Which Bottled Water Has the Lowest TDS? A Guide to Ultra-Purified Water

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a 2017 test by One Water Systems, Aquafina had one of the lowest TDS readings at 2 ppm. This guide explores which bottled water has the lowest TDS, examining brands, purification processes, and the implications for taste and health.

Quick Summary

A review of bottled water with the lowest total dissolved solids (TDS) levels, covering brands known for ultra-pure water and the methods used to achieve low mineral content.

Key Points

Purified water has the lowest TDS: Brands like Aquafina (2-4 ppm) and Boxed Water (2 ppm) use reverse osmosis to achieve exceptionally low Total Dissolved Solids.
Natural low-TDS alternatives exist: The Norwegian brand Isbre, sourced from a granite spring, reports a naturally low TDS of just 4 mg/l.
Distilled water has 0 TDS: Distilled water is pure H2O with no dissolved solids, but its taste is often described as flat or bland.
Low TDS is safe for most: For healthy individuals, drinking low-TDS water is not harmful, though it provides minimal mineral intake compared to a balanced diet.
Very low TDS affects taste: Water with an extremely low TDS can taste neutral or flat because it lacks the dissolved minerals that contribute to flavor.
TDS meters are useful tools: You can use a digital TDS meter at home to get an accurate reading of your water's TDS level.
TDS doesn't guarantee safety: A low TDS doesn't automatically mean water is free of all harmful contaminants like bacteria. It is only a measure of dissolved solids.

What is TDS and Why Does It Matter?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the total concentration of inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, such as minerals, salts, and metals. It is typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). A higher TDS level often means the water contains a higher mineral content, while a lower TDS indicates fewer dissolved substances. For bottled water, TDS levels can vary significantly depending on the source—from natural springs that pick up minerals from the ground to purified water that has had most solids removed. While low TDS water is often sought for its purity and clean taste, it's not the sole indicator of quality, as a complete absence of minerals can affect flavor and potentially impact health over time.

How Bottled Water Achieves Low TDS

Bottled water with extremely low TDS levels is not typically sourced from natural springs, which almost always contain some minerals. Instead, this purity is achieved through advanced filtration methods:

Reverse Osmosis (RO): This process forces water through a semi-permeable membrane to remove most contaminants and dissolved solids. Brands like Aquafina use this method extensively.
Distillation: Water is boiled, and the steam is collected and condensed, leaving behind virtually all minerals and solids. This results in a TDS of 0 ppm, but the taste can be described as flat due to the lack of dissolved gases.

Natural sources like rainwater or glacial melt can also have very low TDS levels, but are less common for mass-produced brands. The source and method of purification are key to understanding the final TDS measurement.

The Health and Taste of Low TDS Water

Extremely low TDS water can have a very neutral or even bland taste, described by some as "flat". The dissolved minerals and gases in water contribute to its flavor profile, so their removal can affect palatability. From a health perspective, drinking water with very low TDS (e.g., under 50 ppm) is not necessarily harmful for most healthy individuals, but it may not provide the essential minerals like calcium and magnesium that are beneficial for health. Some studies suggest that the body primarily obtains these minerals from food, not water, and the kidneys can regulate electrolyte balance effectively. However, long-term reliance on ultra-low TDS water without a mineral-rich diet is not recommended, and for infants, pregnant women, or those with specific health conditions, a balanced mineral intake is important. Conversely, water with higher TDS levels can have a stronger, more mineral-rich taste.

Comparison Table: TDS Levels of Popular Bottled Water Brands


Brand	Source	Purification Method	Approximate TDS (ppm)	Notes
Aquafina	Municipal	Reverse Osmosis	2–4	Widely available, extremely low TDS due to RO
Isbre	Natural Spring	Filtered	4	A naturally low-TDS option from a Norwegian spring
Boxed Water	Municipal	Reverse Osmosis	2	Packaged in a cardboard carton; processed with RO
Smartwater	Municipal	Distillation, Remineralized	20–25	Distilled with electrolytes added back for taste
Voss	Artesian Spring	Filtered	27–40	Natural artesian water with very low TDS
Dasani	Municipal	Reverse Osmosis, Remineralized	28	RO purified with added minerals for flavor
Distilled Water	Processed	Distillation	0	Pure H2O, lacks minerals and flavor

How to Check the TDS of Your Water

To verify the TDS of any water source, you can use a digital TDS meter. These portable, inexpensive devices measure the electrical conductivity of water, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions. Simply turn on the meter, dip the probe into the water sample, and wait a few seconds for a stable reading. While a TDS meter gives an excellent approximation, it's important to remember that it doesn't identify which specific minerals or contaminants are present. For a full analysis of water quality, a lab test is required. For example, a bottle could have low TDS but still contain harmful microorganisms or specific toxins not detected by a simple TDS reading. This is why relying on a trusted bottled water brand is important.

Conclusion

When it comes to bottled water with the lowest TDS, processed waters like Aquafina and Boxed Water consistently lead the market, often reporting levels of 2-4 ppm thanks to reverse osmosis technology. For a naturally sourced option, brands like Isbre offer exceptionally low TDS from spring sources. While ultra-low TDS water is considered pure, the health impacts are negligible for most, with the primary difference being a neutral, sometimes flat, taste. For optimal hydration and flavor, many health organizations suggest a moderate TDS range (80-300 ppm) that contains a balance of essential minerals. Ultimately, the choice between ultra-pure or mineral-rich water is a matter of personal preference and dietary balance.

For more information on the purification methods and TDS levels of various brands, consider consulting resources from reputable water quality experts like the Water eStore, which conducts independent tests on bottled waters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Purified water, like Aquafina or Dasani, is treated through processes like reverse osmosis to remove almost all dissolved solids, resulting in a very low TDS. Spring water, such as Evian or Fiji, contains naturally occurring minerals absorbed from its source, leading to a much higher TDS level.

For most healthy people with a balanced diet, drinking low TDS water will not cause a mineral deficiency, as the vast majority of essential minerals come from food. However, prolonged consumption of extremely low TDS water might not be recommended for those with poor dietary habits.

There is no single 'better' option, and the ideal TDS level depends on personal taste and health needs. Low TDS water offers a very clean taste, while higher TDS water can have a more flavorful, mineral-rich taste. Some health organizations recommend a moderate TDS range (50-300 ppm) for a balance of taste and mineral content.

Yes, using low TDS water for cooking is perfectly safe. Because of its low mineral content, it will not alter the flavor of food or beverages like coffee or tea.

Yes, distilled water is safe to drink. It has a TDS of 0 because all minerals have been removed through the distillation process. While safe, some find the taste unpalatable, and it does not contribute to mineral intake.

The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests a TDS level of less than 600 mg/L for palatability, while the U.S. EPA has a secondary standard of 500 mg/L. However, some experts suggest an ideal range of 80-300 ppm for a balance of taste and mineral content.

In comparative tests, Aquafina consistently shows one of the lowest TDS readings, sometimes as low as 2 ppm. This is because it is purified municipal water treated with reverse osmosis. However, naturally sourced iceberg or glacial water brands like Isbre (4 ppm) and Svalbardi (21 ppm) also boast exceptionally low TDS levels.