Have you ever filled a glass with water only to be surprised by a slightly cloudy appearance or an odd taste? Those swirling minerals or the faint metallic tang might have you wondering what's lurking in your tap water.
The culprit? It could be Total Dissolved Solids (TDS).
But what exactly is TDS in water, and why should you care?
Today, we are finding out!
What is TDS in Water?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. In simpler terms, it refers to the amount of "stuff" dissolved in your water – including minerals, salts, and even some organic matter. Basically, TDS includes everything in your water that isn't water.
Think of it as tiny particles floating around in water, too small to see but big enough to impact the taste and quality of your water.
These dissolved solids come from various sources.
- Natural minerals. Calcium, magnesium, and potassium are some examples naturally found in water sources like springs or wells.
- Urban runoff. Pollutants like fertilizers, sewerage, and road salt can seep into water supplies.
- Agricultural activities. Pesticides and herbicides can also contaminate drinking water sources.
TDS and Your Health – Does It Matter?
It does. The level of TDS in your water can affect your health in a few ways.
Very Low TDS
Water with very low TDS may not provide the essential minerals our bodies need. It can also taste bland or slightly acidic—think of flavorless battery water.
Drinking very low TDS water for a long time can lead to acidosis. It can also damage your metal fixtures.
Very High TDS
High TDS levels can make water taste salty, metallic, or bitter and smell odd. In extreme cases, it can irritate your stomach or even contribute to health problems like kidney stones (if the minerals are primarily inorganic salts).
What's the Best TDS Level for Drinking Water?
The general rule of thumb is that if TDS ranges between 300 and 600 parts per million (ppm), it's safe drinking water.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) measures safe drinking water below 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L). Although it's safe to drink, water with a TDS content measuring between 250 and 500 mg/L tends to be on the hard water end of the scale. If the reading is below 50 mg/L, your water's TDS content is too low.
These ranges ensure you get some beneficial minerals while avoiding unpleasant taste or potential health risks.
How Can I Measure TDS in My Water?
The good news is that measuring TDS is easy! You can purchase a handy device called a TDS meter online or at most hardware stores.
It's pretty straightforward to use – dip the meter in your water, and it displays the TDS level in ppm or mg/L.
Taking Control of Your Water Quality
If your TDS reading falls outside the ideal range, don't worry! There are ways to take control of your water quality.
Water Filtration Systems
A good quality water filter can help remove unwanted dissolved solids while leaving behind beneficial minerals.
Sentry Wellness Systems use a multi-stage filtration process to target specific contaminants and enrich your water with essential minerals for a better taste experience.
Unlike reverse osmosis systems, which can strip away all minerals, our filters provide a balanced approach to healthy, delicious drinking water.
Regular Testing
Regular testing is key to maintaining good water quality.
We recommend testing your water's TDS level every few months, especially if you notice changes in taste or odor. This will help you stay on top of any potential fluctuations.
Taking Charge of Your Health, One Sip at a Time
With a bit of knowledge and the right tools, you can ensure your water is refreshing and supports your overall well-being.
At Sentry H2O, we're committed to providing clean, healthy water for every home.
Our Sentry Wellness Systems are a great way to achieve balanced filtration and relish delicious, mineral-enriched drinking water.
Best of all, you don't need a plumber to install it. In 15 minutes, you can enjoy top-quality drinking water straight from your tap.