TDS in Drinking Water (2026): TDS Chart, Safe Levels, and How to Test with a TDS Meter in Kenya

TDS (total dissolved solids) is the amount of minerals, salts and metals dissolved in water, measured in parts per million (ppm) or mg/L. It tells you how "salty" or mineral-heavy water is, which matters for taste, kettles, boilers and water businesses. Testing tools on Buy More Mall come from Herritech Ventures (H-TECH).

TDS Chart for Drinking Water

The World Health Organization rates the taste of drinking water by TDS roughly as follows:

Very low TDS (for example RO water at around 10–50 ppm) is safe; some people prefer a little mineral taste, which is why some purifiers add a mineral stage.

Testing Tools and Prices

How to Use a TDS Meter

1. Take off the cap and switch the meter on.
2. Dip the tip into a clean glass of the water to the marked level.
3. Stir gently to remove air bubbles and wait for the reading to settle.
4. Read the ppm value; rinse and dry the tip after use.

Check accuracy now and then against a calibration solution, following the meter's instructions.

What a TDS Meter Cannot Tell You

A TDS meter measures the total, not what the solids are. It cannot detect bacteria, viruses, chlorine, fluoride or lead on their own. Water with low TDS can still carry germs, and water with normal TDS can still contain fluoride. For drinking water, have a laboratory test done, especially for boreholes.

How to Lower TDS in Water

See RO Water Purifier Price in Kenya for homes and Industrial RO Plant Price for businesses.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much TDS in water is good for drinking?

Below 300 ppm tastes excellent and 300–600 ppm good, by the WHO taste scale; above 1,200 ppm is unacceptable to most people.

What is TDS in water?

The total amount of dissolved minerals, salts and metals, measured in ppm or mg/L.

How much is a TDS meter in Kenya?

A handheld TDS meter is KSh 6,500 on Buy More Mall.

Can a TDS meter detect bacteria?

No. It only measures total dissolved solids; germs need a laboratory test.

Does boiling reduce TDS?

No. Boiling kills germs but does not remove dissolved solids; RO lowers TDS.

What is the TDS of RO water?

Usually very low, often around 10–50 ppm, depending on the feed water and the membrane.

Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.

Related Guides

• RO Water Purifier Price
• How to Remove Fluoride From Water
• Hard Water: Signs and Solutions
• TDS Meters, Dosing Pumps and RO Controllers