Scaling in internal organs, similar to pipe scaling
- Poor nutrient absorption due to mineral interference
Question – What is the difference between boiled water and RO water?
Answer:
- Boiled Water: Kills bacteria and viruses but does not remove TDS, heavy metals, or chemicals.
- RO Water: Removes up to 95% of TDS, heavy metals, pesticides, and microorganisms, providing comprehensive purification.
Question – How do I know the TDS level of my water?
Answer:
You can measure the TDS level of your water using a TDS meter. These devices are affordable and easy to use, providing an instant reading of the TDS concentration in your water.
Question – Why is RO purification better than boiling water?
Answer:
RO purification is better because it not only kills bacteria and viruses but also removes dissolved solids, heavy metals, pesticides, and other harmful contaminants. Boiling water, on the other hand, only kills microorganisms and does not address TDS or chemical impurities.
Question – What are the best water purification methods for Indian homes?
Answer:
The best water purification methods depend on your water’s TDS level:
- High TDS Areas (Above 500 mg/L): Use an RO purifier.
- Low-Moderate TDS Areas (Below 500 mg/L): Use UV+UF purification.
- Whole-House Protection: Install a water softener system.
- Safe Storage: Use stainless steel water tanks to maintain water quality.