What Is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which refers to the amount of minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter dissolved in water. Common examples include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorides, sulphates, and nitrates.
While some TDS components (like calcium and magnesium) are essential for health, excessive levels can make water hard, salty, and unsafe for long-term consumption.
TDS in Water
We should care about it because high TDS in drinking water can:
- Change taste, making water salty or bitter.
- Cause scaling in taps and appliances.
- Lead to digestive and kidney issues if contaminated with harmful salts or heavy metals.
Low TDS, on the other hand, can strip water of useful minerals and make it taste flat.
Safe TDS Levels in Drinking Water:
| TDS Range (mg/L) | Water Quality | Recommendation |
| 0 – 50 | Very Low | Lacks minerals, not ideal |
| 50 – 150 | Excellent | Ideal for drinking |
| 150 – 300 | Good | Acceptable for most households |
| 300 – 500 | Fair | Safe with RO purification |
| Above 500 | Unsafe | Needs advanced RO system |
According to BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards), the acceptable limit for TDS in drinking water is 500 mg/L. Anything above this requires treatment using an RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Purifier.
1. High TDS Water – The Hidden Health Risks
- Kidney Problems: Excess calcium and sodium can put pressure on your kidneys.
- Digestive Issues: High TDS water can irritate the stomach lining and cause acidity.
- Hard Water Effects: Minerals like magnesium and calcium can cause dry skin and hair fall.
- Metal Toxicity: In areas with industrial pollution, high TDS may include heavy metals like lead or arsenic — dangerous for children’s growth and adult health.
2. Low TDS Water – Too Pure Isn’t Always Good
Mineral Deficiency: Can lead to fatigue, muscle cramps, and weak bones.
Flat Taste: Lack of natural minerals affects the flavor of food and beverages.
Weaker Immunity: Regular intake of demineralized water can lower the body’s resistance to infections.
But How an RO Purifier Controls TDS?
An RO (Reverse Osmosis) Water Purifier controls TDS by using a semi-permeable membrane that filters out excess salts, dissolved solids, and heavy metals from water. When water passes through this membrane, it separates pure water molecules from harmful impurities, lowering the TDS level to a safe range (between 50–300 mg/L).
Methods to Check Your TDS?
There is two methods of measuring TDS are gravimetric analysis and Conductivity. In which Gravimetric methods are the most accurate and related to evaporating the liquid solvent and measuring the mass of residues left. This method is generally the best, although it is time-consuming. If inorganic salts comprise the great majority of TDS, conductivity-based methods are appropriate.
Conductivity of water is equals to the concentration of dissolved ionized solids. These ions allow the water to conduct electric current. By using a conventional conductivity meter or TDS meter, this electric current can be measured. When correlated with laboratory TDS measurements, conductivity provides an approximate value for the TDS concentration, with around 10% accuracy.
Check TDS if you notice:
- Water tasting unusually salty or metallic.
- White stains on utensils or taps.
- Hair or skin dryness after regular use.
You can use a TDS meter (available online) or contact Excellent RO Purifier for a free water quality test in your area.
All models come with multi-stage purification, mineral retention, and doorstep maintenance.
TDS is not just a number — it determines the health and safety of the water you drink. Balanced TDS levels mean your water is pure, refreshing, and beneficial.
Trust Excellent RO Purifier to keep your water within the perfect range — neither too high nor too low, just perfectly safe for your family