Water TDS Range: What You Need to Know for Safe and Healthy Drinking Water
Fact: According to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the acceptable TDS level in drinking water is up to 500 mg/L, but anything between 50–300 mg/L is considered ideal for health.
What is the TDS Level in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, referring to the concentration of inorganic salts and a small amount of organic matter present in water. These solids include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates.
TDS levels are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). A high TDS level doesn’t always mean the water is unsafe, but it affects taste, texture, and health impacts.
For a detailed explanation, you can refer to our blog on TDS Full Form in Water.
Water TDS Range: What is Considered Safe?
Here’s a breakdown of the general TDS range and its implications:
| TDS Level (mg/L) | Water Quality |
|---|---|
| 0 – 50 | Not acceptable (too low) |
| 50 – 150 | Excellent for drinking |
| 150 – 300 | Good – Ideal for health |
| 300 – 500 | Acceptable – Still safe |
| 500 – 900 | Not ideal – Hard water |
| 900 – 1200 | Poor quality – Avoid drinking |
| Above 1200 | Unfit for consumption |
The safe TDS for drinking water is between 50–300 mg/L. Lower than 50 may lack essential minerals, and higher than 500 could cause taste and health issues. For more insight, read our article on the ideal TDS for drinking water.
Understanding the TDS Range in Drinking Water
The TDS range in drinking water is more than just numbers—it's about balancing mineral content for health and taste.
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Low TDS (<50 mg/L): Lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. It may not support bodily functions effectively.
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Moderate TDS (150–300 mg/L): Considered ideal. It offers a refreshing taste and necessary minerals.
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High TDS (>500 mg/L): Though not toxic, it may cause side effects in prolonged use and often leads to hard water issues.
TDS Chart: Ideal Ranges for Different Water Uses
| Use | TDS Range (mg/L) |
|---|---|
| Drinking Water | 50 – 300 (ideal) |
| Cooking | < 500 |
| Irrigation | < 2000 |
| Industrial Use | Varies (depends on need) |
| Aquarium/Fish Tanks | 200 – 400 |
If you’re concerned about the water in your home, it’s crucial to test TDS regularly. Even if the source is municipal, pipe corrosion or underground seepage may change the TDS over time.
Effects of High TDS (Hard Water) on Health and Appliances
High TDS is often a sign of hard water, which can impact:
1. Health Issues:
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Digestive distress in sensitive individuals
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Possible presence of toxic contaminants like lead or arsenic at very high levels
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Metallic or salty taste that discourages hydration
2. Appliance Damage:
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Scale formation in RO membranes and kettles
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Clogged pipes and reduced appliance life
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Increased electricity consumption for heating elements
These issues become worse as TDS crosses 900+ mg/L. Read our guide on what is TDS in water to explore this topic in detail.
Role of RO Water Purifiers in Managing TDS
Reverse Osmosis (RO) is the most effective method for managing TDS range in water. RO systems can reduce TDS levels from 1200+ to below 100, making hard water safe for drinking.
Benefits of RO Water Purifiers:
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Removes dissolved impurities including heavy metals
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Improves taste and odor
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Maintains health by regulating TDS
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Works well for borewell, tanker, or hard municipal water
We recommend choosing an RO purifier with TDS controller or Mineral Booster technology for best results.
Explore advanced domestic RO water systems designed to handle Indian water conditions.
Best TDS Level for RO Water
The best TDS for RO water is between 50–150 mg/L. Here’s why:
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This range maintains essential minerals like calcium and magnesium
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Offers good taste and is safe for daily use
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Suitable for all age groups, including infants and elderly
If your RO water has TDS < 25 mg/L, it may be too pure and lack vital minerals. See our article: Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
How to Measure TDS at Home or in Industry
Measuring TDS is simple and affordable. You can use:
1. Digital TDS Meter:
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Pocket-sized and easy to use
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Dip it in water and get instant TDS reading
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Price: ₹150–₹500
2. Lab Testing:
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More accurate, especially for industrial water
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Detects other parameters like pH, hardness, heavy metals
If you're a business or water treatment plant, it's best to get regular TDS audits.
Tips for Maintaining Safe TDS in Your Water Supply
Here’s how to manage and maintain the right TDS level in drinking water:
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Install a high-quality RO purifier if TDS > 300
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Use TDS controller/mineralizer to maintain essential minerals
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Test water quarterly, especially during seasonal changes
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Avoid zero-TDS water unless advised by a medical professional
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Check for leakages or corrosion in supply pipes
Conclusion: Maintain Optimal Water Quality with Right TDS
Understanding the water TDS range is not just a technical detail—it directly affects your health, appliances, and daily water needs. While the ideal TDS level for drinking water lies between 150–300 mg/L, RO water with 50–150 mg/L is safe and healthy when properly mineralized.
For the best results, choose a trusted RO system that suits your local water quality. You can browse RomegaMart’s domestic RO systems tailored for Indian households.
📌 Featured Snippet-Ready Answer:
Q: What is a safe TDS level for drinking water?
A: The safe TDS range for drinking water is 50–300 mg/L. Water in this range contains essential minerals and tastes good. Anything above 500 mg/L may affect taste and health.
