Best TDS Level for Drinking Water: What is TDS in Water and Why it Matters

When it comes to safe and healthy drinking water, most people focus on purification methods like RO, UV, or carbon filters. But there's one critical factor often overlooked — TDS in water.

TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, directly impacts the taste, quality, and even the health benefits of the water you drink every day. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about TDS: what it is, what levels are safe, and how to achieve the best TDS level for drinking water, especially in India.

What Is TDS in Water?

TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) refers to the amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. These include minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, sulfates, and small traces of other elements.

TDS is measured in PPM (parts per million) or mg/L, and it tells you how many milligrams of dissolved substances are present in one liter of water.

In simple terms, TDS indicates the total concentration of minerals and salts that influence how your water tastes and how good it is for your body.

Why TDS Matters in Drinking Water

• Taste: Water with too low or too high TDS can taste bland, salty, or metallic.
• Health: TDS affects the presence of essential minerals your body needs for hydration, bone strength, and metabolic function.
• Appliance Protection: High TDS levels can cause scale buildup in your kettle, pipes, and RO system, reducing their lifespan.
• Skin and Hair: Excessive minerals in high-TDS water can make skin dry and hair rough.

So, striking the right balance in TDS is important not just for flavor but also for long-term health and home maintenance.

What Is Normal PPM in Water?

The normal ppm in water depends on the source. For drinking purposes, a TDS value between 50 to 300 ppm is considered safe and acceptable for daily use.

Here's a quick breakdown:

• 0–50 ppm – Very low TDS: Lacks essential minerals; not ideal for long-term drinking.
• 50–150 ppm – Ideal range: Balanced and healthy mineral content.
• 150–300 ppm – Acceptable: Slightly mineral-rich but still safe and tasty.
• 300–500 ppm – Permissible: Not harmful, but taste may be affected.
• Above 500 ppm – High TDS: Should be purified before consumption.

Is 30 TDS Water Good for Health?

While 30 ppm may sound pure, 30 TDS water is not ideal for health. Why?

Because at such a low level, the water lacks essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. Drinking ultra-low TDS water over a long period might deprive your body of vital nutrients. Additionally, it often tastes flat or "empty."

So, even if your water is purified to this level, it's better to add a TDS controller or mineral cartridge to increase the TDS to a healthier range.

Best TDS Level for Drinking Water

The best TDS level for drinking water is generally considered to be between 80 to 150 ppm. This range provides the right balance of purity and essential minerals, making the water both safe and refreshing.

Summary of Ideal TDS Levels:

TDS Level (ppm)	Quality	Suitable for Drinking?
0–50	Very Low	Not recommended
50–150	Excellent	Ideal and highly recommended
150–300	Good	Acceptable and safe
300–500	Fair	Use with caution
500–1000	Poor	Requires purification

Best TDS Level for Drinking Water in India

In India, due to regional water sources like borewells, rivers, and municipal supplies, the TDS of raw water can vary widely — from as low as 50 ppm to as high as 2000 ppm.

The best TDS level for drinking water in India lies between 80 and 250 ppm. This range ensures that the water is not only safe but also contains sufficient minerals essential for daily health.

Many Indian households use RO purifiers, which can sometimes reduce TDS to below 50 ppm. In such cases, it’s advisable to use a TDS controller or mineral booster to restore TDS back to the optimal range.

Drinking Water PPM Level – Things to Remember

• PPM (parts per million) is just another unit for TDS.
• Water with too low ppm (
• Water with too high ppm (>500) may have harmful impurities.
• Water with 80–150 ppm ppm is best for taste, health, and usability.

If you’re checking your home water with a TDS meter, make sure your drinking water ppm level is maintained within this healthy range.

How to Adjust TDS in Your Drinking Water

1. Use the Right Water Purifier

Choose a water purifier based on your source water TDS:

• For TDS below 300 ppm: Use UV or UF filters.
• For TDS above 300 ppm: Use RO + UV systems with a TDS controller.

2. Use a TDS Controller or Mineralizer

This allows you to increase or retain essential minerals in RO-purified water, keeping the TDS in a healthy range.

3. Test Your Water Regularly

A digital TDS meter costs very little and gives you instant results. Use it monthly to check if your purifier is working optimally.

FAQs:

1. What is TDS in water?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It includes minerals, salts, and other dissolved substances in your drinking water. It is measured in PPM.

2. What is a good TDS level for drinking water?

The ideal TDS level is between 80 to 150 ppm. This range balances safety, taste, and essential mineral content.

3. Is 30 TDS water good for health?

No, 30 TDS is too low for long-term consumption. It lacks essential minerals and may taste flat.

4. What is the best TDS level for drinking water in India?

In India, 80 to 250 ppm is considered the best TDS level, depending on regional water sources and treatment systems.

5. What is drinking water ppm level?

It refers to the concentration of dissolved solids (TDS) in water, measured in parts per million (ppm). Ideal levels are 80–150 ppm.

6. How can I increase the TDS in purified water?

Use a TDS controller or mineralizer cartridge attached to your RO system to restore essential minerals.

7. What happens if TDS is too high?

High TDS can lead to metallic taste, stomach discomfort, and scaling in appliances. Water with TDS above 500 ppm should be purified.

8. What happens if TDS is too low?

Low TDS water may taste bland and miss vital nutrients. Long-term use may affect mineral intake.

Final Thoughts

Understanding TDS water levels is key to ensuring that you and your family are drinking water that’s not only clean but also healthy. Whether you're using municipal supply or borewell water, keeping your drinking water ppm level between 80 to 150 ppm will help you maintain both taste and mineral balance.

If your current water is showing a TDS of 30, consider using a purifier with a mineral booster to bring it up to safe standards. Remember, pure water isn’t just about being free from impurities — it’s also about having the right balance of essential minerals.