What Does TDS Mean In Water?

aman July 15, 2022 in General - 3 Minutes

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the amount of solids dissolved in water. The term is often used when discussing the quality of drinking water, where it is usually expressed as parts per million (ppm). In this case, TDS is used as a measurement of how much solid material is dissolved in the water.

TDS is typically measured with a conductivity metre or a TDS metre. This tool measures electrical conductivity and translates it into ppm concentration. By measuring the electrical conductivity, you can determine how many particles are present in your water sample.

The EPA has established a maximum contaminant level for total dissolved solids at 500 ppm for public drinking water systems. This means that the city or county’s water department must ensure that their treated tap water does not exceed 500 ppm at any time during treatment or distribution.

Are TDS Harmful to Health?

There are many different ways to measure water quality, but the most common is total dissolved solids (TDS). TDS of water for drinking is a measurement of all minerals found in water. These include calcium and magnesium ions, bicarbonate salts and other dissolved salts such as sodium chloride.

The level of TDS in your city’s water supply depends on your region and how far away the source of your water is from where it’s being used. For example, if you live near a river or lake, there will be more minerals in your water than if you live farther away from any bodies of water. A TDS metre can help you determine what level of TDS is best for you and your family.

Noticeable Effects of TDS in Water

The EPA has established National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWR) for 15 contaminants, including TDS. Keep in mind, these regulations are not federally enforced but rather intended to be used as guidelines for the public water systems in managing drinking water.3 As a result, there is no set regulation that limits the number of TDS present in your tap water.

There are obvious ways to tell when tap water contains a high level of TDS or other contaminants. Unpleasant odours, color, and water pipe corrosion are all factors that indicate contaminants, including TDS, are in excess of the NSDAR. For example, chloride, sulphate, and TDS have a salty taste. Whereas, copper and zinc leave behind a metallic taste. Iron and manganese affect the water’s color, either to a reddish-orange or brownish-black. This leaves the water less than desirable to drink or use.

In terms of health effects from consuming excessive amounts of TDS in your tap water, it is best to avoid drinking it at all costs! The effects are not immediate but rather gradual over time after consuming large amounts of TDS contaminated

City Water Treatment Systems for TDS

Many cities have naturally acidic water that has high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS). The TDS is a measure of all the dissolved minerals in the water. These minerals can include calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and copper.

In addition to potential symptoms of acidic water, TDS in water often results in undesirable tastes and odours, which could reduce the willingness of people wanting to drink it. There’s also the issue of corrosion to worry about, as well. Because of this, corrosion control is a significant part of a city’s types of water treatment process. Typical treatment is designed to control the acidity and alkalinity levels of the water. It benefits consumers by: