When it comes to drinking water, quality matters just as much as quantity. One of the most crucial factors that determine water quality is its TDS level, or Total Dissolved Solids. But what exactly is TDS? Why is it important? And what is the best TDS level for drinking water?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about TDS, how it affects your health, and what the ideal TDS level is for safe and tasty drinking water. Whether you're using a water purifier at home or relying on a drinking water bottle delivery service, understanding TDS can help you make informed decisions for you and your family.

What is TDS in Drinking Water?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. These are the minerals, salts, and organic matter that are dissolved in water. TDS is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Common dissolved solids include:

  • Calcium

  • Magnesium

  • Sodium

  • Potassium

  • Bicarbonates

  • Chlorides

  • Sulfates

  • Small amounts of organic matter

TDS gives a general indication of water quality. However, not all dissolved solids are harmful. In fact, some like calcium and magnesium are essential for your health.

Why Does TDS Matter in Drinking Water?

The TDS level affects:

1. Taste

Water with very low TDS can taste flat or acidic, while very high TDS may taste salty, metallic, or bitter.

2. Health

  • Water with moderate TDS may be good for health as it contains essential minerals.

  • High TDS can indicate the presence of harmful contaminants like lead, nitrate, or arsenic (especially in untreated groundwater).

  • Low TDS (below 50 ppm) may lack essential minerals and could leach minerals from your body over time.

3. Appliance Health

High TDS can cause scaling and damage to water-based appliances like kettles, geysers, and RO filters.

Ideal TDS Level for Drinking Water (As per BIS & WHO)

Here’s a reference table that highlights the acceptable TDS range:

TDS Level (mg/L) Water Quality
0 - 50 Unacceptable (too pure)
50 - 150 Acceptable (low mineral content)
150 - 300 Excellent for drinking
300 - 500 Good (acceptable for many)
500 - 900 Fair (drinkable but not ideal)
900 - 1200 Poor (not recommended)
Above 1200 Unfit for drinking

  • BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) recommends that TDS in drinking water should not exceed 500 mg/L.

  • The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests up to 300 mg/L is ideal for taste and health.

✅ Best TDS Range: 150–300 mg/L

This range ensures your water has essential minerals, tastes good, and is safe for daily consumption.

High vs Low TDS – What's Worse?

  • High TDS (>500 ppm) can lead to health issues depending on the specific contaminants present. Some high TDS water contains heavy metals or nitrates, which are harmful.

  • Low TDS (<50 ppm), especially from aggressive RO systems, may strip away beneficial minerals, resulting in water that's not ideal for long-term drinking.

Hence, the goal is not to achieve zero TDS, but to find a balanced level.

How to Measure TDS in Water?

You can measure TDS using a TDS meter, which is an inexpensive and easy-to-use device. Just dip it in a water sample and it instantly gives you a reading in ppm.

For more accurate results, professional labs can test your water quality and offer a complete chemical breakdown.

What Affects TDS Levels?

  • Source of Water – Groundwater typically has a higher TDS due to mineral deposits, while rainwater or RO water may have very low TDS.

  • Water Treatment Systems – RO (Reverse Osmosis) systems significantly reduce TDS, while UV or UF systems do not.

  • Pipes and Storage Tanks – Old or corroded pipelines and dirty storage tanks can leach extra solids into your water.

Should You Use RO Purifiers for Drinking Water?

RO purifiers are great for reducing high TDS (above 500 ppm), but they also remove essential minerals. If your tap water already has a low or ideal TDS (below 300 ppm), RO filtration might not be necessary and could even be harmful over time.

Some modern RO systems include TDS controllers or mineralizers, which retain or add back essential minerals after purification.

TDS in Bottled Water – What to Expect?

When buying bottled water or using a drinking water bottle delivery service, it's important to check if the supplier mentions TDS levels. Most quality suppliers maintain TDS levels between 150–250 ppm, which is within the optimal range.

If you're in Delhi and searching for a 20 Ltr water supplier near me or reliable water suppliers near me, ensure the provider offers lab-tested water with balanced TDS levels.

How to Adjust TDS in Drinking Water?

  • If TDS is Too High:
    Use an RO system with a TDS controller.

  • If TDS is Too Low:
    Use a mineral cartridge or add natural mineral drops to enrich water.

  • Professional Water Testing:
    Contact a water quality expert to test your water and recommend the right purification method.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining the right TDS level in drinking water is essential for your health, hydration, and well-being. Aim for a TDS level between 150 to 300 ppm for the perfect balance of purity and minerals. Always check your water source and purification method, whether you use tap water, bottled water, or a delivery service.

If you’re relying on a drinking water bottle delivery in Delhi, ensure the supplier follows safety protocols and regularly tests their water. At the end of the day, clean water with the right TDS is not just a preference — it’s a necessity for a healthy life.