Drinking Water TDS Range
When it comes to the water you drink every day, purity isn’t just about being clean and colorless. One of the most important indicators of water quality is its TDS level. But what is TDS? What’s the right drinking water TDS range? And how does it affect your health and water taste?
Let’s break it all down in this complete guide.
What is TDS in Drinking Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which refers to the total amount of minerals, salts, metals, and organic substances dissolved in water. These could include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates.
While many of these elements are beneficial in trace amounts, excessive TDS can affect water taste, safety, and health benefits.
TDS Level Meaning: A Simple Explanation
To make it easier to understand, here's what various TDS levels mean when it comes to drinking water:
| TDS Level (mg/L or ppm) | Quality of Water |
|---|---|
| 0–50 | Extremely low mineral content (Not ideal for long-term drinking) |
| 50–150 | Excellent (but may lack essential minerals) |
| 150–300 | Ideal TDS level for drinking water |
| 300–500 | Acceptable and safe for most households |
| 500–900 | Caution: Can affect taste, may not be suitable for daily consumption |
| 900–1200 | Poor quality, not recommended |
| Above 1200 | Unsafe for human consumption |
What Is the Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water?
Experts agree that the ideal TDS range for drinking water is between 150 to 300 ppm. This range provides enough essential minerals like calcium and magnesium without affecting the taste or health benefits.
Why not 0 TDS?
Water with TDS close to zero is too pure — it may lack essential minerals your body needs. Over time, drinking ultra-purified water can actually leach minerals from your body, leading to imbalances.
That’s why RO systems with TDS controllers or mineral cartridges are recommended. They remove harmful substances but retain beneficial minerals.
What is Considered Safe TDS for Water?
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and WHO guidelines recommend:
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Up to 500 ppm is safe and acceptable for drinking.
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Below 300 ppm is ideal for daily health.
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Anything above 500 ppm could contain excess salts or heavy metals, especially if the water source is from borewells or industrial regions.
Safe TDS for water = Less than 500 ppm, ideally 150–300 ppm.
Why TDS Matters in RO Water Purifiers
Most Indian households use RO purifiers to manage TDS levels in water. These systems are effective at reducing TDS, especially in areas with hard water or high contamination.
However, not all RO systems are equal.
Many remove too many minerals, leaving the water flat-tasting and nutritionally poor. This is where TDS controllers or mineralizers come in. They ensure your purified water falls within the ideal TDS range — giving you safe, tasty, and healthy water.
TDS and Taste: What's the Connection?
Water taste is often the first thing people notice when TDS levels change. Here's how TDS affects the taste:
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TDS < 50 ppm: Water tastes bland or “empty”
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TDS 150–300 ppm: Balanced, fresh taste
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TDS 500–900 ppm: Salty or bitter
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TDS > 1200 ppm: Strong, unpleasant taste; unsafe
That’s why hotels, hospitals, and homes prefer water with TDS between 150 and 300 ppm — it's clean, mineral-rich, and tastes good.
TDS Range by Source of Water
| Water Source | Typical TDS Range | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| RO-Purified Water | 10–100 ppm | Needs remineralization |
| Borewell Water | 300–1200+ ppm | RO treatment required |
| Municipal Tap Water | 150–500 ppm | Check before using |
| Mineral/Bottled Water | 200–300 ppm | Usually ideal |
| River/Lake Water | 50–300 ppm | Needs filtration for microbes |
Health Impact of Low vs High TDS Water
🔽 Too Low TDS (<50 ppm)
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May lack minerals
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Can disturb electrolyte balance
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May contribute to fatigue over time
🔼 Too High TDS (>500 ppm)
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May cause kidney strain if consumed long term
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Can lead to gastrointestinal irritation
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Indicates potential presence of heavy metals or contaminants
Solution: Use an RO system with a TDS controller to balance health and taste.
How to Check the TDS Level of Your Drinking Water
You can easily measure your water’s TDS at home using a digital TDS meter, available online for ₹200–₹500.
Steps:
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Take a clean glass of drinking water.
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Turn on the TDS meter and dip it into the water.
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Wait 10 seconds and read the value in ppm (parts per million).
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Adjust your purifier’s TDS controller if required.
FAQs About Drinking Water TDS Range
Q1. What is the ideal TDS level for drinking water in India?
The ideal TDS level is 150–300 ppm. It’s safe, healthy, and gives the best taste.
Q2. Is 0 TDS water good for drinking?
Not really. Water with 0 TDS lacks essential minerals. Long-term consumption may lead to mineral deficiency.
Q3. Can I drink water with 600 TDS?
It’s above the recommended range. While not immediately harmful, long-term use is not advised unless tested safe for heavy metals and contamination.
Q4. What should I do if my RO water TDS is too low?
Use a purifier with TDS controller or mineral cartridge to bring TDS back to 150–300 ppm.
Q5. Does higher TDS mean water is dirty?
Not always. High TDS may come from safe minerals, but it can indicate contamination, especially in borewell or untreated sources.
Conclusion: The Right TDS Range for Safe Drinking Water
Understanding the drinking water TDS range helps you make better health choices. The ideal range of 150–300 ppm ensures that your water is:
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Clean and safe
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Rich in essential minerals
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Pleasant-tasting
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Balanced for long-term health
If your source water has TDS outside the safe range, use a reliable RO system with a TDS controller. And don’t forget to test your TDS regularly — it’s an easy habit that pays off in health.
Don’t miss: What is the Minimum TDS for Drinking Water? – a must-read for deeper insights.
