What Is a Good TDS Range for Drinking Water? [2025 Guide]
Your TDS meter readings show 420 ppm—good or bad? Understanding the ideal TDS range for drinking water helps you decide whether you need a filter, a remineralizer, or no change at all. This quick guide explains which TDS levels are considered excellent, acceptable, or risky and shows you how Crystal Quest® systems can fine-tune your water to the perfect range.
Key Takeaways: Essential TDS Facts
High TDS ≠ Always Unsafe
TDS measures minerals, not toxins—but sudden spikes can signal contamination from wells, pipes, or runoff.
Zero TDS Isn't Ideal
Ultra-pure water tastes flat and can become "aggressive," pulling flavors from pipes and plumbing.
Balance Through Filtration
RO systems remove TDS, while remineralization filters raise low TDS to a more balanced range.
Test Every 6-12 Months
Regular TDS meter readings help catch changes early and maintain optimal water quality for your family.
New to TDS?
Read our full primer: Understanding TDS, what it is, why it matters, and so much more.
What Exactly Does TDS Measure?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is the weight of everything dissolved in your water—salts, minerals, and even tiny bits of metal—shown in parts per million (ppm). A digital TDS meter measures the electrical conductivity in your water to give you that number.
It's important to note that high TDS readings don't always mean unsafe, but they can signal problems like saltwater intrusion, farm runoff, or old metal pipes. The normal TDS in drinking water varies by source, but knowing the good TDS range helps you make informed decisions.
What is the ideal TDS range for drinking water?
50-150 ppm is considered the optimal TDS range for drinking water, providing good taste and mineral content without excessive buildup in appliances. This range meets EPA standards and delivers the best balance of health and flavor.
Quick TDS Range Checker
Check your TDS meter readings against these safe TDS levels:
TDS Range Chart: Ideal Levels for Drinking Water
The EPA has established guidelines for acceptable TDS levels in drinking water. Here's what different TDS measurements mean for your water quality and taste:
Source: EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standards for TDS = 500 ppm.
Taste & Health at Each TDS Range
Understanding how different TDS levels affect water taste and quality helps you determine if your water needs treatment. Here's what each good TDS range means for your drinking water:
- < 50 ppm: Great for aquariums and lab work, but many people find it tastes "empty." TDS too low for ideal consumption.
- 50–150 ppm: Often called the "sweet spot" because trace minerals improve flavor without scale—the best TDS level for health.
- 150–300 ppm: Safe normal TDS range, but coffee and tea may taste muddier; faucets may show light spotting.
- 300–500 ppm: Scale builds faster in kettles and humidifiers; some drinkers notice a salty after-taste.
- > 500 ppm: EPA says reduce it—TDS too high can corrode plumbing and may carry nitrates, sodium, or heavy metals.
Is 0 TDS Always Best?
Not necessarily. We typically recommend against 0, or very low TDS readings for drinking water. Zero-TDS water from Reverse Osmosis can taste 'flat' or pick up unwanted flavors from pipes. Because of this, many people and families add Crystal Quest® remineralization filters to return healthy minerals back to the water, bringing back taste that most people prefer.
TDS Ranges Visualized
Very Low
Taste Profile
Extremely pure water that may taste flat or empty. Can be more aggressive on plumbing due to low mineral content.
Excellent
Taste Profile
Ideal balance of purity and minerals. Clean, crisp taste that most people prefer for drinking.
Good
Taste Profile
Pleasant taste with noticeable but not overwhelming mineral content. Good for most household uses.
Acceptable
Taste Profile
Stronger mineral taste that's still suitable for most uses but may affect sensitive appliances.
Questionable
Taste Profile
Heavy mineral content with possible metallic taste. May cause scale buildup in appliances.
Poor
Taste Profile
Unpleasant taste with high salt or mineral content. Can damage appliances and leave visible deposits.
Unacceptable
Taste Profile
Water is essentially undrinkable with extremely high dissolved solids. Requires immediate treatment.
How to Lower or Raise TDS Levels
Lowering High TDS (When TDS Too High)
If your TDS meter readings consistently show levels above the normal TDS range, these solutions can help achieve the optimal TDS range:
- Whole-House Reverse Osmosis – drops TDS up to 99%. Great for wells and coastal areas.
- Deionization (DI) – polishes RO water, bringing TDS down to 0 ppm for aquariums or labs.
- Under-Sink RO – perfect for point of use needs such as cooking.
Raising Very Low TDS (When TDS Too Low)
If your TDS meter readings show levels below the normal TDS in drinking water, these options help achieve a good TDS range:
- Re-mineralization/Alkalizing Filters – adds minerals back to the water to reach the best TDS level for health.
- Blending Valve – mixes a little untreated water to reach your target ppm.
Special TDS Targets for Different Applications
Different uses require specific TDS levels for optimal results. Whether you're checking TDS meter readings for baby formula or coffee brewing, here are the safe TDS levels for various applications:
- Baby Formula: Pediatricians often recommend <50 ppm. Use RO or DI, then add formula minerals for the best TDS level for health.
- Aquariums: Many reef tanks thrive at 0–5 ppm; freshwater fish vary (ask your breeder).
- Coffee Brewing: Specialty cafés aim for 75–150 ppm for balanced flavor extraction.
Understanding Your Ideal TDS Range
A good TDS range typically falls between 50-150 ppm for optimal drinking water taste and appliance longevity. While very low TDS (0-50 ppm) may taste flat and high TDS (above 500 ppm) can affect appliance performance, maintaining the right balance through proper water filtration systems ensures both great-tasting water and healthy mineral content. Regular TDS meter readings, combined with appropriate water treatment solutions like Reverse Osmosis or remineralization, helps you achieve and maintain these safe TDS levels for your specific needs.
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FAQs About Good TDS Range
Is 200 ppm TDS good for drinking water?
Yes, 200 ppm falls within the normal TDS range and is generally safe—many city waters fall in this range, though you may notice a slight mineral taste. This is considered a good TDS range for most people.
Can high TDS damage appliances?
Yes. When TDS too high (minerals above 500 ppm), they form scale in kettles, humidifiers, and water heaters, cutting efficiency and requiring more frequent maintenance.
Will boiling water lower TDS levels?
No. Boiling removes some hardness minerals but has almost no effect on TDS salts like sodium or nitrates. Use filtration systems for effective TDS reduction.
Should I use a DI or demineralizing system for drinking water?
No, we don't recommend DI (deionization) or demineralizing systems for drinking water. These systems remove virtually all minerals, creating water that's too pure for consumption and can taste flat. DI systems are best suited for laboratory, medical, or industrial applications where ultra-pure water is required.
Is an alkalizing filter the same as a remineralizing filter?
Essentially, yes—both restore essential minerals and fresh taste to RO-treated water; an alkalizer just boosts pH while doing the same job, so the use case is identical.
How often should I test my water with a TDS meter?
Every 6–12 months for city water, or quarterly for private wells and when taste or scale suddenly changes. Regular TDS meter readings help maintain the optimal TDS range.
