According to IS 10500-2012, the maximum permissible limit of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the absence of an alternate source of drinking water is:
2000 mg/l
IS 10500-2012 TDS Limit for Drinking Water Explained
Understanding the quality of drinking water is crucial for public health. One important parameter is the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which represents the total amount of minerals, salts, and other substances dissolved in the water.
What is Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
TDS refers to the combined total of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. These can include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. While some dissolved solids are necessary for taste and health, excessively high levels can affect the water's taste, cause scaling in pipes, and potentially indicate contamination.
Indian Standards for Drinking Water: IS 10500-2012
In India, the quality standards for drinking water are set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) under IS 10500-2012. This standard specifies the acceptable and permissible limits for various parameters, including TDS, to ensure water is safe for consumption.
TDS Limits as per IS 10500-2012
The standard differentiates between two scenarios for TDS limits:
- Acceptable Limit: This is the ideal level of TDS that is desirable for drinking water.
- Permissible Limit (in the absence of alternate source): This is the maximum concentration of TDS that can be tolerated when no other suitable source of drinking water is available. This higher limit acknowledges situations where water quality may be compromised due to lack of alternatives.
According to IS 10500-2012, the limits for Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are:
| Parameter | Acceptable Limit | Permissible Limit (in absence of alternate source) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 500 $mg/l$ | 2000 $mg/l$ |
Determining the Maximum Permissible Limit
The question specifically asks for the maximum permissible limit of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in the absence of an alternate source. Based on the standards outlined in IS 10500-2012, this limit is 2000 $mg/l$. This value represents the upper boundary for TDS concentration when options for obtaining water with lower TDS are limited.
Therefore, when considering the scenario where no alternate source of drinking water is available, the maximum permissible concentration of TDS is 2000 $mg/l$.
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