What does 95 ppm mean for your drinking water?
Parts per million (ppm) is a common unit for measuring Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water. A TDS meter provides a simple reading that quantifies the total concentration of inorganic and organic substances dissolved in your water, such as minerals, salts, and metals.
A reading of 95 ppm indicates that for every one million particles of water, 95 of them are dissolved solids. This places your water squarely in the "Excellent" category according to most water quality standards, including guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The optimal range for drinking water is typically considered to be between 50 and 150 ppm, a range where water is both clean and contains enough beneficial minerals to have a pleasant, refreshing taste.
How 95 ppm water compares to other TDS levels
Understanding how 95 ppm fits into the broader TDS spectrum can highlight its quality. While very pure water (close to 0 ppm) may lack taste, high TDS water can signal potential contamination and affect taste.
| TDS Level (ppm) | Water Quality | Typical Taste | Associated Concerns |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0–50 | Ultra-pure / Deionized | Very flat or tasteless | Lack of beneficial minerals; can lead to mineral deficiency over time |
| 50–150 | Excellent / Optimal | Crisp, clean, and refreshing | None; considered the "sweet spot" for drinking water |
| 150–300 | Good / Acceptable | Minerally, but still pleasant | Noticeable mineral flavor; potential for light scale buildup |
| 300–500 | Acceptable (EPA upper limit) | Noticeable mineral or metallic taste | Faster scale buildup in appliances; less palatable |
| 500+ | Potentially Unsafe / Requires filtration | Salty, bitter, or metallic taste | May indicate high levels of harmful contaminants like heavy metals; scale buildup is common |
The benefits of drinking 95 ppm water
Consuming water with a TDS level of around 95 ppm comes with several key advantages for both your health and your home.
- Optimal taste profile: The trace minerals present in water within this range, such as calcium and magnesium, give it a clean, crisp, and refreshing taste that most people find highly palatable.
- Beneficial mineral content: Unlike overly purified water that has been stripped of all minerals, 95 ppm water offers a healthy balance. The minerals contribute to overall wellness, supporting functions like bone health and muscle function.
- Appliance longevity: Water with a low to moderate TDS level like 95 ppm is considered soft water (more on this below). This means it won't cause the rapid scale buildup that hard water does, extending the lifespan and efficiency of appliances like kettles, coffee makers, and water heaters.
- Excellent hydration: Water that tastes good and is balanced in its mineral content encourages consistent hydration. The body more easily absorbs water with a healthy electrolyte balance.
Potential considerations
While 95 ppm is an excellent reading, it's important to remember that a TDS meter does not identify which dissolved solids are in your water. A reading in a safe range does not automatically guarantee the absence of all harmful contaminants, though it is a strong positive indicator. If your water source is a private well or has a history of contamination, further, specific testing may be warranted for peace of mind. For municipal tap water, a reading of 95 ppm is generally considered a sign of high quality.
Is 95 ppm soft or hard water?
Water hardness is specifically determined by the concentration of calcium and magnesium minerals. There are slightly different scales for defining hardness, but on most classifications, 95 ppm falls into the soft or moderately hard category. For example, the Washington Water Service defines water with less than 75 ppm as soft and 75-150 ppm as moderately hard. Similarly, Fountain Filters' guide considers anything from 0-100 ppm as soft. Therefore, 95 ppm is considered soft water or on the softer side of moderately hard.
How can I test my water's ppm?
Testing your water's ppm, or TDS, is a straightforward process. A digital TDS meter is an inexpensive, handheld device that can provide an instant reading. Simply dip the probe into a water sample, wait for the reading to stabilize, and compare it to the recommended ranges. For a more detailed breakdown of what's in your water, you may consider sending a sample to a professional lab.
Conclusion
In summary, with a reading of 95 ppm, your water is not only safe to drink but is also considered to be of excellent quality. This TDS level strikes the ideal balance between purity and essential mineral content, delivering a clean, refreshing taste. It comfortably falls within the optimal range endorsed by major health organizations and indicates that your water is free from excessive mineral content that can affect taste or damage household appliances. So, if your water tests at 95 ppm, you can confidently fill your glass knowing you are drinking high-quality, balanced water.
For more information on the EPA's drinking water regulations and standards, visit their official website EPA Secondary Standards.
