What Should Be the TDS of Drinking Water?

Did you know that the taste, quality, and even the health benefits of your drinking water depend on something called TDS? You might be surprised to learn that the ideal Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level for drinking water is between 50 and 300 parts per million (ppm). According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), water with TDS up to 300 ppm is excellent for human consumption, and up to 500 ppm is acceptable. Anything beyond this can affect taste and may pose long-term health risks.

What is TDS in Drinking Water?

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. These include essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, as well as salts, bicarbonates, and trace amounts of other compounds.

When water flows through rocks, pipes, and soil, it naturally absorbs these minerals and particles. While some dissolved solids are beneficial for health, excessive levels can compromise taste and quality.

In short, TDS is a quick indicator of how “pure” or “mineral-rich” your water is.

Why Does TDS Matter in Drinking Water?

TDS is not just about numbers; it has a direct impact on both taste and health.

• Taste: Low TDS water (below 50 ppm) can taste flat or bland because it lacks essential minerals. High TDS water (above 500 ppm) can taste salty, bitter, or metallic.

• Health: Minerals like calcium and magnesium are important for bone and heart health. Extremely low TDS water might deprive you of these, while extremely high TDS may lead to kidney stones, hypertension, or gastrointestinal problems.

• Appliance Lifespan: Water with very high TDS can also leave scale deposits in kettles, purifiers, and pipelines.

This balance is why finding the ideal TDS range is so important.

Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water

The question most people ask is: What is the best TDS for drinking water?

According to international and national standards:

• WHO guideline: TDS up to 300 ppm is excellent.

• BIS standard (India): TDS up to 500 ppm is permissible.

This means that while 50–300 ppm is considered best, water with TDS below 50 may lack essential minerals, and water above 500 needs treatment.

“If your water’s TDS is higher than 500 ppm, you may need a reliable RO system. Explore our RO service plans to ensure your family gets safe drinking water.”

How to Measure TDS of Drinking Water

Checking TDS is simple, and you don’t always need a lab.

1. TDS Meter: A digital handheld TDS meter provides instant readings in ppm. It is affordable and widely used at home.

2. Laboratory Testing: For more accurate analysis, professional labs can test TDS along with other parameters like hardness, fluoride, or heavy metals.

3. Conductivity Method: TDS meters actually measure electrical conductivity and convert it into ppm values.

If you rely on municipal water or borewell water, regular testing ensures you stay within safe limits.

“Don’t have a TDS meter? Our technicians check TDS during every RO maintenance service to make sure your water is within safe limits.”

How to Adjust TDS in Drinking Water

Depending on whether your water has too much or too little TDS, you can adjust it:

• If TDS is too high (above 500 ppm):

  • Use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) water purifier to filter out excess salts and contaminants.

  • Blending treated water with raw water can also balance TDS.

• If TDS is too low (below 50 ppm):

  • Use a purifier with a mineral cartridge that adds back essential calcium and magnesium.

  • Mixing water sources can improve the balance.

The goal is not to reduce TDS to zero but to maintain the optimal range for health and taste.

Health Effects of Very Low and Very High TDS

• Very Low TDS (below 50 ppm):

  • Water tastes flat.

  • Can lead to mineral deficiencies over time.

  • Not suitable for long-term daily consumption.

• Very High TDS (above 1000 ppm):

  • Water tastes unpleasant (salty, metallic, or bitter).

  • Risk of kidney stones, gastrointestinal problems, and high blood pressure due to excess salts.

  • May contain harmful contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrates depending on the source.

FAQs on TDS in Drinking Water

What should be the TDS of drinking water?

The ideal TDS of drinking water should be between 50 and 300 ppm. Water with TDS up to 500 ppm is still acceptable as per the Bureau of Indian Standards, but anything higher should be treated before consumption.

Which TDS is best for drinking water?

The best TDS level for drinking water is between 50 and 150 ppm because it ensures a balance of taste and essential minerals.

Is 70 TDS safe for drinking water?

Yes, 70 ppm is safe for drinking water. It falls within the excellent range and provides a good balance between safety and taste.

Is 25 TDS safe for RO water?

Water with 25 ppm TDS is safe to drink, but it may taste flat due to a lack of minerals. Over time, consistently consuming very low TDS water could mean missing out on beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.

What if we drink 30 TDS water?

Drinking water with 30 ppm TDS is not harmful, but it may lack essential minerals. Long-term consumption may not provide the same health benefits as water with TDS between 50–150 ppm.

Conclusion

The TDS of drinking water is more than just a number—it is a measure of how safe, healthy, and palatable your water is. The ideal TDS range is 50–300 ppm, with WHO recommending up to 300 ppm as excellent and BIS permitting up to 500 ppm as safe. Very low TDS may taste bland and lack minerals, while very high TDS can affect both taste and health.

By testing your water regularly and adjusting it with the right purification methods, you can ensure that your family has access to safe and refreshing drinking water every day.

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