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Best TDS Level for Drinking Water: Complete Guide to Safe, Healthy & Pure Water (2025 Updated)
Nov. 23, 2025
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Water is essential for life — but the quality of the water you drink matters just as much as the quantity. In the world of water quality, TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is one of the most important parameters people look at today. Whether you are using an RO purifier, drinking municipal supply water, or relying on borewell water, understanding TDS is crucial for your health, taste preference, and appliance longevity.
But a big question remains:
What is the best TDS level for drinking water?
Is low TDS always good? Is 25 TDS safe? Should RO users maintain a minimum TDS level?
This detailed guide (3000+ words) explains everything you need to know — backed with insights from Plumint’s expert blogs. Internal links are placed naturally and SEO-smart.
What You Will Learn in This Guide
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What TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) actually means
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Safe and ideal TDS levels for drinking water
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Whether very low TDS (like 25 ppm) is safe
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India’s recommended TDS standards
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Health effects of low and high TDS
-
Best TDS range for RO water
-
How to test, maintain, and optimize TDS
-
Myths and misconceptions
-
Tips from Plumint experts
To explore these topics individually, you can also read Plumint’s guides:
What Is TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the amount of inorganic salts, minerals, metals, and small organic substances dissolved in water. These commonly include:
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Calcium
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Magnesium
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Sodium
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Potassium
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Bicarbonates
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Sulfates
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Chlorides
TDS is measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L.
👉 Important:
TDS is not always “good” or “bad.” It simply tells you “how much” is dissolved — not what is dissolved. So water with high TDS may be mineral-rich or contaminated; low TDS may be pure but lacking minerals.
To learn TDS in easy terms, see:
TDS Full Form in Water, Safe Levels & Importance
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/tds-full-form-in-water-safe-levels-importance/
Why TDS Matters: Taste, Health & Home Appliances
1. Taste and Palatability
The taste of water depends a lot on its TDS:
| TDS (ppm) |
Taste Quality |
| < 300 |
Excellent |
| 300–600 |
Good |
| 600–900 |
Fair |
| 900–1200 |
Poor |
| > 1200 |
Unacceptable |
Very low TDS water tastes flat, while very high TDS tastes salty or metallic.
2. Health Impact
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Water with healthy minerals (Ca, Mg) supports hydration, muscles, and bones.
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Very low TDS (< 50 ppm) may cause mineral deficiency if consumed long-term.
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Very high TDS (> 500 ppm) may contain harmful salts or metals.
Read:
Minimum TDS for Drinking Water
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/minimum-tds-for-drinking-water/
3. Effect on Plumbing & Appliances
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High TDS → scaling in kettles, pipes, geysers, RO membranes
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Very low TDS → can be slightly corrosive in rare cases
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Balanced TDS → protects appliances and enhances lifespan
Indian Standards (BIS) for TDS in Drinking Water
According to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards):
| Category |
TDS Limit |
| Desirable |
≤ 500 ppm |
| Permissible (in absence of better source) |
≤ 2000 ppm |
For more Indian context, see:
Best TDS Level for Drinking Water in India
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/best-tds-level-for-drinking-water-in-india/
So, What Is the Best TDS Level for Drinking Water?
After reviewing WHO, BIS, purifier manufacturers, and Plumint’s expert guides, here is the ideal range:
⭐ Best TDS Range: 50–150 ppm
Perfect balance of taste, minerals, and safety.
(Recommended by Plumint for RO users)
⭐ Good Range: 150–300 ppm
Healthy and mineral-rich, but taste becomes slightly “harder.”
⭐ Safe Range: Up to 500 ppm
Still acceptable as per BIS, especially for municipal or tap water.
❌ Not Ideal: < 50 ppm
Too low — lacks minerals.
❌ Unsafe: > 500 ppm (without treatment)
High risk of contaminants or excess salts.
