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A TDS Meter is one of the most practical tools for checking water purity. It measures the Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water—an essential indicator of water quality. Dissolved solids include minerals, salts, and organic matter. While some minerals are good for health, excessive levels can make water unsafe or unpleasant to drink.
With increasing pollution and declining groundwater quality, using a TDS meter for water has become common in Indian households. Whether you own a water purifier or rely on a municipal water supply, monitoring TDS ensures your water remains within the safe drinking range.
High TDS levels can affect the taste, odor, and healthiness of drinking water. A reading above 500 ppm (parts per million) often indicates contamination from heavy metals or salts. On the other hand, water with extremely low TDS (below 50 ppm) may lack essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.
Modern water purifiers—especially RO and UV systems—often include built-in TDS controllers. However, a handheld TDS meter allows you to verify if the purifier is functioning properly. It’s a must-have gadget for checking the output of water purifiers, borewell water, and bottled water.
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances present in water.
When water contains minerals and salts, it conducts electricity. A TDS meter measures that conductivity and translates it into a readable TDS value in ppm.
A TDS meter measures the amount of dissolved ions—mainly minerals, salts, and metals—in water. It uses electrical conductivity to estimate the total concentration of these solids.
The higher the concentration of dissolved ions, the greater the electrical conductivity of the water. The device measures this conductivity and converts it into ppm.
Handheld Digital Meters – Compact, easy to use, accurate.
Inline TDS Meters – Installed in water purifiers for continuous monitoring.
Laboratory TDS Meters – Highly precise for scientific use.
The internal microchip multiplies the conductivity reading by a conversion factor (usually between 0.5 and 0.7) to display the TDS value.
Households use TDS meters to ensure purified water stays within safe limits.
Industries monitor TDS levels to maintain water purity for manufacturing, especially in pharmaceuticals and food processing.
Farmers and aquarium owners use TDS meters to monitor mineral concentration critical to plant and aquatic life health.
Take a clean glass of water sample.
Ensure the TDS meter’s electrode is clean.
Remove the protective cap before testing.
Turn on the TDS meter.
Dip the probe about 1 inch into the water.
Wait 10–15 seconds until the reading stabilizes.
Note the displayed value in ppm.
Do not submerge the meter beyond the immersion level.
Always rinse the probe after each use.
Avoid testing hot water—it can damage the sensor.
The TDS value indicates the concentration of dissolved solids. The lower the reading, the purer the water.
According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), water with TDS below 500 ppm is considered safe for drinking.
| TDS Level (ppm) | Water Quality | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | Excellent | Ideal for health (may lack minerals) |
| 50 – 150 | Good | Balanced mineral level |
| 150 – 300 | Fair | Acceptable for most homes |
| 300 – 500 | Poor | May taste salty |
| >500 | Unsafe | Requires purification |
Low TDS: May result in flat taste.
High TDS: Often caused by dissolved salts, iron, or nitrates.
The TDS meter chart is a quick reference to interpret readings. It helps decide whether to use RO purification.
| TDS Reading (ppm) | Water Category | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| <50 | Very Low | Add mineralizer |
| 50–150 | Ideal for drinking | Safe |
| 150–300 | Acceptable | Safe for most users |
| 300–500 | High | Use RO purifier |
| >500 | Unsafe | Avoid or purify before drinking |
Digital LCD display
Automatic temperature compensation
Replaceable probe tips
Water-resistant body
Fast response time
Ensure your TDS meter has a ±2% accuracy range and supports manual calibration for longevity.
Digital meters: More precise, easy to read, portable.
Analog meters: Basic, less accurate, rarely used today.
Range: 0–9990 ppm
Accuracy: ±2%
Features: Auto shut-off, carry case
Price: ₹800–₹1,000
Range: 0–999 ppm
Build: Sleek, minimal, waterproof design
Price: ₹550–₹700
Range: 0–9999 ppm
USP: Best for household use
Price: ₹350–₹450
Range: 0–9990 ppm
Specialty: Low-cost and reliable
Price: ₹300–₹400
Range: 0–9990 ppm
Accuracy: ±2%
Best for: RO and Borewell Water Testing
Price: ₹400–₹600
India’s growing awareness about water quality has boosted TDS meter sales. Urban households, especially in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, now regularly use these devices. The demand for smart water testing devices with digital displays and Bluetooth connectivity is also increasing.
Starts from ₹250 to ₹500, suitable for household use.
Ranges from ₹1000 to ₹4000, offering high accuracy and extra features.
Even a low-cost digital meter can provide accurate readings if properly maintained.
WHO and BIS recommend water TDS levels between 50–150 ppm as ideal for drinking.
If the TDS meter reading exceeds 300 ppm, an RO purifier is necessary to reduce hardness and remove contaminants.
Use activated carbon filters
Boil water before drinking
Regularly service your purifier
Rinse the probe after every test.
Calibrate monthly using standard solutions.
Store the meter dry to prevent corrosion.
Inconsistent readings
Blinking or no display
Residue buildup on the probe tip
1. What is TDS meter full form?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids.
2. What is the ideal TDS meter reading for drinking water?
Between 50–150 ppm is considered ideal.
3. What is a TDS meter used for?
It’s used to measure water purity and mineral content in ppm.
4. How to use a TDS meter for water?
Dip the probe in water and note the digital reading after 10–15 seconds.
5. What is the TDS meter price in India?
Between ₹250 and ₹1000 depending on brand and features.
6. Which is the best TDS meter for drinking water in India?
The HM Digital TDS-3 and Mi TDS Pen are the top-rated models.
7. What is the safe TDS meter for drinking water range?
Ideal range: 50–150 ppm; above 300 ppm requires purification.
A TDS Meter is a simple yet powerful tool for maintaining water quality. It helps you understand what’s in your drinking water and ensures your purifier performs efficiently. With increasing pollution, having the best TDS meter for drinking water isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.
Whether you’re testing tap, borewell, or bottled water, a reliable TDS meter gives you peace of mind that the water you consume daily is pure, balanced, and healthy.