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TDS of Drinking Water: The Ultimate Guide to Water Purity
Sept. 28, 2025
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If you've ever wondered about the quality of the water you drink, you've likely come across the term "TDS." But what exactly is the TDS of drinking water, and why does it matter for your health and your water purifier?
TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, is one of the most critical parameters for assessing water quality. It refers to the total concentration of dissolved substances in your water. Understanding your water's TDS level is the first step toward ensuring the water your family drinks is not only safe but also healthy.
In this comprehensive guide, we will demystify everything you need to know about TDS, from its basic definition to the ideal levels for consumption.
What is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It is a measure of the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances contained in a liquid. Measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L), TDS includes:
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Essential Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium.
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Salts: Bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates.
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Other Elements: Trace amounts of metals like iron and zinc.
It's crucial to understand that a TDS meter gives you a total number but doesn't identify the specific substances. Therefore, while a high TDS level can indicate the presence of potentially harmful contaminants, it can also simply mean your water is rich in beneficial minerals.
Why is Measuring TDS Important?
Monitoring the TDS of your drinking water is essential for several reasons:
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Taste and Palatability: Water with very low TDS (below 50 ppm) can taste flat and bland, while very high TDS (above 500 ppm) can taste salty or bitter. An optimal TDS level ensures your water is refreshing.
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Health Indicator: Extremely high TDS levels can be a red flag, suggesting the possible presence of harmful contaminants like heavy metals or excessive salts.
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Appliance Efficiency: High TDS water can cause "scaling" or mineral buildup in household appliances like kettles, coffee makers, and especially water purifiers, reducing their efficiency and lifespan.
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Purifier Performance: Knowing your water's TDS is the first step in selecting the right water purification technology for your home.
For a deeper dive into how TDS affects your RO purifier's performance, check out this resource on understanding water TDS levels for RO purifiers.
What is the Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water?
There is no single "perfect" TDS number, but major health organizations provide clear guidelines for a desirable range. The following table summarizes the recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
As you can see, the ideal TDS for drinking water is between 50 and 150 ppm. This range offers the best combination of safety, taste, and health benefits from natural minerals.
To understand the specific standards in more detail, you can read about the minimum TDS for drinking water as per Indian standards.
Is Low TDS Water Safe to Drink?
This is a common question, especially for users of Reverse Osmosis (RO) purifiers, which can reduce TDS to very low levels. Water with a TDS below 50 ppm is considered "demineralized."
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Short-Term Safety: Yes, low TDS water is safe to drink in the short term as it is free from harmful contaminants.
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Long-Term Health: However, the WHO and other health bodies advise against long-term consumption of water with TDS below 50 ppm. The reason is that such water lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which contribute to your daily dietary intake. Relying solely on demineralized water could, over time, potentially lead to mineral deficiencies if your diet is not adequately supplemented.
A specific concern many have is about very low readings. Is 25 TDS safe for drinking water? This article provides a detailed, research-backed answer to this critical question: Is 25 TDS Safe for Drinking Water?
How to Adjust and Manage TDS in Your Water
If your tap water has a high TDS (above 500 ppm), an RO water purifier is the most effective solution to reduce it to a safe level.
However, if your RO purifier is producing water with too low a TDS (below 50 ppm), you have easy solutions:
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TDS Controller: Many modern RO systems come with a built-in TDS controller. This feature allows a small amount of mineral-rich water to mix back with the purified water, raising the final TDS to a healthier level.
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Mineral Cartridge (Re-mineralizer): You can add an extra stage to your RO system—a mineral cartridge. This cartridge infuses essential minerals like calcium and magnesium back into the water after the purification process, improving both taste and health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is a good TDS level for RO water?
A good TDS level for RO water is between 50-150 ppm. This ensures contaminants are removed while retaining beneficial minerals.
Q2: Can I drink water with 0 TDS?
Technically, yes (like distilled water), but it is not recommended for daily drinking. It lacks minerals and has a very flat taste, and long-term consumption may not be beneficial.
Q3: How can I test the TDS of my water at home?
You can easily test TDS at home using a digital TDS meter. It's a small, inexpensive device that provides an instant reading when dipped into a glass of water.
Q4: Does high TDS always mean bad water?
Not necessarily. High TDS could be due to harmless minerals. However, it is a strong indicator that you should get your water tested to identify the specific dissolved solids.
Conclusion: Knowledge is Power
Understanding the TDS of your drinking water empowers you to make informed decisions about your health and your home's water purification system. Remember, the goal is not just "zero TDS" but "optimal TDS"—striking the right balance between purity and mineral content for safe, healthy, and great-tasting water.
Regularly test your water source and your purified water to ensure it falls within the ideal range of 50-150 ppm. If you have an RO system, consider using a TDS controller or mineralizer to achieve this perfect balance.
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