The best Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level for drinking water generally falls within the range of 50 to 150 parts per million (ppm). This range provides a balance between purity and mineral content, ensuring that the water is both safe and pleasant-tasting.
Recommended TDS Levels for Drinking Water:
- Below 50 ppm: Water with very low TDS may taste flat or lack minerals, which can affect taste and possibly health, as some essential minerals are removed.
- 50 to 150 ppm: This is considered the ideal range for drinking water. Water within this range has a balanced amount of minerals, providing good taste and contributing beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
- 150 to 300 ppm: Generally acceptable for drinking. Water at this level may have a slightly mineralized taste, which some people prefer, and it can still be considered safe and healthy.
- 300 to 500 ppm: Though still considered safe for drinking by most standards, water at this TDS level may have a more pronounced taste and might be perceived as “hard” water due to higher levels of minerals.
- Above 500 ppm: Water with a TDS level over 500 ppm is typically not recommended for regular drinking. It may taste salty or bitter, and high TDS levels can indicate the presence of contaminants or excessive hardness, which may not be safe or pleasant to consume.
Factors Influencing the Optimal TDS Level:
- Taste Preferences: Some people prefer the taste of water with slightly higher TDS due to the presence of natural minerals.
- Health Considerations: TDS includes essential minerals, which are beneficial for health. However, excessively high TDS levels can also indicate the presence of harmful substances, so balancing mineral content without surpassing safe limits is key.
- Water Source: Natural mineral content varies by source. For instance, mountain spring water often has a higher TDS due to natural minerals, while distilled or RO-purified water typically has a very low TDS.
Guidelines by Health Organizations:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that water with a TDS level below 300 ppm is generally considered good quality for drinking.
- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a secondary standard for TDS at 500 ppm, which is not enforceable but serves as a guideline to help control water taste, odor, and appearance.
Adjusting TDS with a TDS Controller:
For those using RO purifiers, which can reduce TDS to very low levels, a TDS controller can help maintain a level within the ideal range by allowing the addition of beneficial minerals. This way, you can adjust the TDS to suit your personal preference and ensure you’re getting essential minerals in your drinking water.
In summary, while the ideal TDS level for drinking water is generally between 50 and 150 ppm, personal taste, health considerations, and local water quality will influence the best level for each individual.