TDS of drinking water should ideally be between 50 to 150 ppm. According to BIS, up to 500 ppm is acceptable for human consumption, but the optimal range for taste and health is lower.

1. Introduction: A Crucial Factor for Health

Fact:
More than 70% of the human body is water, and every glass you drink can either support your health or harm it — depending on the TDS in that water.

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is a term you've likely heard if you use a water purifier or check water quality. But what does it really mean for your health? Is high TDS good or bad? This blog explains everything you need to know about the TDS of drinking water, including how much is safe, how it affects your body, and what you can do to maintain healthy TDS levels at home.

2. What is TDS?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It measures the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in a liquid, typically water. These substances include:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Chlorides

• Sulfates

• Bicarbonates

• Heavy metals (in unsafe conditions)

TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).

3.What Should Be the TDS of Drinking Water?

The ideal TDS for drinking water should be:

Key Guidelines:

• BIS Standard (India): Up to 500 ppm is acceptable

• WHO Recommendation: No health-based guideline, but taste issues arise above 300 ppm

• RO Purifiers: Typically reduce TDS to 50–150 ppm, which is ideal for health

So, the safe TDS of drinking water should be between 50 to 150 ppm, balancing taste, health, and mineral presence.

4. TDS Chart: Safe, Unsafe, and Optimal Ranges

5. TDS Level for Drinking Water in India

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets the upper limit of TDS in drinking water at 500 ppm. However, experts recommend staying below 250 ppm to avoid unwanted taste and mineral imbalance.

Key Points:

• RO water usually comes under 100 ppm

• Municipal water in cities ranges from 100–400 ppm

• Borewell water often exceeds 500 ppm and may require treatment

6. Factors Affecting TDS in Water

The TDS of water depends on various factors, such as:

• Source of Water (river, borewell, municipal supply)

• Geographical Location (mineral-rich soil increases TDS)

• Industrial or Chemical Contamination

• Weathering of Pipes and Storage Tanks

• Treatment Methods (RO, UV, UF, etc.)

Understanding the source helps in selecting the right purification method.

7. Effects of High or Low TDS on Human Health

High TDS (>500 ppm):

• Can affect the taste (bitter/salty)

• May lead to kidney stones if rich in calcium/magnesium

• Can contain harmful heavy metals like lead or arsenic

Low TDS (<50 ppm):

• Lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium

• May lead to fatigue, cramps, or electrolyte imbalance

• Taste may feel flat or acidic

Conclusion:
Neither too high nor too low is ideal. Aim for a moderate range of 50–150 ppm for best results.

8. How to Measure TDS in Water

To check the TDS of your drinking water, use a digital TDS meter:

1. Switch on the TDS meter

2. Dip it into a glass of water

3. Wait for the reading to stabilize

4. Note the value in ppm

TDS meters are available online and cost between ₹200 to ₹500 for domestic use.

9. How to Reduce TDS in Water at Home

If your water source has high TDS, use the following solutions:

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems

Best for high TDS levels. Removes up to 95% of dissolved solids.

2. Activated Carbon Filters

Useful for removing chlorine and organic contaminants but not very effective for TDS.

3. Distillation Units

Removes almost all solids but not commonly used at home.

Tip: Always choose an RO purifier with a TDS controller or mineralizer to maintain essential minerals.

10. RO Water Purifiers and TDS Control

RO purifiers are the most effective method for managing TDS. They push water through a semi-permeable membrane, removing up to 99% of dissolved solids. But sometimes, RO water becomes “too pure,” with TDS under 50 ppm.

That’s why modern RO systems now include:

• TDS Controller: Mixes a portion of raw water with RO water to balance minerals

• Mineral Cartridge: Adds back essential minerals lost in the RO process

When buying an RO purifier, always ensure it allows TDS adjustment.

11. Common Myths About TDS

Myth 1: Lower TDS always means healthier water
Truth: Water with very low TDS may lack essential minerals and is not ideal for long-term consumption.

Myth 2: High TDS means dirty water
Truth: Not always. High TDS could be due to harmless minerals like calcium, but it can also mean contamination.

Myth 3: Boiling reduces TDS
Truth: Boiling kills bacteria but does not remove dissolved solids.

12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What should be the TDS of drinking water?
The ideal TDS of drinking water should be between 50 and 150 ppm. The upper safe limit, as per BIS, is 500 ppm.

Q.2 Is RO water good for health?
Yes, if it includes a TDS controller or mineralizer to retain essential minerals.

Q.3 How do I know the TDS of my tap water?
Use a digital TDS meter. Simply dip it in the water and read the value.

Q.4 Can I drink water with 600 TDS?
Not recommended. Over time, it may affect kidney function or lead to hard water issues.

Q.5 Does bottled water have low TDS?
Yes, most bottled waters maintain TDS under 100 ppm for taste and health.

Q.6 What Is water tds full form ?
 TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids.

13. Conclusion: What You Should Do

Monitoring the TDS of drinking water is a small but powerful step toward better health. Whether you rely on municipal supply, borewell, or tanker water, knowing the TDS helps you choose the right purifier and maintain mineral balance.

• Always test your water's TDS before buying a purifier

• Choose an RO system with a TDS controller

• Maintain a range of 50–150 ppm for best results

• Avoid both extremes — too low or too high TDS can harm your health over time

Clean water isn't just about clarity — it's about content. And TDS is the key to understanding it.

Also Read:- Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?