Does Low TDS Water Have Side Effects? Find Out

You might have heard about low TDS water and wondered if it’s truly safe to drink. That’s a valid concern. After all, water quality can directly affect your health and wellbeing.

So, what does drinking low TDS water do? Does it have any side effects? The short answer is yes, but let’s examine the specifics of TDS and the impact of low TDS water on health in detail, and share what you can do to ensure your drinking water is safe and tasty.

What is TDS?

Total dissolved solids (TDS) measure the amount of dissolved salts and minerals in your water. These can include sodium, magnesium, fluoride, chloride, nitrate, potassium, manganese, iron, nickel, calcium, chromium, copper, zinc, arsenic, cadmium, and sulfates.

TDS levels are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Ideally, drinking water should have TDS levels around 300 ppm. Levels above 600 ppm indicate poor water quality.

Some areas naturally have low TDS water, but if you use a reverse osmosis filter at home, you’ll end up with very low TDS water because this process removes most dissolved substances.

Here’s a quick look at TDS levels and what they mean for water quality:

This data can help you gauge the quality of your drinking water and make informed decisions about filtration and mineralization.

Possible Side Effects of Drinking Low TDS Water

Drinking low TDS water can reduce your intake of important minerals like sodium and magnesium by about 20%. These minerals are essential for your health, especially for your cardiovascular system. Magnesium, for instance, supports heart health and is essential for revitalizing your muscles.

So, what happens if you drink and cook with low TDS water? It might have a negative impact on your health. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that drinking water should have at least 100 mg/L of TDS, with the ideal range being between 200-500 mg/L.

Further research suggests that the best levels for human health are 20-30 mg/L of magnesium and 40-80 mg/L of calcium in your water. Without these minerals, you might miss out on their health benefits.

Additionally, low TDS water tends to taste a bit acidic, which can alter the taste of your food and drinks.

What You Can Do To Improve Low TDS Water?

Luckily, there are simple solutions to improve low TDS water. One effective option is using re-mineralization filters. These filters, like the Aquasana Optim H20 reverse osmosis system, can add essential minerals back into your water.

If you already have an RO system, you can use re-mineralization tablets, such as those from WaterandWellness. These tablets are easy to use and can quickly boost the mineral content of your water.

By adding these healthy minerals, you’ll reduce the water’s acidity and improve its taste. This way, you’ll enjoy better health benefits and a more pleasant taste in your food and drinks.

Final Thoughts

Low TDS water can lack essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, potentially impacting your health and altering the taste of your food and drinks.

If you use a reverse osmosis system to filter your drinking water, consider adding re-mineralization filters or tablets to restore these vital minerals.

This simple step can enhance both the safety and the flavor of your drinking water, ensuring you enjoy its benefits to the fullest.