What is an unsafe TDS level?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a crucial parameter when assessing the quality of drinking water. It refers to the concentration of dissolved substances such as minerals, salts, and organic matter in water. While TDS in moderate amounts is essential for taste and health, it can quickly become a concern when levels are too high or too low. In this blog, we explore what an unsafe TDS level is, its implications on health, and how to maintain the right balance in your water.

What is TDS in Drinking Water?

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). It includes both essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, as well as unwanted elements such as lead, arsenic, or industrial pollutants.

TDS affects:

• Taste of the water

• Palatability

• Health impacts

• Scaling in pipes and appliances

Understanding the TDS level in drinking water is important not just for taste, but also for long-term health.

Ideal TDS Range According to BIS and WHO

Different health agencies provide recommended limits for TDS in drinking water:

• BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards):
  Acceptable limit = 500 ppm
  Permissible (in absence of alternate source) = 2000 ppm

• WHO (World Health Organization):
  Desirable limit = <300 ppm
  Upper limit = 1000 ppm

What Is an Unsafe TDS Level?

Unsafe TDS levels are generally:

• Below 50 ppm

• Above 500 ppm

Let’s break that down.

1. TDS Below 50 ppm: Too Pure to Be Healthy

Water with TDS below 50 ppm is often the result of excessive purification, such as multiple stages of reverse osmosis (RO). While the water is technically “clean,” it is devoid of essential minerals.

Risks of Low TDS Water:

• Can cause mineral deficiencies

• May result in electrolyte imbalance

• Tastes flat or acidic

• Associated with fatigue, weakness, and cramping

The human body requires trace minerals from drinking water. Too-low TDS means you’re drinking "empty" water.

2. TDS Above 500 ppm: Health Hazard

Water with high TDS may taste bitter, salty, or metallic. More importantly, it could contain harmful contaminants such as:

• Arsenic

• Nitrates

• Fluoride

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.)

Health issues from high TDS:

• Kidney stones

• Stomach upset

• Liver stress

• Risk of long-term toxicity

This is especially a concern in industrial or agricultural areas where groundwater may be contaminated.

TDS Level Chart: Safe vs. Unsafe

This chart helps quickly identify where your water stands. The safe TDS for health is ideally between 150–300 ppm.

Why Balance Matters in TDS Water Quality

TDS is a balancing act. The water should neither be stripped of minerals nor loaded with contaminants. Here’s why:

• Low TDS = No minerals = Low health value

• High TDS = Possible contaminants = Health risk

This makes TDS water quality essential not just for taste, but also for nutrition and safety.

How to Measure TDS in Your Water

You can measure TDS easily using a TDS meter, a small device that gives you an accurate reading in ppm.

Steps:

1. Turn on the meter.

2. Immerse it into a glass of water.

3. Wait for the digital reading.

4. Compare it with the safe TDS range above.

These meters are easily available online and cost between ₹300–₹1000.

What to Do if TDS Is Too High or Too Low?

Case 1: TDS Too High

• Install a RO purifier with a TDS controller.

• Test source water for specific contaminants like fluoride or arsenic.

• Avoid using borewell water in industrial zones.

Case 2: TDS Too Low

• Use a RO system with TDS controller or mineral cartridge.

• Add post-carbon filters that remineralize water.

• Avoid consuming demineralized or distilled water regularly.

The goal should always be to maintain a TDS that supports both palatability and health.

Role of RO Systems and TDS Controllers

RO purifiers are great for reducing TDS, but they often bring it too low. That’s where TDS controllers come in.

What does a TDS controller do?

• Adjusts the ratio of purified vs. unpurified water.

• Ensures essential minerals are retained.

• Keeps output water within the safe TDS range (75–150 ppm).

For Indian households, especially those using groundwater, an RO with TDS controller is a must.

Myths About TDS Levels

Let’s bust a few common myths:

• Myth 1: Lower TDS is always better
  Truth: Below 50 ppm is unsafe and can harm health.

• Myth 2: TDS only affects taste
  Truth: It impacts both taste and long-term wellness.

• Myth 3: Bottled water always has perfect TDS
  Truth: Many bottled waters are over-purified. Always check the label.

Conclusion

Understanding what is an unsafe TDS level can save you from long-term health risks. Water that’s too pure or too contaminated is not ideal. The safest route is to keep your drinking water’s TDS between 75–300 ppm, depending on taste and local water quality. A reliable RO system with a TDS controller can help maintain this range effortlessly.

FAQs: What is an Unsafe TDS Level?

Q1. Is 50 ppm TDS good for drinking?
No. Water below 50 ppm lacks essential minerals and is not ideal for long-term consumption.

Q2. What is the best TDS for drinking water?
The ideal TDS level for drinking water is between 150–300 ppm for balanced mineral content and taste.

Q3. Can high TDS cause health issues?
Yes. TDS above 500 ppm may indicate the presence of harmful salts, metals, or industrial waste and can cause kidney stress, toxicity, and other issues.

Q4. How can I reduce TDS in my home water?
You can reduce high TDS using a RO water purifier with a TDS controller. Always re-check with a TDS meter.

Q5. Is boiled water low in TDS?
Boiling water kills bacteria but does not reduce TDS. You need purification systems to reduce dissolved solids.