Drinking water or potable water supplied by the local municipalities in India is not necessarily safe to drink directly. More often than not the water is either treated with harsh chemicals rendering it an unpleasant odor and taste or not treated well making it prone to contamination. This is the reason India is one of the leading markets for water purifiers. But how to determine if the water you are drinking is safe before deciding to implement a water purifier at home? Let’s understand what makes water good, physically, chemically, and biologically!
Why Drinking Water Quality Matters
Physical Characteristics of Good Drinking Water
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Clarity and Color
As often described, pure water is tasteless and odorless. This is the obvious indicator of physical purity. Cloudy or muddied water is contaminated water. -
Odor and Taste
Good water not only looks clean but also smells and tastes clean. It should be odorless and have a neutral, refreshing taste. If your water smells odd, it’s a warning sign of potential chemical or bacterial contamination.
Chemical Characteristics of Good Drinking Water
1. pH Level
Ideally, the pH of water should range between 6.5 and 8.5. Water that is too acidic (low pH) can corrode pipes, leading to the leaching of metals like lead and copper into the water. On the other hand, water with a high pH (alkaline) may have an unpleasant taste.
2. TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
The total dissolved solids in water is a measure of the amount of dissolved salts and minerals. The ideal TDS level for drinking water is below 500 mg/L. Water with high TDS levels may taste salty, bitter, or metallic and could indicate the presence of harmful substances.
3. Essential Minerals
Good drinking water contains essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and fluoride, which are vital for bone strength, cardiovascular health, and cavity prevention. However, these minerals must be within permissible limits to avoid negative health effects.
4. Contaminants to Avoid
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Heavy Metals: Lead, arsenic, and mercury are dangerous even in trace amounts, causing severe health issues like organ damage or developmental delays.
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Nitrates and Pesticides: These often enter water supplies from agricultural runoff and pose risks, by interfering with oxygen transport in the blood.
Parameter |
Ideal Range/Value |
Importance |
pH Level |
6.5 to 8.5 |
Prevents pipe corrosion and ensures safety and palatability. |
TDS (mg/L) |
Below 500 mg/L |
Affects taste and safety; high TDS may indicate harmful contaminants. |
Calcium & Magnesium |
Permissible levels (varies by region) |
Supports bone and heart health. |
Fluoride |
Below 1.5 mg/L |
Strengthens teeth but can cause fluorosis if above permissible levels. |
Lead |
Not detectable |
Even trace amounts can cause neurological and developmental issues. |
Arsenic |
Below 0.01 mg/L |
Long-term exposure can lead to cancer and organ damage. |
Nitrates & Pesticides |
Below 10 mg/L (nitrates) |
Prevents oxygen transport interference and reduces agricultural runoff risks. |
Ensuring biological safety is one of the most critical aspects of water quality.
1. Common Microorganisms to Avoid
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Bacteria:
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E. coli: Presence indicates fecal contamination and can cause diarrhea, cramps, and kidney failure in severe cases.
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Salmonella: Responsible for typhoid fever and other foodborne illnesses.
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Viruses:
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Hepatitis A: Transmitted through contaminated water, it can lead to liver infections.
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Norovirus: Known for causing gastroenteritis, leading to vomiting and diarrhea.
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Protozoa:
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Giardia: Causes giardiasis, leading to abdominal discomfort and prolonged diarrhea.
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Cryptosporidium: Resistant to chlorine treatment and causes severe gastrointestinal illness.
Standards for Drinking Water Quality
Indian Standards (IS 10500:2012)
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Indian water standards ensure that water is free from harmful contaminants like lead and arsenic.
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They also have standards set for the regulation of pH , TDS , and hardness.
WHO Guidelines
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Focuses on microbial safety by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
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Sets strict limits on chemicals and ensures water is clear, odorless, and safe for consumption.
How to Test and Ensure Drinking Water Quality
Testing Water Quality at Home
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TDS Meters: TDS meters provide you a reading of the TDS levels in your water which is an indication of the hardness level in your water. Higher the TDS levels, higher is your water hardness. With high levels of dissolved salts. Very low TDS on the other hand means lack of essential minerals.
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pH Strips: A pH level outside of 6.5 and 8.5 range means the water that is too acidic or alkaline, potentially causing corrosion in pipes or trouble the digestive system.
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Home Water Test Kits: At home water test kits are an easy way of testing your water. They detect contaminants like nitrates, chlorine, and water hardness.
Importance of Professional Lab Testing
Beyond the basic at home testing methods, professional lab testing provides a detailed water profile by providing in-depth insights into what is lurking in your water. While it is fine to use at home testing for a primary and quick check, it’s advisable to go for a professional lab testing to be sure and safe.
Steps to Treat Contaminated Water
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Boiling: Boiling water for 5-10 minutes effectively kills bacteria, viruses, and other harmful pathogens. It's one of the earliest known and quick methods of water purification. Boiling however doesn’t eliminate chemical contaminants.
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Filtration: Water filters depending on the type, carbon/ceramic/UV, remove visible particles, chlorine, and some heavy metals.
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Reverse Osmosis (RO): RO systems are one of the most advanced filtration techniques ensuring the removal of most contaminants by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane..
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Chlorination: Chlorination is one of the commonly used chemical disinfection used by local municipalities to purify water.
You can check various parameters listed in this blog to determine the quality of your drinking water. This can act as an initial step in deciding whether you need a water purifier installed. If necessary, look for purifiers that offer hybrid filters [RO+UV+UV], just like Lustral Water’s AI-enabled smart water purification system.