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what should be tds of drinking water

A good TDS level for drinking water is usually around 50 to 300 ppm. Many sources consider below 300 ppm a comfortable target, while up to 500 ppm is generally still acceptable for drinking water, though taste may start to change.

Practical ranges

  • 50–150 ppm: Often described as the sweet spot for taste and mineral balance.
  • 150–300 ppm: Usually fine for daily drinking, with slightly more dissolved minerals.
  • 300–500 ppm: Still commonly acceptable, but may taste stronger or saltier.
  • Above 500 ppm: Not ideal for regular drinking and worth checking further.

Important note

TDS only tells you the amount of dissolved solids, not whether they are good minerals or harmful contaminants. So a low TDS number does not automatically mean the water is safe, and a higher number does not automatically mean it is unsafe.

Simple answer

If you want a single target, aim for 50–150 ppm for everyday drinking water, and treat under 300 ppm as a solid acceptable range.