If you search for TDS on Google, it will direct you to Tax Deducted at Source. But, we will discuss another equally important TDS in our lives, Total Dissolved Solids.
So what is TDS in water, and what should everyone know about TDS in water? This article explains everything in detail.
What is TDS in water?
Water has the chemical formula H2O. Therefore one molecule of pure water contains two atoms of hydrogen plus one atom of oxygen.
But is the water available in our taps pure?
Does it conform to the molecular formula H2O?
The answer is NO because all our water sources contain other dissolved solids in the form of minerals, salts, and other chemical formulations. Therefore, the pH level of tap water is never equal to 7. It is either less or more than 7, implying that our water sources are either acidic or alkaline.
What is the full form of TDS?
Many mistake TDS to denote Total Dissolved Salts. But the actual complete form of TDS is Total Dissolved Solids because the dissolved substances in water include salts, minerals, and metals. It includes essential minerals and chemicals like manganese, magnesium, and copper. At the same time, it also includes chlorides, sulphides, sulphates, carbonates, and other salts.
Besides, water sources can also contain harmful heavy metal impurities like lead, arsenic, antimony, and others, especially in industrial areas. Other contaminants include human, animal, and organic wastes. Therefore, our water sources do not contain 100% pure water. Instead, it has good and bad contaminants, depending on various factors.
Is TDS good or harmful to health?
It depends on the amount of TDS and the chemical composition of the contaminants. For example, manganese, magnesium, calcium, and copper are considered good TDS, whereas mercury, antimony, lead, chlorides, and others are considered harmful.
Therefore, the World Health Organization (WHO) has stipulated specific TDS levels classifying them as good, poor, or harmful.
| TDS Levels (parts per million) | WHO standards |
|---|---|
| Less than 50 | Good, but lacks essential minerals |
| 50 to 150 | Acceptable TDS levels |
| 150 to 300 | Excellent for human consumption |
| 300 to 500 | Good, depending on the constituents |
| 500 to 900 | Fair, depending on the constituents |
| 900 to 1200 | Poor |
| Above 1200 | Unacceptable and unfit for consumption |
While WHO standards stipulate 300 ppm as the ideal TDS level in the water, BIS adapts to Indian conditions and allows TDS levels up to 500 ppm as suitable for consumption without requiring RO purification. However, much depends on the composition of the contaminants.
For example, suppose the input water source has high arsenic levels, but TDS levels are less than 500 ppm. Then, you require an RO water purifier to remove these harmful contaminants.
How much TDS is good for health?
Ideally, zero TDS is best for health because it ensures 100% water purity. But 100% pure water does not have any taste. Besides, water is the best way to infuse essential chemicals like manganese, magnesium, and calcium. Therefore, the WHO has stipulated TDS levels up to 300 ppm as suitable for human consumption.
Many ask if 25 TDS is safe for drinking water or if 50 TDS is good for health. The answer is simple. The WHO chart clearly states that water with TDS levels up to 50 ppm is suitable for consumption but does not contain essential minerals. Therefore, water purifier manufacturers use TDS controllers or mineralizers to replenish the lost minerals during the RO water purification process.
Read: TDS Controller vs Mineralizer
How do you measure TDS levels in water?
The only way to measure TDS levels in water is by using a TDS meter. These TDS meters are readily available in the retail market. Anyone can use these digital meters to measure TDS levels because it is similar to using a digital thermometer.
How do you reduce TDS levels in the water source?
The best way to reduce TDS levels in water is to use a RO water purifier. The Reverse Osmosis water purification procedure can reduce TDS levels even if they are up to 2000 ppm. Since the WHO standards specify that TDS levels up to 500 ppm are healthy for human consumption, we recommend using RO water purifiers if the TDS levels in the water source measure more than 500 ppm.
However, we reiterate that the contaminant composition plays a critical role in deciding whether to use an RO water purifier every time. An RO water purifier is essential if the TDS contaminants include heavy metal impurities like mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead, and antimony, even if the TDS levels are less than 500 ppm.
Read: What is Taste Enhancer
How do you deal with other contaminants?
