What is TDS in Water and How is TDS measured?

When total solids are mentioned, it is meant the sum of the amount of filterable and non-filterable solids. Solids that can be filtered are called dissolved solids, while solids that cannot be filtered are called suspended solids. So let’s learn What is TDS in water & how is TDS measured? total dissolved solids are a measure of the combined content of inorganic and organic compounds found in molecular, ionized, or micro-granular (colloidal sol) suspension in a liquid.

What is total dissolved solids (TDS) in Water?

One of the most important factors affecting the taste of water is the dissolved substances in the water. For example, salt, lime, iron, aluminum, etc. are among the water-soluble substances. The more dissolved substances in the water, the worse the natural taste of the water itself. TDS, also known as “Total Dissolved Solids”, is one of the important parameters that show the mineral and ion richness of water. For TDS, the frequently asked question is What are total dissolved solids (TDS) in water? A high amount of TDS in water indicates that there is a high level of foreign matter. 

How is TDS measured?

As the ratio of solids in the water, in other words, TDS increases, the electrical conductivity of the water also increases. So, if TDS has such a significant effect as to increase electrical conductivity in water, How is TDS measured? A TDS meter is a digital device that measures the number of solids formed as a result of dissolving in water. This device helps us learn whether water is beneficial or harmful by measuring the amount of solute dissolved in water. The TDS value of the water does not inform us about the cleanliness or pollution of the water. The meter only gives a value on the number of dissolved solids in the water.

 Why should you measure total dissolved solids (TDS)?

We mentioned in the previous heading that we could measure the Total Dissolved Solids in the water with the TDS meter. In this heading, we will talk about Why should you measure total dissolved solids (TDS)? The TDS level in water greatly affects the quality of the water. At the same time, measuring the TDS level helps us classify water:

• Freshwater: Less than 500 mg/L, TDS = 500 ppm 
• Brackish water: 500 to 30,000 mg/L, TDS = 500-30 000 ppm 
• Brine: 30,000 to 40,000 mg/L, TDS = 30 000-40 000 ppm 
• HyperSalt: More than 40,000 mg/L, TDS >= 40 000 ppm

What Else Does Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Affect? 

As the TDS level in water increases, the electrical conductivity of the water increases. Besides this feature, have you ever wondered what else does total dissolved solids (TDS) affect? TDS is primarily considered for the examination of water quality for;

• streams
• rivers
• lakes
• pools

It is used as an indicator of the aesthetic properties of drinking water and as a cumulative indicator of the presence of a wide range of chemical contaminants. While low TDS indicates that the water is corrosive and causes corrosion on metal surfaces, a high level of TDS increases the risk of accumulation formation in the pipes. 

Health effects of high TDS in drinking water

A high TDS level can even lead to death in living things. However, some creatures may be more sensitive to high TDS levels. Let's now come to the question of what TDS value should be in safe and healthy drinking water. It is important to be knowledgeable about the health effects of high TDS in drinking water. According to the recommendations, the maximum value for drinking water should be 60 mg/L (60 ppm). Water with a TDS level outside this range can damage the kidneys in the long run.

What is a TDS meter?

Some measuring devices don't make much sense in everyday life. Although some are not well known, they may be of vital importance to living things. The TDS meter is one of these devices. So, what is a TDS meter? The TDS meter is a measuring device that measures the dissolved minerals in the water and is different from the pH meter. With the use of the two together, we can learn whether the water is drinkable or not. 

What is the best TDS level for drinking water?

It is helpful to use a water filter even when drinking tap water. The answer to the question of what is the best TDS level for drinking water should be a maximum of 120 ppm. To reach a water level at this rate, a measurement can be made with a TDS meter.