What are Total Dissolved Solids?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) are the total amount of solids found in water including minerals, salts, soluble hydrogen, calcium, magnesium, etc. These components can be organic or inorganic and can only be determined through water testing as shown in the video.
The level of total dissolved solids concentration in water is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm). Its concentration will greatly impact the taste of water – either drinking water or general-purpose water.
That means the higher the level of solids present in water, the more it affects its taste.
Besides affecting the odor and taste of water, TDS can literally reduce the overall quality of water, making it less desirable for drinking or various industrial uses. Total dissolved solids can result from agricultural chemicals, natural mineral deposits, industrial pollution, and urban runoff. However, it should not cause an alarm since most are harmless but excess TDS means water pollution.
Even though some dissolved solids such as calcium and magnesium are beneficial, they should also be controlled and monitored to ensure water quality and suitability are maintained. Some water treatment methods to help reduce total dissolved solids in water include filtration, distillation, reverse osmosis, and purification – and they can improve water quality. Generally, total dissolved solids in water are harmless. Only those excess amounts indicate contamination, which lowers water quality – and makes it tasteless and unsuitable for consumption and general use.
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