Good TDS reading means good for drinking?...

[ajbremer]

I'm wondering, no matter where the water comes from (a mud puddle, rain water, etc.) - if my RO system's TDS meter reads a number close to zero, does that mean the water is safe to drink?

[pawaterguy]

I'm wondering, no matter where the water comes from (a mud puddle, rain water, etc.) - if my RO system's TDS meter reads a number close to zero, does that mean the water is safe to drink?

Nope. Things like bacteria won't register as they are not dissolved solids.

[rachel]

TDS meters only detect mobile charged ions. Any neutral (uncharged) compounds are no detectable: sugar, alcohol, many organics (containing many pesticides), and unionized forms of silica, ammonia, and carbon dioxide. Bacteria and viruses also won't be detected.