When choosing the right water for your family, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is one of the most important factors. Whether you drink RO water, packaged drinking water, or purified tap water, knowing the correct TDS drinking water range helps you stay safe and healthy.
In this blog, we explain what TDS means, what the ideal TDS for drinking water is, and how to maintain the right water TDS level at home.
1. What Is TDS in Drinking Water?
TDS drinking water refers to the total amount of dissolved salts, minerals, and organic particles present in the water.
It includes:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Bicarbonates
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
- Heavy metals (sometimes, if water is contaminated)
TDS is measured in mg/L or ppm (parts per million).
While some minerals in TDS are essential for health, very high TDS can affect taste and may be unsafe for drinking.
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2. Why Is Water TDS Level Important?
The water TDS level determines:
i. Taste
- Low TDS (< 50 ppm) → water tastes flat
- High TDS (> 300 ppm) → water tastes salty, bitter, or metallic
ii. Health
- Balanced TDS provides essential minerals
- Very high TDS may contain contaminants like fluoride, arsenic, or heavy metals
iii. Purification Requirement
Depending on the water TDS level, you may need RO purification, UV filtration, or just basic sediment filtration.
3. Ideal TDS for Drinking Water
According to WHO and BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), the ideal TDS for drinking water is:
| TDS Level (ppm) | Water Quality |
| 0 – 50 | Low mineral, flat taste |
| 50 – 150 | Excellent for drinking |
| 150 – 300 | Good, acceptable range |
| 300 – 500 | Maximum acceptable limit |
| > 500 | Not recommended for drinking |
✔️ Best Recommended Range
The ideal TDS for drinking water: 50 – 150 ppm
This ensures the water has enough essential minerals without affecting taste or safety.
4. How High TDS Affects Health
If your water TDS is above 500+ ppm, you may experience:
- Stomach discomfort
- Kidney stress
- Hard water problems
- Skin and hair dryness
- Unpleasant taste and odor
Very high TDS water may contain unsafe contaminants, making it harmful for long-term use.
5. How Low TDS Affects Water Quality
If TDS is too low (below 30–50 ppm):
- Water becomes acidic
- Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are missing
- Taste becomes bland
- Not suitable for long-term daily consumption
This is why maintaining the right TDS range is crucial.
6. How to Check and Maintain the Right Water TDS Level
i. Use a Digital TDS Meter
Affordable and easy to use – just dip it into the water and get real-time readings.
ii. Choose the Right Purifier
- If TDS > 300 ppm → use RO
- If TDS 150–300 ppm → UV + UF is enough
- If TDS < 100 ppm → no RO needed (RO will remove essential minerals)
iii. Use Safe Packaged Drinking Water
Trusted packaged water brands maintain consistent TDS levels in the ideal range.
7. What Is the Ideal TDS for Packaged Drinking Water?
Most high-quality packaged drinking water brands maintain TDS between:
50–150 ppm — the safest and healthiest range
This ensures:
- Purity
- Balanced essential minerals
- Great taste
- No harmful dissolved solids
8. Final Thoughts
Understanding TDS drinking water, maintaining the right water TDS level, and knowing the ideal TDS for drinking water helps ensure your family’s long-term health and safety.
Clean, safe, mineral-balanced water is not just important—it’s essential.
Always check your water’s TDS and choose trusted sources that maintain it in the ideal range.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Ans: The ideal TDS level for drinking water is 50–150 ppm, which provides balanced minerals and safe, clean drinking quality.
Ans: No. Water with TDS above 500 ppm may contain excess salts or contaminants and is not recommended for daily drinking.