Contaminants need not always be TDS. It can be bacterial contamination or sediment contamination. Under such circumstances, RO water purification might not be necessary. A sediment filter or Ultra Filtration should suffice to deal with sediment contaminants. Ultraviolet lamp purification is sufficient to deal with bacteria and other microorganisms.
How does the Reverse Osmosis process work?
Reverse Osmosis involves using a semipermeable membrane to remove TDS from water. Water naturally tends to move from an area of lower TDS concentration to a higher one through a semipermeable membrane. The Reverse osmosis process is the opposite of osmosis. Here, the water moves from an area of higher concentration to a lower one. However, this process requires a pump to force the water through the semipermeable RO membrane.
The RO purification process restricts the movement of all contaminants with a molecular weight of more than 20. Therefore, the process removes essential minerals along with harmful compounds. Therefore, the resultant RO-purified water has low TDS levels (maybe up to 50 ppm). This water does not have a good taste. Besides, it does not have essential minerals. So RO water purifier manufacturers use TDS controllers or mineralizers to replenish the minerals lost during the RO purification process.
How do TDS controllers and mineralizers work?
TDS controllers reintroduce TDS into the RO-purified water after purification to replenish the lost minerals. This method is recommended when the original water source does not contain harmful industrial contaminants. Otherwise, the risk of reintroducing harmful chemicals can backfire and contaminate the water.
Under such circumstances, a mineralizer is better. The mineralizer cartridge introduces essential minerals like magnesium, calcium, and copper. Water purifier manufacturers name this feature differently, but the principle is the same.
Does boiling water reduce TDS levels?
Boiling the water does not remove TDS because the harmful contaminants do not vaporize. Instead, they remain in the water and make it unfit for consumption. Therefore, RO purification is the most effective way of removing TDS from water.
What is the ideal pH level of drinking water?
Ideally, the pH level of water should be 7. However, 100% pure water does not have any taste. Therefore, it requires some TDS to improve its taste and nutritional value. Therefore, the ideal pH level of drinking water should be between 6.5 and 8.5. The best quality drinking water should be slightly alkaline.
Does spring water contain TDS?
Spring water is considered the purest form of drinking water. However, it contains essential minerals to make the TDS levels around 60 ppm.
Final Thoughts
TDS in water is not as harmful as it seems to be. Even the WHO stipulates that water with TDS levels up to 300 ppm is suitable for human consumption. Besides, RO water purification methods are available for reducing TDS levels in the water, even if it is as high as 2000 ppm. This article should clarify all your doubts about TDS in water.
Hello sir TDS from meter reads 148 and 138 from Kent..Do i need to get its service done and change filters..confused
TDS in your water is excellent.
Hi . I stay in rajasthan, and the TDS is 360 . Currently am using a purifier alone. Shall i upgarde to RO? Please reply
TDS 360 is very Good. No need to worry Deepanksha. Non electric water purifier or UV UF water purifier is enough.
Our water TDS is 14 is it good or not
It is not bad but might be deficient in Minerals
I have installed a water softener and then 7 stage Ro plant now the water coming from ro plant with tds 50 to 60 and tastes a bit different is it a healthy water or it lacks minerals
TDS Less than 50ppm is bad. Above 50ppm is okay
Our house tds is 500. Do we need RO or uv+ uf will do? Please suggest
UV + UF water purifier will be good. If you are not sure about the water quality, You can also opt for RO that comes with a Mineralizer.
Hello sir my Borewell water tds is around 190 to 210
But when I fill it in water bottle the water bottle colour changes to yellowish around 1 day i think my Borewell water has soil can i purchase uv
Or uv+uf…
Go with UV + UF Model only. Because UV can kill bacteria and virus but it cannot remove the mud and suspended impurities from the water. UF can remove mud and other impurities. So, you can buy UV + UF model.
Telangana state ka tds leval
TDS changes from one place to another even within the same state. You have to check the TDS of your water source using a TDS meter. It even varies from one home to another.
Thanks sir
Hi, i have purchased ro,uv, mineral, tds, uf water purifier… When I checked tab water of the borewell it shows 190 to 200 ppm tds but taste is salty and after filter it shows 9 ppm… When I check with corporation water.. Tab water tds is 58-60 and after filter it shows 10-13 ppm…. Now i am confused what should i do….
