For many homes, the ideal drinking-water TDS range is 50–150 ppm. TDS helps you understand the amount of dissolved material in water and track RO performance, but it does not identify every contaminant or prove water safety by itself.
The most useful approach is to compare inlet-water TDS with purified-water TDS and notice changes in taste, flow, smell, and the water source.
What is TDS?
TDS means total dissolved solids. A handheld TDS meter estimates the concentration of dissolved substances and shows the result in parts per million, or ppm.
Think of TDS as one useful number, not a complete water report. It does not tell you exactly which dissolved substances are present, and it does not test for bacteria. Source information, appearance, smell, and appropriate water testing also matter.
Practical drinking-water TDS guide
- 50–150: ideal range for many homes.
- 150–300: generally acceptable where taste and overall water quality are suitable.
- 300–500: a purifier check is recommended, especially if taste or performance has changed.
- 500+: RO service or a water-quality assessment is recommended.
Why Delhi NCR water sources affect TDS
Homes in Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Faridabad, and Ghaziabad may use municipal, borewell, tanker, or mixed water supplies. The inlet TDS can change by locality, building, season, and source.
Higher-TDS groundwater can taste heavier or saltier and can place more demand on the membrane. When a building switches water source, compare fresh inlet and output readings before deciding that a filter or membrane has failed.
Why very low TDS can affect taste
Very low TDS water may taste flat because much of its dissolved mineral content has been reduced. This is a taste and purifier-setting concern, not a reason to make medical claims from the meter reading.
If purified-water TDS is unexpectedly low, a technician can inspect the purifier design, membrane, and compatible TDS controller or mixing setting. Internal adjustments should not be made without understanding inlet-water quality.
When TDS adjustment may help
If output TDS is low and the purifier has a compatible, working TDS controller, a TDS adjustment may be possible with only the ₹99 Online Visit/Service Charge. Suitability depends on the purifier and inlet water, so the technician should inspect it first.
The Pay After Service Visit Charge is ₹249. Parts, filters, membrane, fittings, consumables, adjustment-related work, or non-standard work are separate after inspection and customer approval. Prices inclusive of GST, with GST invoice support.
Need an RO TDS check?
Book Online Visit/Service Charge ₹99 or WhatsApp RO Service Wala.
Test before changing filters or membrane
Do not replace a filter or membrane only because of one TDS reading. Check the meter, take inlet and purified-water readings, confirm water source, and inspect flow, pressure, filters, and membrane performance.
If high output TDS continues, read the RO membrane replacement cost guide. For a routine diagnosis, use the RO service page or contact RO Service Wala.
The 60 Days Service Warranty means no visit/service charge for the same reported problem within warranty terms. Parts, filters, membrane, fittings, consumables, or replacements are separate unless covered by invoice or plan terms. A different or unrelated issue may require a new charge.
Frequently asked questions
Is 50 TDS always better than 150?
No. Both are within the stated ideal range. Taste, source water, purifier performance, and appropriate water-quality checks also matter.
Does a TDS meter detect bacteria?
No. A TDS meter estimates dissolved solids and is not a microbiological test.
Can high TDS damage an RO membrane?
Higher inlet TDS can place more demand on the membrane and may affect its useful life, especially when pre-filter care or pressure is poor.
Should I change the membrane when output TDS rises?
Not automatically. Compare inlet and output readings and inspect controls, pressure, filters, flow, and membrane performance first.