What is TDS? Water is known as a universal solvent because of its unique ability to dissolve and absorb molecules from various substances. Therefore, the total number of dissolved particles in a given volume of water is referred to as the total dissolved solids (TDS) level. These solids can be either organic or inorganic. It is crucial to understand the TDS level of your water and which solids are present, as it provides an idea about the overall quality of your water. Please keep reading to learn about the different types of TDS and how to mitigate them.
Total dissolved solids
TDS is a measure of anything that is dissolved in water other than the H2O molecule. Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer to the amount of organic and inorganic materials. Such as metals, minerals, salts, and ions that are dissolved in a given volume of water. Water is a solvent, which means that when it comes into contact with soluble substances, the particles of the substance are absorbed into the water. This results in total dissolved solids. TDS can originate from various sources. Including natural water springs, chemicals used to treat the municipal water supply, runoff from roads and yards, and residential plumbing systems.
The following is a list of typical total dissolved solids that may or may not be in your water.
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Iron
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Aluminum
- Copper
- Lead
- Arsenic
- Chlorine
- Sodium
- Fluoride
- Bicarbonates
- Sulfates
- Herbicides
- Pesticides
How do we measure TDS?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) refers to the number of particles that are dissolved in a volume of water, and it is usually measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). According to the EPA secondary drinking water regulations, the recommended maximum amount of TDS in your drinking water should not exceed 500 ppm. If the TDS level exceeds 1000 ppm, the water is unsafe for consumption. In cases where the level exceeds 2000 ppm, filtration systems may not be adequate to filter TDS.
The easiest way to measure the TDS level of your water is by using a TDS meter. For instance, if a TDS meter reads 100 ppm, it means that out of a million particles, 100 are dissolved ions, and 999,900 are water molecules, which is considered a low TDS level. However, a TDS meter does not provide information on the types of TDS present in the water, which is crucial in determining water quality. To find out the specific kinds of TDS in your water, it is recommended to use a home water test kit or a lab water analysis. You can also request water quality reports from your water supplier, as they are required to test and maintain records regarding water quality.
It’s important to note that not all TDS particles are the same. While minerals like calcium and magnesium are essential for our health, other dissolved particles can be harmful. However, even though calcium and magnesium have health benefits, they can also lead to sediment buildup in pipes, so their levels should still be monitored.
To conclude, if you have any questions about your water quality, please contact us; we are always happy to answer your inquiries.
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