If your tap water reads 500, 1000 or even 2000 ppm, you will want to bring TDS down. Many home tricks get shared online – most of them do not work. Here is the honest answer.
Methods compared
| Method | Does it reduce TDS? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reverse osmosis (RO) | Yes – usually by about 90–95% | The only practical home method |
| Distillation | Yes | Very slow and power-hungry for drinking water at home |
| Boiling | No – TDS can even rise | Boiling kills germs, but water evaporates and salts remain |
| UV / UF purifier | No | They remove germs, not dissolved salts |
| Candle / gravity filter | No | Removes particles only |
| Alum (phitkari), lemon, tulsi | No | May settle dirt or change taste, not TDS |
| Mixing with low-TDS water | Dilutes only | Rain water or RO water mixed in lowers the number |
How much does RO reduce TDS?
A healthy RO membrane removes roughly 90–95% of dissolved solids. 1000 ppm tap water typically comes out at 50–100 ppm. If yours removes much less, the membrane may be worn – use the 10% test in how to use a TDS meter.
Your RO water TDS is too high? Check these
- TDS controller opened too much – see TDS controller setting.
- Worn membrane – read when to replace an RO membrane.
- Wrong membrane for your water – for 1500+ ppm use a high-TDS membrane.
- Membrane inserted wrongly or damaged O-ring – see how to change an RO membrane.
- Weak pump – low pressure means poor rejection.
Do you need to reduce TDS at all?
Not always. Water up to 300 ppm is good to drink, and up to 500 ppm is within the BIS acceptable limit. See the TDS chart for drinking water. If your TDS is above 500, an RO water purifier is the right solution.
Frequently asked questions
Does boiling reduce TDS?
No. Boiling kills germs but leaves the salts behind – TDS may even go up slightly.
Can I reduce TDS without RO?
Not meaningfully at home, except by distillation or mixing with low-TDS water.
What is a good RO output TDS?
About 50–150 ppm.
Need help choosing the right part? Send a photo of your RO or its model name on WhatsApp (96252 23245) and we will tell you exactly what fits. Original parts at wholesale rates, Cash on Delivery and All India delivery.
Need the right part for your RO?
Original filters, membranes and pumps at wholesale rates. Send us a photo of your RO – we will tell you exactly what fits.
