Due diligence on property purchases covers floor plans, construction quality, amenity quality, and legal documentation. It rarely covers water quality. Yet the TDS level of the water supply is one of the most consequential factors for the long-term maintenance cost and livability of the property.
Question 1: What Is the Primary Water Source?
Municipal piped supply from a surface water reservoir (Cauvery, Ganga canal, Tansa, etc.) is generally softer than borewell water. Borewell water draws from groundwater and typically has significantly higher TDS. Mixed supply — using both, stored in a common sump — usually delivers at borewell TDS levels since the mixing doesn't reduce the mineral content.
If the builder says 'borewell,' ask for the last water quality test report. Most serious developers have one. If they don't, request that the society get one after possession.
Question 2: Has the Water Been Tested for TDS?
Any competent developer or RWA should have TDS test results for their water supply. Ask for the number. Under 300: soft to moderate, standard maintenance. 300--500: moderate, occasional acid treatment sufficient. Above 500: hard water — plan your maintenance budget and product selection accordingly. Above 700: very hard — consider whether the apartment's bathroom fittings are appropriate for this water chemistry.
Question 3: Is There a Water Treatment System?
Some premium developments install centralised water softening or filtration systems. These are worth asking about specifically. A centralised softener that treats water before distribution to individual flats is substantially better than individual water softeners (which each resident would need to install separately).
Ask about the maintenance schedule of any treatment system — a softener that isn't regularly maintained or resalted provides inconsistent water quality.
Question 4: What Are the Geyser Specifications?
In hard water buildings, geyser warranty conditions matter. Some brands specify that their warranty is void in water above a certain TDS level, or that annual descaling is a warranty requirement. Knowing your water hardness and the geyser specifications lets you calculate realistic maintenance costs before purchase.
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