Ever wondered what those TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) numbers on water bottles or filtration systems actually mean? Or why some people obsess over getting their TDS level "just right"?
You’re not alone. No matter who you are or how well-educated you are in water quality, understanding TDS can feel like deciphering a secret code. Most of us have been led to believe that lower TDS levels equal better water quality—but that’s not always the case.
Here’s the thing: TDS is more than just a number. It represents everything in your water—not just the bad stuff like contaminants but also good-for-you essentials like minerals.
What should you care about when it comes to TDS? Is "low TDS" water really healthier? We're here to unravel these questions and help you separate the good TDS from the bad.
Because, after all, understanding the role of TDS is critical when it comes to evaluating water quality. It can affect not only how your water tastes but also how healthy it is for you to drink. Let’s break it down.
What is TDS?
TDS, or Total Dissolved Solids, refers to the total amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. These can include salts, minerals, metals, and even organic compounds.
The level of TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm), which indicates the concentration of these substances in the water. For example, a TDS level of 100 ppm means there are 100 milligrams of dissolved solids in one liter of water.
So where, exactly, do these solids come from?
Natural sources like geological formations are one key contributor. When water flows through rocks and soil, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium. But it’s not all natural. Other contributors include industrial processes and urban runoff, which can add chemicals and pollutants into the mix.
Measuring TDS is straightforward—modern TDS meters provide an instant readout of your water’s ppm level. However, while these numbers are useful for broad analysis, they don’t explain what is in your water. That’s where things get interesting.
Good TDS vs. Bad TDS
Not all TDS is created equal. Some dissolved solids are beneficial, while others could harm your health.
Good TDS
Have you ever noticed that some premium mineral water brands proudly display their TDS levels on their bottles? That’s because these levels come from essential minerals that naturally occur in their water sources, and those minerals can benefit both the health properties and the taste of the water.
These beneficial minerals include calcium, magnesium, and potassium, just to name a few.
Again, these minerals not only contribute to the nutritional value of water but also enhance its taste. This is why some water with a moderate TDS level actually tastes better than water with very low levels of dissolved solids.
For reference, a TDS level between 200-500 ppm is often considered optimal for drinking water when it comes to the health and taste balance.
Bad TDS
Now for the not-so-refreshing news. While beneficial minerals are part of TDS, other dissolved solids are less welcome and can pose risks to your health.
Heavy metals, like lead and mercury, can seep into the groundwater due to environmental contamination or aging infrastructure. These have been linked to countless negative health impacts, like neurological damage in young children.
Similarly, TDS can also refer to chemicals like nitrates and chlorine byproducts from agricultural runoff or municipal water treatment, or pollutants from industrial waste, construction, and urban runoff.
How does this happen? Contamination can occur at various stages—from the source water, outdated plumbing in older homes, or during inadequate water treatment processes. This means that simply looking at a low or high TDS number doesn’t give you a complete picture.
What’s more is that, when dissolved in water, these harmful contaminants not only affect the taste of the drinking water, but can also lead to health problems over time. Water with high levels of harmful TDS often needs specialized filtration systems to keep it safe to drink.
What Are the Important Minerals Found in Water?
Water contains a variety of essential minerals that contribute to its taste. Below are some of the most important minerals commonly found in drinking water:
- Calcium: An essential mineral for building strong bones and teeth, calcium also plays a critical role in muscle contraction and nerve signaling.
- Magnesium: Known for supporting heart health and regulating blood pressure, magnesium is also vital for energy production and muscle relaxation.
- Potassium: This electrolyte helps maintain fluid balance in the body, supports proper muscle function, and regulates heartbeat.
- Bicarbonate: This naturally occurring ion acts as a buffer, helping to maintain the body's pH balance and aiding in digestive health.
Each of these minerals enriches the quality and taste of water, which contributes to better hydration and also overall wellness. Their natural presence confirms that mineral-rich water can be beneficial to hydrate, and goes to show that water with a low TDS isn’t necessarily better in terms of nutrition and overall health.
