What Are Total Dissolved Solids In Water?

If you’re a health-conscious homeowner concerned about water quality, you’ve probably come across the term total dissolved solids (TDS) before. TDS refers to the mineral content present in a particular water source, which can significantly affect its taste and appearance in addition to impacting plumbing fixtures and appliances. Homeowners are often quick to rely on a TDS meter to gauge water quality. However, measuring TDS is only a snapshot of your water’s composition and overall safety.

What Are Total Dissolved Solids In Water?

Total dissolved solids are inorganic and organic substances found in water. Generally, these include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium cations, carbonate, hydrogen carbonate, chloride, sulfate, and nitrate anions. TDS are measured in either milligrams per liter or parts per million. The minerals that make up TDS can end up in water for a variety of reasons, including:

• Natural sources
• Wastewater and sewage discharges
• Stormwater
• Water treatment processes
• Run-off from city centers, agricultural areas, de-icing salts, or anti-skid materials
• Materials used to make plumbing fixtures

What Does a TDS Meter Measure?

TDS meter readings essentially show the electrical conductivity in water. This is possible because the minerals present in water are dissolved ions, which carry electrical currents. By measuring conductivity, the meter is able to read how concentrated the water is with dissolved solids. However, establishing how many TDS are present in your water is only one of several important metrics that factor into your water’s safety. This test doesn’t alert homeowners to the possible presence of metals, PFAS, microorganisms, and other contaminants that can cause harm. So, it’s very possible to have an acceptable TDS meter reading but actually have impurities present in your water.

Acceptable TDS In Drinking Water

There are no set standards for TDS in water in the United States, though the EPA does offer recommendations for homeowners. According to the EPA, the average drinking water has somewhere between 200 and 300 milligrams per liter of TDS. Any reading over 500 milligrams per liter should be avoided for human consumption.

Kind 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System

What to Know About Low TDS

A low TDS measure includes anything below 200 milligrams per liter. While it might seem like a low TDS number is a positive, there are some disadvantages. The absence of minerals like calcium and magnesium in water can leave water tasting flat or bland. Aside from taste, these minerals typically serve as a buffer in plumbing fixtures, neutralizing acids and reducing water’s reactivity. Water is considered a “universal solvent” because it can dissolve many substances. Without dissolved solids to serve as a barrier, water can be very reactive to the materials it interacts with, including metal pipes and fittings. So, a lack of minerals can cause more corrosion within your plumbing system.

What to Know About High TDS

As mentioned, high TDS is considered any level above 500 milligrams per liter. These measurements indicate very hard water. Hard water can lead to several inconveniences, including scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduced effectiveness of soaps and detergents, dry skin and hair, unsightly residue, and unpleasant taste.

Is It Worth Testing Your Water With a TDS Meter?

While your intentions are in the right place, testing your water with a TDS meter is not an effective way to accurately review your home’s water quality since so many key factors are omitted. If you rely on well water, consider purchasing a water test and survey kit designed to test for a full range of water contaminants. Customers with city water can review annual municipality reports to see the status of their water. If you purchase your test through Kind Water Systems, you’ll receive your results in just three to four business days. Our experts will provide an in-depth review of your water quality and guide you to the right filter or system. Plus, if you purchase a system with us, you can apply the cost of your water test and survey kit to your new Kind Water Systems solution.

How To Reduce Total Dissolved Solids In Water

If your water shows high TDS levels and is otherwise free from contaminants, you likely have very hard water. Fortunately, there are a couple of ways to combat this.

Our Smart Metered Salt-Based Water Softener uses a process called ion exchange to significantly reduce mineral levels in your water, essentially “softening” it to reduce scale buildup and other negative effects of hard water like soap scum or dry skin and hair. These systems require replacing the salt in the brine tank on a regular basis. They are more expensive than other systems but are one of the most effective at removing TDS and combating hard water.

A Whole House Salt-Free Water Softener and Filter Combo uses a process called TAC to alter mineral structure in water. TDS minerals that cause hard water are turned into crystals so they cannot cause buildup in fixtures and appliances. However, the minerals are not removed by this system. This solution is more expensive than an RO system, but less expensive than a salt-based water softener. Customers will only need to perform annual filter replacement for maintenance.

Our 6-Stage Reverse Osmosis Drinking Water System is another viable option. This point-of-use filtration system reduces mineral levels as well as the presence of other common contaminants. However, it reintegrates in healthy minerals that improve water pH balance and taste without the negative effects of hard water. This system is the most affordable of all options, but the filtration system only filters water at a single point-of-use. The only maintenance required is annual filter replacement.