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What TDS Level Is Safe for Drinking Water, and How Do You Test It?
Quick answer: TDS (total dissolved solids) measures the minerals and salts dissolved in water, in ppm (mg/L). Most treated drinking water in Kenya reads well below 500 ppm, and good RO water often reads 20–150 ppm. Test with a handheld TDS meter; if borehole water reads high, it usually needs RO. TDS does not measure bacteria, so also test microbiology.
Key facts
- TDS = dissolved minerals and salts, in ppm (mg/L)
- Check the current limit in the Kenyan drinking-water standard with KEBS
- High TDS borehole water usually needs RO
- TDS meters do not detect bacteria: use lab tests and UV
On this page
What TDS readings mean
| TDS (ppm) | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| Below 50 | RO water; many plants add minerals for taste |
| 50–300 | Typical good drinking water |
| 300–600 | Noticeable taste; check it against the standard |
| Above 600 | Salty or hard; usually needs RO for drinking |
These bands are a practical guide. The legal limit is set in the Kenyan drinking-water standard; confirm the current value with KEBS.
How to test TDS
- Rinse the meter in the water you are testing.
- Dip it to the marked line, wait for the reading to settle.
- Test raw water and treated water, and write both down weekly.
TDS, pH and water quality meters
Flow Meters panel mountedKSh 2,900
Conductivity ProbeKSh 3,000
pH Handheld MeterKSh 4,500
Pressure SwitchKSh 4,500
TDS Handheld MeterKSh 6,500
Conductivity Monitor – Model: CCT3320V (CM230)KSh 12,000| Model | Size / capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Flow Meters panel mounted | – | KSh 2,900 |
| Conductivity Probe | – | KSh 3,000 |
| pH Handheld Meter | – | KSh 4,500 |
| Pressure Switch | – | KSh 4,500 |
| TDS Handheld Meter | – | KSh 6,500 |
| Conductivity Monitor – Model: CCT3320V (CM230) | – | KSh 12,000 |
| Panel Mount RO Controller (RO-2015) | – | KSh 15,000 |
Current listed prices incl. VAT (updated 30 September 2026). Full range: Water treatment components.
What to do if TDS is high
- Borehole water: plan an RO system (see borehole water treatment).
- RO water whose TDS is rising: service the filters or membrane (see RO maintenance).
Frequently asked questions
What is a good TDS for drinking water?
Most good drinking water reads roughly 50–300 ppm; confirm the legal limit in the Kenyan standard with KEBS.
Is very low TDS water safe?
Yes; RO water is safe. Some plants add minerals to improve taste.
Does a TDS meter show if water is safe?
Not fully. It shows dissolved solids only; test for bacteria in a laboratory.
How much is a TDS meter?
See the price table above for current handheld TDS and pH meters.