When i drink corporation water directly some times it comes with few oily and after stock water in the pot… In the morning some mud or something like that shows at pot bottom…. The second option drink borewell water directly but taste is saulty…
So what should i do… With ro filter or without… Pls reply…
Hi, The TDS Levels in both Borewell and Corporation water are Good. There is no need for an RO water purifier in such cases if the TDS is less than 400ppm. It is better to install a UV UF water purifier For Tap that is connected to corporation water. The UF filter is capable of removing all the suspended impurities in the water. The UV filter will take care of the bacteria and virus. In General, if the TDS is around 200ppm, the water won’t be salty but in your case it is salty. So it is better to drink corporation water by purifying it with UV + UF water purifier.
TDS in tap water at my place is 700, can you tell what should be used between an RO and water purifier(aquaguard Nova). Only thing I want is healthy water.
If the TDS in your water source is above 500ppm, it is better to install an RO water purifier that comes with a TDS Controller.
My New (upgraded) RO+UV system has reduced my water TDS to 6-7 in Bangalore is it safe to drink such low TDS water or should I get it increased.
TDS is very low. The water does not have any mineral content. No need to install an RO when the TDS in your water source is below 500ppm.
The TDS of my drinking water is 30. Is it safe to consume? What is the ideal level for TDS
TDS Level 30 is safe no need to worry. No need to use an RO water purifier with TDS Controller if the TDS is below 400ppm. 100 to 300 is the ideal level.
I have installed havells active power boster but the tds only jumped from 30 to 60 not much difference.
tds level in my house tap water is 290 , we can go ahead or we need to install any purifier ?
TDS in your water source is excellent. There is no need to change it. If there is dust or any bacteria, install an UV water purifier.
Dear sir our water’s TDS value is 525 so do I need to install a uf or uv purifier
TDS 500 is Okay. Most of the UV water purifiers come with UF combination also. Both the technologies are useful where the TDS value in the water is good. While UV Sterilizes the bacteria and kills them, the UF membrane removes them from the water. Checkout the blow post for the list of models that are suitable for you.
https://www.kitchenarena.in/best-uv-water-purifier/
My tap water TDS reading is between 300-330. Could you please suggest if UV+UF water purifier will suffice? Kindly reply ASAP.
Yes, UV water purifier is enough. The TDS levels in your water is very good. RO is not required. Have a look at the top UV water purifiers here (https://www.kitchenarena.in/best-uv-water-purifier/)
My new RO has reduced TDS to 43 (pureit eco). However, it has a mineraliser ( they call it TDS modulator). Should it be OK. Also plz tell if mineraliser enhances taste without increasing TDS.
Mineraliser adds natural minerals to the water at the end of purification process. TDS modulator is different. If the TDS is below 500ppm, no need to use an RO water purifier. TDS 43 is also okay. TDS in 100 – 300ppm range is excellent.
https://www.kitchenarena.in/tds-controller-vs-mineralizer/
I have tested TDS of my accua then find TDS is 390 .Is it well to drink.
Hello Sir,
The ground water for us is having some odd sewage smell. We were using KENT Grand and there are multiple filtering stages. I can see the TDS around 1000 from tap water and after filtration its around 50. But due to multiple filtration im facing frequent failures and keep on changing membranes. Now im planning to buy a new one with minimal filtration, as per your suggestion adding mineral cartridge instead of UV is one suggestion but is it really worthy? How can i rely on it? Carbon Sediment RO Mineral Post Carbon is this fine ?
My borewel water tds 240 ppm it’s safe for drinking
we use Ro system for our drinking water purposes.our row water TDS valuve is 70ppm and out put water TDs from ro system is 20ppm.is it suitable for drinking purposes? Please give solution if it is not in safe condition.
It is safe only. But why use an RO water purifier when the TDS is already low. TDS 70ppm is already good. No need for an RO. It is safe but no need. Simple UV UF is enough
My TDS is 750 and i am not sure of other values. I am against usage of RO as it would cause wastage of water. For this level of TDS is RO compulsory?
Not Compulsory but it will be better to install one if you have tds above 400ppm. Please read this post to know more.
https://www.kitchenarena.in/total-dissolved-solids/
I have nano RO. Now my water TDS is 5 only. Is it good or not? If the TDS in your water source is below 400ppm, don’t use RO
TDS 5 is not good. It should be around 150ppm.
