What is TDS? A reverse osmosis water filter can significantly reduce Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in your home or business’s tap water. Measuring TDS in drinking water is key because it shows the quality of the water and whether it’s drinkable. A TDS measurement is also helpful in determining the water’s suitability for drinking, irrigation, or industrial use. A reverse osmosis water filtration system is an excellent choice to reduce high TDS levels and many other elements contributing to unsafe, bad-tasting, cloudy, or foul-smelling tap water.
What is TDS in Drinking Water, and Why Can a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Help?
TDS is the total amount of dissolved inorganic and organic solid substances (minerals, metals, ions, salts, silt, etc.) in water and can affect its taste. TDS is usually measured by the parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Several factors contribute to a water’s TDS level, including:
- Naturally-existing minerals
- Industrial waste
- Chemicals used to treat water, such as well water
- Agricultural runoff
- Pipes and plumbing systems where the water flows through
Common TDS:
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Bicarbonates
- Chlorides
- Nitrates
- Sulfates
High TDS levels can show evidence of contaminants and bacteria that may affect your health and your drinking water’s odor, taste, and color. A high amount of TDS can also affect the efficiency of household appliances and plumbing systems and may impair the lathering ability of soaps and detergents. While a reverse osmosis system cannot fix this, a water softener can.
A reverse osmosis water filter can drastically reduce contaminants, odors, metals, and other elements that make drinking water unsafe.
Low TDS levels might suggest a lack of important minerals such as calcium and sodium. However, they can also indicate purer water.
How is TDS Measured?
A TDS meter is one of the most common methods for measuring TDS. These handheld devices offer a convenient and reliable way to assess TDS levels in your water. TDS meters function by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water sample, which correlates directly with the concentration of dissolved solids. This information is displayed on the meter’s screen, giving you an immediate TDS reading.
The accuracy of TDS meters can vary depending on the device’s quality and calibration. Invest in a high-quality TDS meter and regularly calibrate it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If your home or business’s water system has high TDS levels, invest in a reverse osmosis water filter system for tasty, safe drinking water from any tap.
Why Should You Measure Total Dissolved Solids?
Deciding whether or not to measure TDS levels in water or if high TDS levels are okay depends on the water’s specific context and intended use. For example, mineral-rich drinking water is beneficial, but an overload of minerals, both in supplement form and in water, can be toxic. Comparatively, high TDS levels may be harmful for certain industrial applications.
It is crucial to monitor TDS in drinking water for several reasons.
Identifying High TDS Levels: High TDS levels can determine contaminants affecting water’s taste, odor, and clarity. Regular TDS testing helps identify potential issues and allows for timely corrective actions before you drink water that can affect your health or something you are using the water for. Monitoring TDS in drinking water is essential to ensure its quality and safety. It provides valuable insights into your water supply’s overall health and suitability for drinking.
Recognize What is There and Not There: More importantly, it helps you identify what should be and should not be there. Knowing your water’s TDS levels, you can make informed decisions about its usage.
Decide What Reverse Osmosis Water Filter to Use: Knowing the TDS levels can help you determine the appropriate type and capacity of a reverse osmosis water filter system to use, such as a 4-stage or 5-stage reverse osmosis unit, needed to ensure optimal water quality.
Impacts of TDS on Water Filtration Systems: Excessive TDS levels can negatively impact the performance and lifespan of water treatment systems. High TDS can lead to scaling, clogging, and reduced efficiency of filters and membranes. Regular monitoring of TDS levels allows for timely maintenance and replacement of components, thereby optimizing the longevity and effectiveness of your water filtration system.
A Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Can Reduce the Negative Effects of High TDS in Drinking Water
Low TDS water has a minimal concentration of dissolved solids, typically below 50 parts per million (ppm). High TDS water has a concentration of 500 ppm dissolved solids or higher. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) claims that the maximum amount of TDS in drinking water should not exceed 500 ppm and drink at your own risk. In other words, the EPA warns that water containing TDS levels above 1000 ppm is unsafe to drink.
Comparison to the World Health Organization (WHO) Guidelines for Safe and Unsafe TDS Levels in Water
Excellent TDS Levels: Less than 300 mg/L
Good TDS Levels: Between 300- 600 mg/L
Fair TDS Levels: Between 600- 900 mg/L
Poor TDS Levels: Between 900- 1200 mg/L
Unacceptable TDS Levels: Greater than 1200 mg/L (1)
Consuming water with high TDS can lead to various health issues.
- Gastrointestinal problems
The excessive presence of minerals and salts in water can cause digestive discomfort, including diarrhea and stomach cramps.
- Underhydration
High TDS water may taste unpleasant, making it less likely for individuals to consume adequate water daily.
- Dry skin and increased thirst
Common symptoms of high TDS water include dry skin and hair and increased thirst. These symptoms can result from the body trying to compensate for the excessive mineral content by expelling more water.
- Possibility of kidney stones
In the long term, consuming water with high levels of certain minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, can contribute to developing kidney stones.
- Medication and supplement absorption
High TDS water may affect the efficacy of certain medications, potentially interfering with their absorption and effectiveness.
Our reverse osmosis water filter systems can help reduce the TDS content, providing cleaner and healthier drinking water.
Will a Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Make TDS Levels Too Low?
No, a reverse osmosis water filter or any other water filtration system will not lower your water’s TDS levels or remove vital minerals. While high TDS levels may indicate the presence of harmful contaminants, low TDS water is not necessarily detrimental.
Myths and Misconceptions About Low TDS Levels in Water:
One common myth is that water with low TDS lacks the minerals necessary for good health. Low TDS water still contains beneficial minerals in trace amounts. However, the most critical minerals and recommended amounts are obtained through a balanced diet, not solely from drinking water.
Optimal water quality involves finding the right balance of TDS and finding the right water filtration system for your needs. Reverse osmosis water filter systems can effectively remove contaminants while maintaining a balanced TDS level, ensuring safe and quality drinking.
Monitor and control the TDS levels to ensure the quality and safety of your drinking water. By removing harmful contaminants, water filtration systems offer an effective solution to maintaining optimal TDS levels and promoting overall health.
Contact H2O Distributors today to find the right reverse osmosis water filter for your needs.