The Role of TDS in Water Taste and Palatability
Ever felt like some water just tastes better than others? You guessed it—it’s probably thanks to TDS.
According to WHO guidelines, “The palatability of drinking water has been rated by panels of tasters in relation to its TDS level as follows:
- excellent, less than 300 mg/litre;
- good, between 300 and 600 mg/litre;
- fair, between 600 and 900 mg/litre;
- poor, between 900 and 1200 mg/litre;
- and unacceptable, greater than 1200 mg/litre (1).
- Water with extremely low concentrations of TDS may also be unacceptable because of its flat, insipid taste.”
But again, not all TDS is created equal. Low TDS water (think purified or reverse osmosis water) often has a flat or bland taste, while water with extremely high TDS can have an overpowering, mineral-heavy flavor. It’s about balance, and that’s where TDS truly shines.
Minerals like calcium and magnesium give water a smooth, pleasant flavor that enhances the drinking experience. It’s why mineral-rich water frequently earns rave reviews.
For example, LANGWATER’s reverse osmosis drinking system with remineralization produces drinking water with a TDS level of around 250 mg/L—perfectly balanced to deliver a crisp and refreshing taste. You get all the good stuff (healthy minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium) without going overboard.
Whether it’s a flat, tasteless sip or an excessively salty gulp, TDS determines your experience every time you grab a glass.
Why Low TDS Isn’t Always Better
When it comes to water quality, "less is more" doesn’t always apply. While reverse osmosis (RO) systems are excellent at removing impurities, they can also strip away beneficial minerals, leaving water devoid of taste and nutritional value.
Essentially, RO systems don’t discriminate—they’ll eliminate both the good and the bad from your water.
Water with excessively low TDS may be safe to drink, but it often ends up as a bland and uninspiring experience. More importantly, it lacks natural minerals like calcium and magnesium, essentials to the water quality. Drinking low-TDS water might leave you wondering, “Is this all there is to it?”
Here’s the truth—just because water is purified doesn’t automatically make it healthier. The key is striking the right balance. Water with a moderate TDS level offers the best of both worlds—clean and free of harmful contaminants while still rich in healthy minerals.
That’s why mineral-enriched RO water, like what LANGWATER’s countertop system produces, is a step above. It captures the essence of properly balanced water, offering a better drinking experience and an extra boost for your overall well-being.
How to Measure TDS in Your Water
Want to know where your water stands? A TDS meter is your tool. These handy devices measure the concentration of dissolved solids, which often include minerals, salts, and metals, in your water. Mineral waters with TDS like Gerolsteiner or Evian showcase the bright, crisp flavors those solids add, while distilled and demineralized water may lack both taste and nutritional benefits.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Turn on your TDS meter.
- Dip the probe into your water.
- Record the displayed value.
Remember, though, a TDS meter only measures conductive particles—so it won’t pick up contaminants like pesticides. That’s where a comprehensive system like LANGWATER’s comes in, delivering purified, then mineralized water with every use.
LANGWATER’s Approach to TDS
Rather than aiming for zero TDS, LANGWATER strikes a balance. The system purifies water using reverse osmosis and then adds back natural minerals essential for premium water quality. The TDS level sits at approximately 250 mg/L, creating water that’s both smooth-tasting and enriched with the minerals your body thrives on.
LANGWATER’s philosophy? It sounds revolutionary, but really, it’s just a balanced approach that combines purification with replenishment.
Remember, TDS isn’t inherently “bad.” Great water isn’t about stripping out every trace of solids—it’s about removing harmful substances while keeping the good stuff intact. LANGWATER specializes in delivering safe, great-tasting water with just the right balance of TDS to support health and hydration.
Want to experience the difference for yourself? Give LANGWATER’s countertop reverse osmosis & remineralization system a try and elevate your water quality to the next level. Click here to learn more and bring optimized hydration home today!
Reference WHO guidelines