Accurate drinking water TDS how much required
TDS level is our drinking water is around 100 ppm but the taste is very salty. Please suggest which water purifier we should opt for.
The TDS readings might be wrong. Normally, if the water is salty, the tds levels will on the higher side. You can opt for a 100% RO water purifier that comes with a Mineralizer.
Our water TDS level is 15 after RO filtered, is it good for health? How to increase TDS level by adding some consumeble food products (like salt, sugar etc). Or Is it good to idea to mix little amount of input (hard) water whose TDS is 765 or RO discharged water (which goes in waste usually during filtering process) whose TDS is 165, in order to increase TDS level of filtered drinking water..? Is there any harm in consuming such mixed water ? Please suggest.
My Municipal Tap water sourced from deep borewell by Municipality provides 320 TDS water. Which purifier should I user. I was using Gravity based Pureit Advanced but from last 1-2 months I am seeing green algae depositing in lower filtered water container and also some white limestone type material floating at surface of purified water. My Germikit indicator is still OK and not Red. I am confused.
In my RO water purifier TDs is 200 it is good or bad.
I have aquaguard superb I live in Delhi and my water taste is different since I bought aquaguard superb maybe the mtds too high? The installer said this model doesn’t have mtds regulator. How can I change the mtds as we want ?
Keep between 80-150 @dr.saurabh
It should be within 150-300.
borewell water TDS is 210-250 in my area, should I go for RO or UV UF will be good option?
Tds 79 is good. If your machine has RO UV facility, then you are advised to increase tds up to 100, which will be excellent, will provide tasty and adequate mineral containing water. Technician can adjust for 100 tds in RO UV machine.
Hi, I just got my home RO system serviced and got 48 tds readings. Is it okay to drink and cook food or I have to get tds increased ?
Go for RO.
sure. you have to make it for 70 to 80. it is a healthy one.
yes it should be betwen 80 to 100
Actually it’s right that we should drink the water with tds value between 200-300 which contains he adequate minerals and calcium which our body needs still we are adapted to the water taste which have tds below or equal to 50-70 which our r. O. Plus u. V. Give us that’s why these days people complain about the bones problem and the calcium is provided in form of medicine by doctors, but the natural way to obtain these things is best through water…. Like the water from Himalayan springs is best to drink which is available in market at about 100-250 rupees per litre (branded)
You require a reverse osmosis plant for that and according to the quantity of pure water needed starting from 25000 to 3,4,5,10 lakhs etc
R. O. Plus u. V. Is best for you with tds adjuster
55 tds is good or bad for health please giude me?
WHEN I PURCHES RO HE TOLD ME MY BORWELL WATER TDS CHEK IS 11.7 AND HE SAID 1000 TDS THEN WHATS REAL TDS ? 11,7 OR 1000 I DONT KNOW. THIS WATER WE DRINK AND USE IN MAKING FOOD IS IT OK ?
My bore water is 2800tds. Suggest me a good water purifier method.
Hi I’m using Aquaguard enhance water purifier and the normal TDS value is 330PPM after using filter the TDS value is 30PPM.
Do I need increase the TDS value in filter please let me know?
Hi , we use borewell water, which has tds value of 180 ppm , we use livpure pep pro RO which current tds value is 79 ppm but am very confused with the technician from livpure as they say the ideal drinking water is below 40 ppm . You mentioned here the ideal water should be between 100 to 300 ppm . First of all do we need RO system as our borewell water showing 180 ppm and why the technician guys say below 40 ppm.
Tds level of 47 is good or bad..
Hi the water we use is from multiple sources (bore/ tankers) and TDS varies between 500 and 1500 depending on season. Which purifiers are good for TDS ranging from 500 to 2000 TDS?
Use Livpure prep pro . Its ro uv uf taste enhancer. Its best for such high tds.
My water is very odd smell/odd teast and after purification it became shawer and tea or food became odd teast, what is reason
My ro uv water purifier gives water of 35 TDS. Is it ok?
tds level 400-500 which purifier needed?
