Can we drink 50 TDS water?

Water quality is a growing concern today, especially in cities and industrial zones. Among various factors, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) plays a key role in determining whether your water is truly fit for drinking. One common question people ask is: Can we drink 50 TDS water? In this blog, we’ll break down what 50 TDS means, whether it’s safe, and how it affects your health.

We’ll also compare it with other TDS levels, help you understand where RO systems fit into this, and give a straightforward answer based on scientific and health-based insights.

What Is TDS in Water?

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the total concentration of minerals, salts, metals, and ions dissolved in water. It is usually measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). These solids mainly include:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Bicarbonates

• Chlorides

• Sulfates

TDS is not a direct measure of contamination, but it helps evaluate the mineral content and taste of water. A very high TDS can imply contamination or excessive minerals, while extremely low TDS may lack essential nutrients.

What Does 50 TDS Water Mean?

Water with a TDS level of 50 ppm contains only 50 milligrams of dissolved solids per liter of water. This is considered very low on the TDS scale. Here's a quick classification chart:

So, 50 TDS water falls under the very low TDS category. But is it safe to drink?

Is 50 TDS Water Safe to Drink?

Yes, 50 TDS water is safe to drink—but there’s more to consider.

From a purity perspective, water with 50 TDS is extremely clean. It likely went through advanced purification methods like Reverse Osmosis (RO) or distillation, removing almost all contaminants and minerals. It's free from harmful chemicals, bacteria, and heavy metals, which makes it technically safe.

However, from a health and nutritional standpoint, this ultra-low TDS water may not be ideal. Here's why:

✅ Pros:

• Free of harmful impurities

• Neutral taste

• Ideal in emergency or short-term use

⚠️ Cons:

• Lacks essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium

• May feel flat or tasteless

• Not recommended for long-term daily consumption without added minerals

The World Health Organization (WHO) has noted that very low TDS water (below 100 ppm) may not provide sufficient mineral intake, especially in places where people rely heavily on drinking water for dietary minerals.

Is Low TDS Water Always a Good Thing?

People often associate low TDS with high-quality drinking water, but that’s not always true.

➤ Low TDS Water (like 50 ppm)

While clean, this water doesn’t contain the essential minerals your body needs. Over time, drinking mineral-deficient water may potentially contribute to deficiencies, particularly if your diet lacks those nutrients.

➤ RO Water TDS

Most RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems reduce TDS to a range of 20–70 ppm, depending on the input water quality and membrane type. Some systems include a TDS controller or mineral cartridge to adjust the output.

To strike a healthy balance, it's best to use an RO system with a TDS controller that keeps water in the 100–300 ppm range.

Health Effects of Drinking 50 TDS Water

🔹 Short-Term Use: Safe

If you're drinking 50 TDS water occasionally or for a few weeks, there's no risk to your health. It’s free of pollutants and meets safety guidelines.

🔹 Long-Term Use: Caution Advised

Over time, consistent consumption of low TDS water may:

• Cause electrolyte imbalance

• Reduce mineral intake

• Affect taste and hydration efficiency

Your body needs minerals like calcium, magnesium, and sodium for proper nerve function, muscle movement, and bone health. Drinking water is a natural source of these minerals. Removing them altogether may not be ideal in the long run.

What Is the Recommended TDS for Drinking Water?

According to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) and WHO, the recommended TDS for drinking water should be:

• Ideal Range: 150 – 300 ppm

• Acceptable Up To: 500 ppm

Water with TDS below 150 ppm is acceptable but should be supplemented with minerals, especially if consumed regularly.

You can read our full breakdown on this in our related blog:
👉 What is the Minimum TDS for Drinking Water?

Can RO Water Be Set to 50 TDS?

Yes, most modern RO water purifiers can bring TDS down to 50 ppm or even lower. However, it’s advisable to set the TDS to at least 100–150 ppm using a:

• TDS Controller

• Mineral Cartridge

• Post Carbon Filter with Mineral Addition

These components help you maintain a safe TDS level that supports both purity and nutrition.

Taste Comparison: 50 TDS vs. 150 TDS

How to Check Your Water’s TDS Level

You can use a digital TDS meter, which is easily available online or in hardware stores.

✔️ Steps:

1. Turn on the TDS meter.

2. Dip the sensor into a glass of water.

3. Wait 5–10 seconds and note the reading in ppm.

This gives you an instant and accurate measure of how many dissolved solids are present in your drinking water.

How to Improve 50 TDS Water Quality

If you’re concerned about 50 TDS being too low, you can improve the water quality by:

1. Using a Mineral Cartridge

Many RO systems come with this feature or can be upgraded. It adds essential minerals like calcium and magnesium back to the water.

2. TDS Controller Adjustment

Ask your RO technician to adjust the TDS controller to increase TDS to around 150–250 ppm.

3. Mixing with High TDS Water

Some users mix a small amount of higher TDS water (like natural mineral water) with their RO water to achieve a balanced level.

Final Verdict: Can We Drink 50 TDS Water?

Yes, you can drink 50 TDS water, but it's not ideal for long-term health.

• ✅ Safe from a contamination and cleanliness point of view

• ⚠️ Lacks minerals that are essential for good health

• ❌ Not recommended as your primary drinking source unless enhanced with minerals

For everyday drinking, it's better to aim for a TDS level between 150–300 ppm, which offers a good mix of purity, taste, and essential minerals.

FAQs

1. Is 50 TDS water harmful?

No, it is not harmful but may lack essential minerals if consumed long-term without supplementation.

2. What is the ideal TDS level for drinking water?

Between 150–300 ppm, according to health and taste standards recommended by BIS and WHO.

3. Can I drink RO water with 50 TDS?

Yes, it’s safe, but better results are seen when TDS is adjusted to above 100 ppm using a TDS controller or mineralizer.

4. Does low TDS water cause health problems?

Not directly, but over time, it could contribute to mineral deficiency, especially if your diet lacks certain nutrients.

5. How can I increase the TDS of my RO water?

Use a TDS controller, mineral cartridge, or mix with a small amount of natural mineral water.

If you want to make sure your water has the right balance of purity and health, always check the TDS level and adjust it as needed. Your RO system can be a powerful tool—when properly configured—for long-term wellness.