Water TDS Level Chart & Interpreter

Enter your water TDS reading below. Get an instant interpretation against IS 10500:2012 (Indian Standard) and WHO drinking water guidelines.

mg/L

TDS Level Reference Chart

TDS Range (mg/L)RatingQualityBIS IS 10500
0–50Very LowEssentially mineral-freeAcceptable
50–150LowExcellent drinking waterAcceptable
150–300ModerateGood drinking waterAcceptable
300–500AcceptableAcceptable as per BIS standardsAcceptable
500–900HighAbove BIS acceptable limitExceeds
900–1200Very HighPoor quality — treatment neededExceeds
1200+Extremely HighUnfit for drinkingExceeds

Reference: BIS IS 10500:2012 — Indian Standard for Drinking Water Specification. Acceptable limit: 500 mg/L. Permissible limit (no alternative source): 2,000 mg/L.

Water TDS Level Chart (IS 10500:2012)

TDS Range (mg/L) Classification Suitability
Below 50 Very low mineral content May lack essential minerals. Flat taste.
50 - 300 Excellent Ideal for drinking. Good mineral balance.
300 - 500 Good (IS 10500 acceptable limit) Safe for drinking per Indian standards.
500 - 900 Fair Exceeds IS 10500 desirable limit. Acceptable if no alternative.
900 - 1,200 Poor Hard water. Not ideal for long-term consumption.
1,200 - 2,000 Maximum permissible (IS 10500) Use only if no alternative source available.
Above 2,000 Unfit Not suitable for drinking. Requires treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TDS in water?
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including minerals, salts, metals, and organic matter. It is expressed in milligrams per litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). TDS is a key indicator of drinking water quality and is measured using a TDS meter or laboratory analysis.
What is the acceptable TDS level for drinking water in India?
As per IS 10500:2012 (Indian Standard for Drinking Water), the acceptable TDS limit is 500 mg/L. In the absence of an alternative source, water up to 2,000 mg/L may be consumed. The WHO recommends drinking water with TDS below 600 mg/L for optimal taste and safety.
Does a low TDS mean water is safe to drink?
Not necessarily. TDS measures dissolved solids but does not detect microbiological contamination, heavy metals at trace levels, or specific chemical pollutants. Water with low TDS can still contain harmful bacteria, pesticides, or arsenic. A comprehensive water quality test covering physical, chemical, and microbiological parameters is required to confirm safety.
How often should I test my drinking water TDS?
For residential bore wells and tanker water, testing every 6 months is recommended. Commercial water suppliers and food processing units should test quarterly or as mandated by FSSAI regulations. Municipal water users should test annually or whenever they notice changes in taste, odour, or appearance.

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