If the TDS levels are above 300ppm, you have to opt for an RO water purifier that comes with a TDS Controller. Some of the top-selling RO water purifier models are Kent Grand Plus, Kent ACE Mineral, Livpure Glo. You can have a look at the full list here: https://www.kitchenarena.in/best-water-purifier-india/
Hi Sir
I am using MCD Water and having TDS Laval 145 , we are using low TDS membrane and getting output TDS 29. Is this ok for Drinking or not please suggest.
No need reduce the TDS levels in your water. 145 TDS is good. Just use UV/UF Purifier to remove bacterium and other suspended impurities.
Tds Level below 25 good or bad
The water having TDS levels below 25 might be deprived of some natural minerals. You can consume such low TDS water (Water purified via RO) when you are residing near to a chemical factory or the surroundings water is very polluted. Otherwise, there is no need to decrease the TDS levels of the water to such low ppm.
Sir iam having some land and also borwell and tds is 470 can I place a water plant and what should I require
TDS only 30 Level its good or bad
TDS levels 30 is Okay. Very low TDS water might be depleted of required natural minerals.
For TDS Levels below 400ppm, RO water purifier is not required. You can opt for a Simple UV UF water purifier like Kent Maxx
I am using Borwell water for drinking purpose I have checked TDS it’s 450. Taste also quite good
There’s is no factory nearby my flat.
So should i go for RO
For TDS levels below 400ppm, RO water purifier is not required. In case you are not sure, you can go with an RO water purifier that comes with a TDS regulator/Mineralizer that retains the natural minerals from the water.
Source of water is tubewell water and its tds is 320 -330…which water purifier will be best ??
Suggest models
If tds is 650-700 then which RO should be placed.
Please suggest me, which water purifier is suitable for Municipal water in Hyderabad
What is the TDS levels in your water source. Normally, Municipal supply water is already treated and if the TDS levels are low, you can go with a UV UF water purifier like Kent Maxx. If you are not sure about the TDS levels, it is better to go with an RO UV water purifier.
Hi, The TDS level measured at my home is 400. Do I still need to buy a RO and what is the required TDS level for a human being to be getting the essential minerals from the water.
Water having TDS Levels 500ppm is good for consumption. You don’t need an RO water purifier for water having TDS 400ppm. In case you live near to a factory or a polluted area, it is better to go with an RO water purifier.
what minimum value of TDS is recommended for drinking water to be safe for human (Below 300 is safe but below 100 is it useful to drink ?)
TDS level of 100 is also safe but it might be depleted of Minerals. You can find more details here.
https://www.kitchenarena.in/tds-drinking-water/
https://www.kitchenarena.in/tds-meter-levels-water/
I want to install water purifier at my home in Punjab.Punjab is struggling with impure water after fertilisers have spoiled the water.Cancer is also quiet prevalent.Please advise the one which is best for such conditions.
In Such Conditions, you need an RO water Purifier. Please check out the below models.
Kent Grand Plus
Livpure Glo
Pureit Mineral Classic
Pureit Ultima
Aquaguard Geneus
Hello! I have my Tap water TDS at around 180-200. I’m interested in UF as TDS is well within the limits. I want to know how much will be the approximate result of TDS after Ultra filtration.
And also how about we can use the traditional ceramic candle filter we used long back??Is it not enough?
There will be no change in the TDS levels when you install a UV or UF water purifier. UF water purifiers are better than the Ceramic candle filters as they can remove all the suspended impurities and bacterium from the water.
Ok thanks:)
In Solapur, Maharashtra, water quality of tap supply is ( with reference to BIS 10500)
tubidity 0.32
pH 7.62
Chlorides 168.0
Nitrates 2.41
total hardness 340 ( as CaCO3)
alkalinity (as CaCO3) 322
TDS 714
Iron 0.06
Fluoride 0.46
Normally RO filters are being used but it is wasting lot of water. Please suggest method to save water while making it potable.
Thanks
The TDS levels in your water are good. So, There is no need for an RO water Purifier. You can simply install a UV/UF water purifier at your home. The UV/UF water purifiers don’t remove the TDS from water but they are capable of removing the bacterium and virus from the water. Kent Maxx, Aquaguard Superb are the best selling UV/UF water purifiers.