Which TDS is suitable for drinking?

Choosing the right TDS for drinking water matters for both taste and health. We will explain what TDS means and why it matters in homes and cities across India and beyond. Many people ask what level makes water taste good and what is safe to drink. An ideal TDS level generally falls between 50 and 300 mg per liter. We are the leading name in water solutions and can help to check and set the right TDS for your water.

Ideal TDS range for taste and health

Water quality starts with the right TDS range. Knowing the correct range helps you choose the right filter and keeps your family safe. Let us have a look at some common ranges and what each one means for everyday use and health.

1. Below 50 mg per litre

Water with TDS below 50 mg per liter can taste flat and may lack minerals that people expect in natural water. Many home RO units can lower TDS to this level. If you drink this water long-term, you may miss out on small amounts of calcium and magnesium that usually come from natural water. You can add a remineralizer after RO to bring back healthy minerals. This step helps the water taste better and gives small health benefits. For most people, a diet with normal foods covers any mineral gap so this water is safe when handled correctly.

2. 50 to 150 mg per litre

This range often gives the best balance of taste and minerals. Water in this bracket feels fresh and mild on the tongue. It contains enough natural minerals to support basic health needs without any salty taste. Many public water supplies and bottled waters fall in this group. When drinking water reads in this range, many households do not need heavy treatment. Simple disinfection and particle removal keep the water safe.

3.150 to 300 mg per litre

Water with TDS in this zone remains safe and tastes natural for most people. This range gives a clear mineral profile while avoiding any salty feeling. If raw water reaches here, you can use simple filters that remove microbes and particles. You do not need reverse osmosis unless there are other chemical hazards. For people who prefer a fuller mouthfeel, this range can be more satisfying. It also aligns with many international recommendations for drinking water quality.

How to test TDS and read a TDS suitability chart

Let us have a look at some test methods and how to use a chart to decide the next step.

1. Using handheld TDS meters and lab tests

A handheld TDS meter gives a fast number in mg per liter. You dip it in water, wait for the reading, and record the value. This tool shows total dissolved solids, but it cannot name the specific salts or metals. For that, you need a lab test. A lab will show if there are nitrates, lead, arsenic, or other pollutants. Use a meter for daily checks and use lab tests when the TDS reads high or when you find taste or smell issues. Regular checks help you act before problems grow.

2. Interpreting a TDS suitability chart

A chart links TDS values to drinking advice. Below 50, the chart notes low mineral content and a flat taste. From 50 to 300, it marks the best taste and safe use. Between 300 and 500, the chart shows acceptable use but a chance of mild mineral taste. Above 500, the chart warns about high salts and suggests further treatment. Use the chart as a guide and combine it with lab reports for complete safety.

Choosing the right purification method based on TDS

Choosing a filter depends on the TDS number and on what other contaminants may be present. Simple systems can handle low and moderate TDS levels. Heavy salt or chemical loads need stronger systems. Let us have a look at some common purification choices and when to use them.

1. UV and UF for low to moderate TDS

When TDS is below 300 mg per liter, use UV or UF to remove microbes and particles. These systems do not remove dissolved salts, but they kill bacteria and viruses. UV works fast and needs power to run. UF uses a membrane to block larger germs and solids while keeping minerals in the water. These methods keep the healthy minerals in water, and they keep the taste natural. Many homes with municipal water prefer these systems because they need simple maintenance and they protect against disease without stripping minerals.

2. RO and remineralisation for high TDS

When TDS rises over 500 mg per liter, consider reverse osmosis. RO removes most dissolved salts and many harmful chemicals. After RO, you may add a remineralizer to bring back healthy calcium and magnesium. This step improves taste and helps to balance the mineral content. Use RO when lab tests show harmful salts or when the water tastes brackish. RO needs regular servicing, and it uses more water in the process. A good system will save the treated water and will make sure the final water stays balanced.

Health and regulatory limits you should know

Regulatory limits give a safety frame to the TDS numbers. They may vary from place to place. Knowing these limits helps you act when your readings fall outside the safe bands. Let us have a look at the main standards and what they mean for daily use.

Standards and health notes

Many authorities set 500 mg per liter as an acceptable limit for everyday use. Some groups recommend lower levels near 300 mg per liter for best taste. Very high TDS may hide metals or harmful salts, and so you should test further when numbers top 500. Very low TDS may lead some people to add minerals back to keep a balanced intake. If you suspect lead, arsenic, or nitrates in your water, get a lab test and fix the problem with the right filter.

Read some interesting information for the Commercial RO Plant Manufacturer in Noida

Conclusion

Choosing which TDS is suitable for drinking matters for health, taste, and peace of mind. Measure your water with a meter or use a lab test to learn the real values. When you know the number, pick a filter that matches the load and the risks. Netsol Water is the leading partner to help you test and set the right TDS for your home. If you want to know more about how TDS is suitable for drinking, contact an expert or request a consultation today.

Contact Netsol Water at:

Phone: +91-9650608473

Email: enquiry@netsolwater.com