How to Check the TDS of Water at Home?

Introduction: Why You Should Care About TDS in Your Drinking Water

According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) level in drinking water is up to 500 mg/L. However, in many Indian homes, water from borewells, tanks, and even municipal supplies can vary significantly in TDS — sometimes exceeding the safe limit.

Monitoring TDS levels helps ensure your water is not only clean but also safe for long-term health. This blog will walk you through how to check the TDS of water at home, using practical tools like TDS meters, test strips, or even a basic filtration test.

What is TDS in Water?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids — a measure of all organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, metals, and ions. These solids can come from natural sources or human activities such as plumbing, industrial waste, or agricultural runoff.

Common TDS components:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Potassium

• Sodium

• Chloride

• Bicarbonates

While some minerals are beneficial in small amounts, excess TDS can alter the taste of water and may affect your health over time.

Why Check TDS Levels at Home?

Here’s why every household should know how to check the TDS of water:

• Health Reasons: High TDS may indicate harmful substances like lead or nitrates.

• Taste and Smell: Water with very high or very low TDS may taste metallic, salty, or flat.

• Appliance Safety: Hard water (high TDS) can damage kettles, RO filters, and washing machines.

• Filter Maintenance: Helps decide when to replace RO membranes or cartridges.

Different Methods to Check TDS of Water at Home

There are several effective and simple methods to check water TDS:

How to check TDS level in water:
Use a digital TDS meter by dipping it in a water sample—the display shows TDS in ppm. You can also try TDS test strips or a simple filtration test. TDS meters are the most accurate, while test strips give quick, visual results. The ideal TDS level for drinking water is between 50 to 150 ppm for best taste and safety.

1. Using a Digital TDS Meter

• Most accurate method

• Portable, battery-operated device

• Displays the TDS value in parts per million (ppm)

2. Using TDS Test Strips

• Less accurate but affordable

• Color-based results on a strip

• Ideal for rough estimation

3. DIY Filtration Test

• Use a clean white cloth or filter paper

• Filter 1 liter of water and allow it to dry

• Observe the residue — more residue = higher TDS

Each method gives you a general sense of how clean or mineral-rich your water is.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Check the TDS of Water

Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how to check TDS of water using the most common method — a digital TDS meter.

What You Need:

• A digital TDS meter (available online or at hardware shops)

• A glass of the water you want to test

Steps:

1. Turn on the TDS Meter

   • Remove the protective cap.

   • Press the power button to switch it on.

2. Immerse the Probe in Water

   • Dip the lower half of the meter into the water sample (about 2 inches).

   • Make sure it does not touch the sides of the container.

3. Wait for the Reading

   • Hold still for 10–15 seconds.

   • The display will show the TDS level in ppm (parts per million).

4. Note the Result

   • A good reading for drinking water is usually between 50–300 ppm.

   • Anything above 500 ppm should be treated or avoided.

5. Turn Off and Store the Meter

   • Rinse the probe with clean water.

   • Turn off the device and store it in a dry place.

Ideal TDS for Drinking Water: What Do Your Results Mean?

Here's a general guide based on TDS levels and water quality:

Note: Water with extremely low TDS may taste flat and lack essential minerals, while high TDS might indicate contamination or excess salts.

How to Reduce or Adjust TDS in Drinking Water

If your test shows high TDS, you can lower it using:

• Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems: Most effective for high TDS

• Deionization or Distillation: Industrial-level solutions

• Mixing: Diluting high TDS water with low TDS water (not always advisable)

However, not all TDS is bad — essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are beneficial. It's about maintaining the right balance.

TDS vs Water Purity: Are They the Same?

Not exactly.

• TDS measures minerals, salts, and metals in the water.

• Purity refers to the absence of contaminants, including bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.

You can have water that is pure (no bacteria) but with high TDS, or low TDS water that contains organic contaminants. That's why TDS alone doesn’t define water quality but is a key indicator.

Best TDS Meters for Home Use

Some popular TDS meters available online include:

1. Mi TDS Pen

   • Affordable and accurate

   • Easy to use with digital display

2. HM Digital TDS-3

   • Trusted brand

   • Comes with temperature reading

3. CITIZEN Digital TDS Meter

   • Suitable for home and industrial use

Most meters range from ₹300 to ₹1000, making it a small investment for your family's health.

FAQ Section

1. What is the ideal TDS for drinking water?

The ideal TDS for drinking water ranges from 50 to 150 ppm, where the water contains essential minerals but no harmful contaminants. BIS recommends a maximum of 500 ppm.

2. Is low TDS water harmful?

Not always, but extremely low TDS (<30 ppm) water may lack minerals like calcium or magnesium, which are important for health. Such water may also taste flat or metallic.

3. How often should I check the TDS level?

You should check the TDS of your drinking water once a month, especially if you're using a borewell or have an RO system. It helps detect changes in water quality and ensures timely filter replacement.

4. Can RO purifiers reduce TDS?

Yes. RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifiers are designed to remove 90–95% of TDS from water, including harmful salts and heavy metals. Some models also allow TDS adjustment with a TDS controller.

5. How to check the TDS of water?

You can check the TDS of water using:

• A digital TDS meter (most accurate)

• TDS test strips (color-based results)

• A manual filtration test using a white cloth or filter paper

Among these, a TDS meter gives you the clearest numeric reading, usually displayed in ppm (parts per million). Simply dip the meter into the water, wait for a few seconds, and note the value.

Conclusion: Monitor TDS for Safer Drinking Water

Knowing how to check the TDS of water at home empowers you to take control of your water quality. Whether you use a simple TDS meter, test strips, or a filtration check, staying informed can protect your health and appliances in the long run.

Clean water isn’t just about clarity — it’s about balanced minerals and safe composition. Start by testing your water today, and take action if the results call for it.

Also Read - 

• PPM Full Form: Meaning Uses in Water and Industry
• Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
• Water TDS Full Form - Complete Guide on TDS in Drinking Water