TDS in plain language
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It's a measure of everything dissolved in your water that isn't a water molecule - primarily calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, sulfates, and carbonates.
The unit is ppm (parts per million) or equivalently mg/L. A TDS of 400 ppm means there are 400 milligrams of dissolved minerals per litre of water.
You can measure your home's water TDS with a simple digital TDS meter - available for Rs.200-400 on Amazon. Dip it in a glass of your tap water and it gives you an instant reading.
What different TDS levels mean
| TDS Level | Category | What it means for your bathroom |
|---|---|---|
| 0-150 ppm | Low | Minimal scale formation. Glass stays clean longer. |
| 150-300 ppm | Moderate | Occasional marks. Standard descalers work adequately. |
| 300-500 ppm | High | Noticeable buildup within 1-2 weeks. Ordinary cleaners struggle. |
| 500+ ppm | Extreme | Rapid, severe scale. Only professional-grade acid formulas are effective. |
Why India's TDS is uniquely high
Indian groundwater runs through some of the most mineral-rich geological formations in the world. The Indo-Gangetic plains - covering Delhi, UP, Bihar, and Punjab - overlay deep sedimentary rock layers saturated with calcium and magnesium.
In Rajasthan and Gujarat, borewell water sources tap into aquifers that have been mineralising for thousands of years with almost no natural flushing. Jodhpur's groundwater routinely measures 600-900 ppm. Parts of rural Gujarat and Rajasthan exceed 1500 ppm.
Municipal water treatment can reduce TDS, but rarely eliminates it - and many cities rely heavily on groundwater that receives minimal treatment before distribution.
What high TDS does to your bathroom
At 400+ TDS, here's what's happening every time you shower:
On glass: Calcium carbonate and magnesium deposits bond to the glass surface with each evaporation cycle. Over weeks, they build up into a crystalline layer that's increasingly difficult to remove. The surface becomes permanently etched if left long enough.
On chrome: Chrome fixtures develop a chalky white coating. Over time, the mineral deposits trap moisture against the chrome and accelerate corrosion beneath the surface.
On tiles and grout: Grout discolours. Tile glaze becomes dulled as mineral deposits fill in the microscopic texture of the surface.
On your skin and hair: This is documented but outside our focus - the bathroom damage is visible and immediate.
How to check your city's TDS
The fastest way: use our TDS checker tool on the homepage. Enter your pincode. We've mapped 30 cities to their typical TDS ranges so you can see immediately where your water sits.
The more accurate way: buy a TDS meter, measure your own tap water, and know your exact situation.
What to do about it
You have three options:
1. Water softener/RO system - reduces TDS at source. Expensive to install, requires maintenance, doesn't help with scale that already exists.
2. Accept it and clean more frequently - doesn't work if you're using the wrong product.
3. Use a formula specifically designed for your TDS level - this is what Fighter does.
OrangeDemon Fighter was formulated for TDS levels of 350-900 ppm - the range that covers most of urban India's worst-affected areas. It doesn't treat the water. It treats the result of the water - the mineral deposits already on your glass.
The water problem isn't going away. The bathroom damage doesn't have to be permanent.