Why Should You Measure It?
Posted by Desmond de Bod on July 17, 2023
Water is considered a universal solvent because of its ability to dissolve and absorb molecules from various substances, and the number of dissolved particles in a volume of water is called the total dissolved solids (TDS) level. Total dissolved solids can either be organic or inorganic. Understanding your water’s TDS level and which total dissolved solids are present paints a picture of your overall water quality. Below you will learn about the different types of total dissolved solids, how to measure them, and how to reduce total dissolved solids in your water.
What is TDS in water?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) are the amount of organic and inorganic materials, such as metals, minerals, salts, and ions, dissolved in a particular volume of water; TDS are essentially a measure of anything dissolved in water that is not an H2O molecule. Since it is a solvent, when water encounters soluble material, particles of the material are absorbed into the water, creating total dissolved solids. TDS in water can come from just about anywhere, including natural water springs, chemicals used to treat the municipal water supply, runoff from roads and yards, and even from your home plumbing system.
Types of total dissolved Solids.
The following list details common total dissolved solids that may be present in your water.
Calcium
Chloride
Magnesium
Potassium
Zinc
Aluminum
Copper
Lead
Arsenic
Iron
Chlorine
Sodium
Fluoride
Bicarbonates
Sulfates
Pesticides
Herbicides
Sources of total dissolved Solids.
Total dissolved solids come from many sources, both natural and man-made. Natural sources of TDS include springs, lakes, rivers, plants, and soil. For example, when water flows underground in a natural spring, it absorbs minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, from rocks.
On the other hand, effects of human activity can also produce total dissolved solids in water. Pesticides and herbicides may come from agricultural runoff, lead may come from old plumbing pipes, and chlorine may come from water treatment plants. Total dissolved solids are even purposefully added to water sometimes, as bottled mineral water you come across in the grocery store may contain mineral additives.
How is TDS measured?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) is measured as a volume of water with the unit milligrams per liter (mg/L), otherwise known as parts per million (ppm). According to the EPA secondary drinking water regulations, 500 ppm is the recommended maximum amount of TDS for your drinking water. Any measurement higher than 1000 ppm is an unsafe level of TDS. If the level exceeds 2000 ppm, then a filtration system may be unable to properly filter TDS.
Testing your water using a TDS meter is the simplest way to measure for total dissolved solids. For example, if a TDS meter says 100 ppm, that means that from one million particles, 100 are dissolved ions and 999,900 are water molecules. This would be considered a low TDS level. However, a TDS meter does not indicate what types of TDS are present, which is ultimately the most important information to know regarding your water quality. So, a home water test kit or a lab water analysis are recommended to reveal exactly what types of TDS are in your water. Also, your water supplier is required to test and maintain reports regarding water quality and will provide them upon request.
Learn More: Should I Test My Water's TDS?
More Information about this Topic, coming soon.
R O Water Technologies
Desmond de Bod
084 528 3242
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