Ever taken a sip of water and thought, “Why does this taste… weird?” Or maybe you’ve noticed those stubborn white spots on your glasses after washing them? That’s TDS at work. But what is TDS in water, and why does it matter? Let’s dive in—no snorkel required.
Understanding TDS – What Does It Stand For?
TDS stands for total dissolved solids. That’s just a fancy way of saying, “everything in your water that isn’t H₂O.” These include minerals, salts, metals, and tiny organic particles floating around.
Some of these dissolved solids are beneficial—like calcium and magnesium. Others? Not so much. Heavy metals, industrial waste, or high sodium levels can turn a glass of water into something you’d rather not drink.
Where Does TDS in Water Come From?
TDS can sneak into your water from both natural and human-made sources.
Natural Sources of TDS
- Mineral Deposits: As water flows over rocks, it picks up minerals like calcium and magnesium. That’s great for your bones but not always for your pipes.
- Riverbeds and Groundwater Absorption: Depending on where you live, natural water sources can bring in a cocktail of dissolved solids.
- Rainwater Interaction: Water absorbs tiny airborne particles before it even reaches the ground—nature’s way of mixing things up.
Human-Induced TDS Contaminants
- Agricultural Runoff: Fertilisers, pesticides, and animal waste wash into water supplies, adding nitrates and other compounds.
- Sewage and Industrial Waste: Factories and waste treatment plants release chemicals and heavy metals into water systems.
- Urban Pollution: Stormwater picks up oil, road salt, and industrial debris, which eventually makes its way into our taps.
How is TDS Measured?
If you’re curious about what’s in your water, a TDS meter is the easiest way to check. It measures the electrical conductivity of water—since dissolved solids boost conductivity, you get an instant estimate of how much is in there.
How to Measure TDS in Water at Home
- Use a TDS Meter: Dip the probe into a glass of water, and it will show a reading in TDS PPM (parts per million).
- Lab Testing: For a more detailed breakdown, professional water tests can pinpoint specific contaminants.
- Taste Test: Not the most scientific method, but if your water tastes salty, metallic, or just off, high TDS could be the culprit.
Is High TDS in Water a Problem?
Not always. TDS levels alone don’t tell you if water is safe—it depends on what’s dissolved in it.
- Health Implications: Essential minerals like calcium and magnesium are fine, but excessive lead, arsenic, or fluoride? Not ideal.
- Taste and Aesthetic Issues: High TDS can make water taste salty, metallic, or just plain odd.
- Plumbing and Appliances: Too many dissolved solids can clog pipes, ruin kettles, and leave unsightly spots on everything. If you’re dealing with these issues, you might also want to check if you have hard water, as high TDS often goes hand in hand with water hardness.
The EPA recommends keeping TDS under 500 mg/L for drinking water. Anything above that? Time to consider filtration.
What is a Good TDS Level for Drinking Water?
Here’s a quick guide to TDS levels:
- 0-50 mg/L: Too low—water may taste flat.
- 50-150 mg/L: Ideal for drinking.
- 150-300 mg/L: Acceptable, but some might notice a taste difference.
- 300-500 mg/L: Changes in taste become more noticeable.
- Above 500 mg/L: Best avoided for drinking.
How to Reduce TDS in Water
If your TDS meter reading is on the high side, here’s how to lower it:
Reverse Osmosis (RO) Filtration
One of the most effective ways to remove total dissolved solids in water. RO pushes water through a fine membrane, leaving contaminants behind. If you’re curious about how this process works in detail, check out our guide on what is reverse osmosis.
Distillation
This method boils water, captures the steam, and condenses it back into liquid—leaving dissolved solids behind.
Deionisation & Other Methods
Less common for homes but effective for industrial and laboratory use. One alternative worth exploring is ion exchange in water treatment, a process that can also help in removing specific contaminants from water.
Does Low TDS Mean Healthier Water?
Not necessarily. Water with no dissolved solids might sound great, but removing essential minerals can make it taste lifeless. TDS water meaning isn’t just about purity—it’s about balance. What does TDS mean in water when it’s too low? It means you’re missing out on minerals that your body actually needs.
Should You Be Concerned About TDS in Your Water?
- When to Test: If your water tastes odd, leaves stains, or damages appliances.
- When to Act: If TDS is over 500 mg/L or contains harmful contaminants.
It’s also important to consider pH levels alongside TDS, as both play a role in water quality and taste.
FAQs on TDS in Water
Does boiling water reduce TDS?
No. It kills bacteria, but dissolved solids remain in the water.
Is bottled water lower in TDS than tap water?
It varies. Some bottled waters have low TDS, while others retain beneficial minerals.
Can TDS affect appliances and plumbing?
Yes. High TDS water quality leads to scale build-up in pipes, kettles, and water heaters.
Now that you know what is TDS, how it affects your water, and what can be done about it, you can make better choices for your home. Whether you’re checking your TDS meter reading or looking into filtration, understanding total dissolved solids is the first step to improving water quality.
