At Shell Water Systems, we recognize that understanding water quality is important to our customers. Sometimes, terms like Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) are mentioned by water treatment professionals but aren’t fully explained. This can leave you asking, “What exactly is TDS in water?”
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the minerals, salts, and metals dissolved in water. Knowing the TDS level helps you understand the specific composition of your water. In this article, we’ll break down what TDS in water is, where it comes from, and how you can measure and manage it effectively.
What Are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to the variety of organic and inorganic substances that are dissolved in water. These substances, separate from the water molecules themselves, help indicate the overall composition and quality of the water. Measuring TDS is crucial for assessing whether water is safe to consume.
TDS typically includes a combination of inorganic salts, such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium, along with small amounts of organic material from plants and animals. These components can affect the taste, odor, and purity of the water. Understanding what makes up TDS is key to making informed decisions about how to use and treat our water.
The TDS content of water can vary widely depending on its source, whether it’s from a well or a municipal supply. Both organic matter and various inorganic substances influence the quality of our drinking water every day, making it essential to understand TDS for effective water management.
Common Components of TDS
When you check the TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) in your water, you’ll find a mix of minerals, salts, and metals. Some of these, like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, are beneficial for your health. However, others, like lead and arsenic, can be harmful. According to the National Institutes of Health, unusually high TDS levels often indicate contamination from human activities. This can come from soil and agricultural runoff, unregulated animal grazing, wildlife impact, harmful farming practices like slash-and-burn agriculture, and the overuse of nitrate-based fertilizers, among other sources.
Identifying these components is crucial for assessing water quality and choosing the right treatment methods. While some dissolved solids can be good for you by providing essential nutrients, others can be harmful in high concentrations. For example, dissolved calcium and magnesium are important for various body functions, but they also contribute to water hardness, which can have both benefits and drawbacks. Understanding this balance is key to managing your water quality effectively. A local water treatment expert can provide personalized advice on maintaining the right TDS levels.
Sources of TDS
TDS in water can come from both natural and human-made sources. Naturally, lakes, rivers, and springs contribute dissolved minerals and organic matter, setting the base levels of organic salts and other minerals in the water.
On the other hand, human activities significantly impact TDS levels. Agricultural runoff, industrial emissions, and urban drainage can all introduce large amounts of dissolved solids into water systems. Even the materials used in water treatment processes can increase the total TDS in water, highlighting the need for effective filtration and careful management of our water resources.
Measuring TDS in Drinking Water