What is the Best TDS for Drinking Water?

When it comes to drinking water quality, many focus on purity and filtration. But one crucial factor often overlooked is TDS — Total Dissolved Solids. Knowing the best TDS level for drinking water is essential to maintain mineral balance, taste, and overall health.

This blog explains what TDS is, why it matters, and the best TDS range for drinking water, especially for those using RO water purifiers. We also cover how to measure TDS, adjust it, and select the right water purifier to ensure your water is safe, healthy, and tasty.

What is TDS in Drinking Water?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which measures the total concentration of inorganic salts and trace organic compounds dissolved in water. These include important minerals such as:

• Calcium

• Magnesium

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Chlorides

• Bicarbonates

• Sulfates

• Silica and trace elements

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

While pure water ideally has 0 ppm TDS, such ultra-pure water lacks essential minerals. Drinking water with a balanced TDS level not only quenches thirst but also supplies vital nutrients for health.

What is the Best TDS for Drinking Water?

Different health organizations provide guidelines on safe TDS levels:

However, the best TDS level for drinking water for taste and health is between 80 and 150 mg/L.

This range:

• Retains essential minerals

• Provides pleasant taste

• Prevents mineral deficiency over time

TDS Levels Chart: From Ideal to Unsafe

Best TDS for RO Drinking Water

RO (Reverse Osmosis) purifiers effectively reduce high TDS but can also remove beneficial minerals, lowering TDS below 30–50 mg/L. Such water tastes flat and may lack minerals necessary for health.

The best TDS for RO drinking water is between 80–150 mg/L, which ensures a balance between purity and mineral content.

To achieve this, modern RO systems use:

• TDS controllers

• Mineral cartridges

• Alkaline filters

These add back essential minerals, improving both taste and health benefits.

How to Measure TDS in Drinking Water?

Measuring TDS is simple using a digital TDS meter — the best TDS meter for drinking water is affordable and easy to use at home.

Steps to measure:

1. Fill a clean glass with water.

2. Dip the TDS meter probe into the water.

3. Wait ~10 seconds for the reading to stabilize.

4. Note the value in ppm (mg/L).

A good drinking water TDS level can be confirmed by this reading. Regular testing ensures your water stays within the safe and ideal range.

How to Adjust TDS in Drinking Water?

Depending on your water's TDS reading:

• If TDS is too high (>500 mg/L): Use RO filtration combined with activated carbon and UV filters to reduce harmful solids and contaminants.

• If TDS is too low (<50 mg/L): Use a TDS controller or mineral cartridge to raise the TDS to the ideal range.

Avoid drinking ultra-purified water long-term as it lacks essential minerals.

Choosing the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS Level

Use your best TDS meter reading for drinking water to select the right purifier:

Choosing a system that allows TDS adjustment post-filtration ensures you get the best TDS value for drinking water in terms of taste and health.

Health Guidelines & Considerations

• WHO recommends TDS up to 300 mg/L as excellent, with up to 600 mg/L acceptable in some cases.

• BIS sets the Indian acceptable limit at 500 mg/L. Beyond this, water quality and taste may deteriorate.

• Vulnerable groups like infants, elderly, and patients require mineral-balanced water for optimal health.

Common Myths About TDS in Drinking Water

1. “Lower TDS means better water.”
   False. Extremely low TDS (<30) lacks vital minerals and tastes bland.

2. “RO water is always best.”
   Not necessarily. RO is best if source TDS is above 300 ppm. For lower TDS, UV or UF systems suffice.

3. “All high TDS water is harmful.”
   Not true. Natural minerals contribute to TDS. Harm arises if contaminants or heavy metals are present.

Conclusion

Understanding the best TDS in water helps you make informed choices for safe and tasty drinking water. Ideally, water should have a TDS between 80–150 mg/L to maintain a healthy mineral balance and pleasant taste.

Invest in a reliable TDS meter to monitor your water and use filtration systems that let you control the TDS post-treatment. This ensures you always have the best TDS drinking water for your health and well-being.

FAQs: Best TDS for Drinking Water

Q1: What is a good TDS level for drinking water?
A: 80–150 mg/L is ideal for both taste and health.

Q2: Is high TDS in water harmful?
A: TDS over 500 mg/L may contain harmful salts or metals; testing is necessary.

Q3: Can I drink water with TDS below 50?
A: Not recommended long term due to lack of essential minerals.

Q4: How do I increase TDS in RO water?
A: Use a TDS controller or add a mineral cartridge to your RO purifier.

Q5: What is the TDS of bottled mineral water?
A: Typically ranges between 100–300 mg/L, depending on the brand.

Also Read -

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