Best TDS for Drinking Water – Health & Taste Explained

Did you know that water with too low or too high TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) can be equally harmful to your health? While most households rely on RO systems or borewell sources, not many people are aware of the optimal TDS required for drinking water.

Understanding the best TDS for drinking water is essential not just for health, but also for taste, mineral intake, and long-term appliance maintenance. In this comprehensive guide, we explore everything you need to know about TDS, its implications, and how to ensure your drinking water is safe, healthy, and palatable.

What is TDS in Drinking Water?

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. These solids include essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, chlorides, sulfates, and also trace metals or chemical compounds.

TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) and gives an indication of the overall purity or contamination level of the water.

Common sources of TDS include:

• Natural mineral springs

• Soil and rock erosion

• Agricultural runoff

• Industrial waste

• Municipal water treatment chemicals

Why TDS Levels Matter in Drinking Water

The TDS level in drinking water influences taste, health outcomes, and the performance of water filtration systems. Water with a very low TDS (under 50 ppm) may taste flat or bitter due to the absence of natural minerals. On the other hand, high TDS levels (above 500 ppm) can make water taste salty, metallic, or even unsafe for consumption due to the presence of heavy metals or other contaminants.

Water with the best TDS for drinking ensures:

• Pleasant taste

• Adequate mineral intake

• Safe hydration for children and adults

• Lower risk of water-borne diseases

• Less scaling and residue in appliances

This balance is especially critical in regions using RO water systems, where over-purification can lead to TDS levels that are too low, while untreated borewell or groundwater may have excessive TDS.

What is the Best TDS for Drinking Water?

Recommended TDS Levels by Standards

Authorities such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have provided guidelines for acceptable TDS levels in drinking water. Here's a breakdown:

According to these standards, the ideal TDS in drinking water range is between 50 to 150 ppm, which provides a good balance of taste and essential minerals.

How to Measure TDS in Drinking Water

Measuring TDS is simple and can be done using affordable tools. Here's how:

1. TDS Meter

A digital TDS meter is a handheld device that gives a direct reading of the TDS in ppm. Just dip the probe into a glass of water and the reading appears within seconds.

2. Water Test Kits

These kits often include pH and TDS testing strips and color charts to compare values. They’re more comprehensive but slightly less accurate than digital meters.

3. Smart RO Purifiers

Many modern purifiers come with a built-in TDS indicator or display panel, making it easy to monitor TDS in real time.

Regular testing ensures that your TDS level in RO water stays within the safe range, especially if your water source or filters change.

TDS Level in RO Water: What You Need to Know

Reverse Osmosis (RO) systems are designed to reduce TDS by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane. While they are effective in removing harmful contaminants, they may also remove beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Common Issues with RO Water TDS:

• Too Low TDS (< 50 ppm): Water may taste bland, and long-term use could lead to mineral deficiencies.

• Too High TDS (> 500 ppm): Indicates the RO membrane is failing or unsuitable for high-TDS sources like borewell water.

To counteract this, many RO systems come with TDS controllers or mineral cartridges that reintroduce essential minerals into the water, maintaining a safe TDS for drinking water.

What Happens If TDS is Too Low or Too High?

Low TDS Water:

• Lacks essential minerals

• May taste flat or bitter

• Not suitable for infants or elderly without mineral correction

High TDS Water:

• Can cause hardness, bad taste, and odor

• May contain harmful substances like arsenic, lead, or nitrates

• Increases scale buildup in appliances

Therefore, both extremes must be avoided. Regular monitoring and appropriate filtration are crucial to keep water in the ideal TDS in drinking water range.

Safe TDS for Drinking Water: Addressing Common Questions

Q1: Is RO water with 30 TDS safe for drinking?
A: No, 30 TDS is considered too low. While it may not harm in the short term, it lacks essential minerals and is not recommended for long-term consumption.

Q2: Is 500 TDS okay for daily use?
A: It’s on the upper limit of what’s considered safe by BIS standards. If your source has 500 ppm and no toxic compounds, it may be acceptable, though slightly adjusted levels (~150-300 ppm) are preferable.

Q3: How can I increase TDS in RO water?
A: Use a TDS controller or install a mineral cartridge that re-adds calcium, magnesium, and potassium after RO filtration.

Q4: Is high TDS the same as hard water?
A: Not exactly. High TDS may include both organic and inorganic compounds. Hardness specifically relates to calcium and magnesium content.

Q5: What TDS is best for children or infants?
A: Pediatricians often recommend water between 50–100 ppm for infants, as it balances purity with adequate minerals.

Choosing the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS

To ensure you consistently get the best TDS for drinking water, your water purifier must match your source water profile.

If your source TDS is:

• Below 300 ppm: A UV + UF purifier is enough; RO may not be needed.

• Between 300–800 ppm: RO with TDS controller is recommended.

• Above 800 ppm: Advanced RO system with multi-stage purification and remineralizer is essential.

Always check the TDS level in RO water post-filtration to ensure it remains in the optimal range.

Maintenance Tips to Maintain Ideal TDS

• Replace RO membranes every 12–18 months

• Use inline filters or remineralizers

• Test TDS monthly

• Get annual maintenance done by certified technicians

Ignoring these steps may lead to either under-purification or over-purification — both of which can lead to water outside the safe TDS for drinking water.

Final Thoughts: What’s the Best TDS for Drinking Water?

The ideal TDS for drinking water falls between 50 to 150 ppm. This range ensures the water is:

• Safe

• Mineral-rich

• Tasty

• Suitable for long-term health

For households using RO systems, monitoring and controlling the TDS level in RO water is critical. Tools like TDS meters, advanced purifiers, and professional checks can help you stay within the healthy range.

Whether you’re sourcing water from municipal supply, borewell, or a tank, ensure you test and adjust your purification method to meet the optimal TDS range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I drink water with 1000 ppm TDS?
A: No. Water above 1000 ppm may contain heavy metals and contaminants. It is unsafe for long-term use.

Q2: Is 70 ppm TDS ideal for drinking?
A: Yes, 70 ppm is considered an excellent balance between purity and mineral content.

Q3: Does boiling water affect TDS?
A: No, boiling kills pathogens but does not remove or reduce TDS.

Q4: Is bottled water TDS better than RO water?
A: Not necessarily. Bottled water TDS varies and may not always be in the ideal range. RO water with proper TDS control can be safer and more economical.

Q5: Should I install a TDS controller in my RO purifier?
A: Yes, if your RO system removes too many minerals, a TDS controller helps restore the ideal balance.

If you want to learn more about safe TDS levels, check out our detailed guide on :-

• What is the Minimum TDS for Drinking Water?
• Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?