In drinking water, safe levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) are generally considered to be up to about 500 ppm by many health and regulatory guidelines, with many sources noting that 50–200 ppm often provides better taste and balance of minerals for regular drinking. The exact “safe” range can vary by guidelines and by local regulations, but the common consensus is:
- EPA guideline for drinking water: TDS up to 500 ppm is the upper limit often used as a regulatory proxy, with aesthetic considerations guiding acceptability below that level. [EPA-like guidance observed in multiple sources]
- WHO perspective: Some sources cite a more conservative target around 300 ppm for taste and perceived safety, though up to 500 ppm is frequently accepted in many jurisdictions. [World Health Organization aligned guidance in secondary sources]
- Practical taste and quality: Many people prefer water in the 50–200 ppm range for the best taste and mineral balance, while water above 300–500 ppm may start to taste salty or metallic depending on the minerals present. [Common consumer guidance]
Key notes
- TDS is a measure of all dissolved solids in water, not a direct measure of specific contaminants. Water can be high in TDS yet be free of harmful pollutants, or low in TDS yet contain harmful substances. Always verify contaminant-specific standards (like lead, arsenic, nitrate) from your local water utility or health authority. [Regulatory and safety context often cited in guidance documents]
- Disinfection byproducts, metals, and other contaminants have their own explicit limits, which are separate from TDS. Safe drinking water involves both general water quality (TDS taste/readability) and specific contaminant control. [Public health guidance often emphasizes multiple parameters]
What to do if you’re concerned
- Check your local water utility’s annual water quality report (Consumer Confidence Report) for your area, which lists measured ranges for TDS and any regulated contaminants. [Regulatory practice common in many regions]
- If you rely on a private or well water supply, test for common contaminants (bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, lead, pesticides) in addition to TDS, and consider treatment options if any results exceed local guidelines. [Private-supply guidance frequently recommended]
If you’d like, share your location or the specific water source (tap, well, bottled, RO, etc.) and I can tailor guidance to the most applicable regional standards and typical TDS ranges for that context.
