When we talk about drinking water quality, one of the most common terms we hear is TDS in water. But what does it actually mean? Why does it matter? And how much TDS in water is good for health?
At N rich: Taste The Richness, we believe that pure and safe water is the foundation of well-being. This article will help you understand what TDS is, the best TDS level for drinking water, and how to measure it for your daily use.
1. What is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It refers to the total amount of organic and inorganic compounds dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, and metals.
Common examples of dissolved solids include:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chlorides
- Sulfates
These substances are naturally found in water sources, but human activities and industrial pollution can also add unwanted chemicals and heavy metals.
2. What is TDS in Water Chemistry?
From a chemistry perspective, TDS is a measure of all the dissolved ions in water. It is measured in milligrammes per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).
3. What is TDS in Water Formula?
There is no single chemical formula for TDS, since it represents a mixture of many compounds. Instead, TDS is calculated by measuring the conductivity of water (its ability to conduct electricity due to dissolved ions) using a TDS meter.
4. How to Measure TDS in Water?
A TDS meter is the easiest tool to measure water purity at home. Simply dip it into your water sample, and it will display the TDS level in ppm.
- 0–50 ppm → Extremely low TDS (very pure, but may lack essential minerals)
- 50–150 ppm → Ideal range for drinking water (balanced minerals + purity)
- 150–300 ppm → Acceptable, still safe for consumption
- 300–500 ppm → Moderate, but may affect taste and long-term health
- 500+ ppm → Unsafe; above how much TDS is bad for drinking water
5. How Much TDS in Water is Good?
According to experts, the best TDS level for drinking water is between 50–150 ppm. This ensures that the water is clean, refreshing, and still contains essential minerals.
i. Minimum TDS for Drinking Water
The minimum TDS should be at least 50 ppm, as very low TDS water may taste flat and lack important minerals like calcium and magnesium.
ii. Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
Water with 25 TDS is considered safe if it is free from harmful contaminants. However, it may taste bland because of the absence of natural minerals. Long-term consumption of ultra-low TDS water may not provide the body with essential electrolytes.
6. RO Water and TDS Level
Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers are commonly used to reduce TDS in water. They are especially useful in areas where TDS levels exceed 500 ppm.
- RO water TDS level should ideally be adjusted to 80–150 ppm for the best taste and health benefits.
- If the TDS drops too low (below 50 ppm), some purifiers use a TDS controller to retain essential minerals.
i. Above How Much TDS is Bad?
- Water with TDS above 500 ppm is generally not safe for long-term drinking.
- Very high TDS (above 1000 ppm) may contain harmful salts and heavy metals, making it unsafe without proper purification.
7. Conclusion: Selecting the Best TDS Level For Your Water
The TDS water level is one of the most important indicators of water quality. While low TDS promotes purity, a balanced mineral intake is required for optimal health.
✅ Best TDS level for drinking water: 50–150 ppm
✅ Safe upper limit: Up to 300 ppm
✅ Unsafe: Above 500 ppm without purification
At N rich: Taste The Richness, we recommend testing your water regularly with a TDS meter and choosing a purifier that maintains the ideal balance of purity and minerals. After all, water is life’s richest necessity, and the right balance of TDS ensures both safety and taste.