See the detailed breakdown:
TDS Normal Range – Best TDS Level for Drinking Water
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/tds-normal-range-best-tds-level-for-drinking-water/
Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
This is one of the most common real-world questions.
According to Plumint:
Yes, 25 TDS is safe — but not ideal.
✔ Safe because:
✘ Not ideal because:
For RO users, using a TDS controller or remineralization cartridge is recommended.
Read full analysis:
Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/is-25-tds-safe-for-drinking-water/
Minimum TDS Required for Healthy Drinking Water
Based on Plumint’s research:
⭐ Minimum recommended TDS: 50 ppm
Below that:
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Water lacks essential minerals
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Hydration efficiency drops
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Electrolyte balance may get affected
Source:
Minimum TDS for Drinking Water
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/minimum-tds-for-drinking-water/
Understanding RO Purifiers & TDS
RO (Reverse Osmosis) is widely used in India, especially for borewell or hard water areas. RO removes:
But it also removes good minerals, resulting in very low TDS unless a TDS controller is installed.
If your RO water TDS is too low:
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Use a TDS controller to blend some mineral-rich raw water
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Add a remineralization cartridge
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Choose RO + UV + UF systems with mineral boosters
Learn more:
Understanding Water TDS Level & RO Purifiers
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/understanding-water-tds-level-ro-purifiers/
Best TDS Range for Drinking Water in India
India has diverse water sources:
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Municipal water (100–300 ppm)
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Borewell water (500–2000+ ppm)
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River water (varies widely)
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Hill station water (10–100 ppm)
⭐ Ideal RO water in India: 50–150 ppm
⭐ Acceptable municipal water: 100–300 ppm
❌ Borewell water above 500 ppm needs RO treatment.
Complete guide:
Best TDS Level for Drinking Water in India
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/best-tds-level-for-drinking-water-in-india/
Risks of Low and High TDS
When TDS Is Too Low (< 50 ppm):
When TDS Is Too High (> 500 ppm):
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Salty or metallic taste
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Risk of kidney stress
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Heavy metals may be present
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Scaling in household appliances
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Might indicate contamination
Explore details:
TDS of Drinking Water
https://www.plumint.com/blog-details/tds-of-drinking-water/
How to Test, Control & Maintain TDS
1. Use a Digital TDS Meter
Check:
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Raw source water
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RO output
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After mineralization
2. Install a TDS Controller
Maintains balanced TDS by mixing purified water with mineral-rich raw water.
3. Use a Mineral Cartridge
Adds calcium & magnesium back to RO water.
4. Select the Right Water Purifier Based on TDS
| Source TDS |
Recommended Purifier |
| < 150 ppm |
UV/UF purifier |
| 150–500 ppm |
RO + TDS controller |
| > 500 ppm |
RO with mineralizer |
5. Service Your RO System
Replace filters & membranes on time.
Common TDS Myths Debunked
❌ Myth 1: Lower TDS = Healthier Water
Not true. Very low TDS lacks minerals.
❌ Myth 2: 0 TDS water is ideal
Zero TDS is “chemically pure” but not healthy.
❌ Myth 3: TDS meter shows contamination
It only shows quantity, not type of dissolved solids.
Summary: Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water
| Category |
TDS Range |
Comment |
| Ideal |
50–150 ppm |
Best balance of taste and minerals |
| Good |
150–300 ppm |
Healthy & rich in minerals |
| Safe (BIS) |
Up to 500 ppm |
Acceptable for daily consumption |
| Too Low |
< 50 ppm |
Lacks minerals |
| Too High |
> 500 ppm |
Needs purification |
Final Conclusion
The best TDS level for drinking water is 50–150 ppm — especially for RO users in India.
It provides the perfect balance of taste, purity, and essential minerals.
If your RO water shows 25 ppm, it is safe but not ideal; consider adding minerals back using a TDS controller or mineral cartridge.
By understanding TDS and monitoring it regularly, you can ensure safe, healthy, and great-tasting drinking water for your family.
Further Reading
All helpful guides in one place:
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