What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
We cannot recognize TDS or Total Dissolved Solids in our water with our naked eye. But, you will certainly recognize some of those qualities in your home when the useful lifespan of water using appliances is lowered, and plumbing fixtures are corroded. Another characteristic of water that contains high levels of TDS is a bitter and metallic taste.
Let’s take a closer look at TDS and how it affects our homes.
What is TDS?
TDS are both organic and inorganic materials that are dissolved into your water supply. The lower the TDS level, the better your water quality will be, and any water supply source can be affected. Some common substances found in TDS include calcium, chloride, potassium, phosphates, and nitrates. These substances get into our water due to storm runoff from residential, agricultural, and industrial areas. Even the fertilizers and herbicides that we use on our lawns can be flushed into the drain where they are added to the water in our aquifers and sources of surface water. Eventually, these TDS materials return to our homes in our tap water.
Is TDS the Same as Hard Water?
Many people believe that high levels of TDS are linked with hard water, but this isn’t always the case. Even soft sources of water can contain elevated levels of TDS, although this is less common. This is important because you cannot remove TDS with a water softener. Although an ion exchange process takes place in your water softener, those minerals will only be exchanged for other minerals (sodium). So, the real level of TDS in the water remains consistent before and after the water softening.
How Can You Lower the TDS Levels in Your Water Supply?
The first step in this process is to assess the levels of TDS that may be present in your water supply. Contact an Aqua-Life representative and ask them about a FREE water analysis test! After the test is completed, you will know the makeup of your water, and we can advise you on your water treatment options.
If your home has a high TDS level and hard water problems, the water treatment specialist may recommend a whole house water conditioner. This can be paired with a reverse osmosis (or RO system) that can sanitize and condition your water to a high standard. These two technologies complement each other very well, and they deliver outstanding water that is clean, pure, and tastes delicious.
Sadly, there is no one size fits all solution. Every city has its own unique water quality problems that are determined by a number of factors, including local activity, geography, population density, and many others.
If you suspect that you have high levels of TDS in your water, contact Aqua-Life and REQUEST A DEMO