Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

GENERAL INFORMATION
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a measure of the material in water smaller than 2 microns.  It is basicly the sum of all minerals, metals, and salts dissolved in the water and is a good indicator of water quality.

HEALTH EFFECTS
People unaccustomed to water with high TDS may experience gastrointestinal irritation from drinking the water.  High TDS levels may indicate elevated levels of ions that may pose a health concern, such as arsenic, copper, lead, nitrate and agricultural or industrial chemicals.

AESTHETIC EFFECTS
Some components of TDS can cause different aesthetic problems.

  • Calcium, Magnesium  -  Hard water
  • Sodium, Chloride  -  Salty taste, Corrosion of pipes
  • Iron, Manganese  -  Metallic taste, Staining of plumbing fixtures
  • Sulfur, Sulfur compounds  -  Salty or bitter taste, Corrosion of pipes
Standard value 1: 
1 500.00
Standard units 1: 
ppm
Input units: 
mg/L
ppm
Contaminant group: 
Field parameter
Action is recommended 1: 

ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
TDS levels were detected to exceed 1500 mg/l which exceeds the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL) of 500 mg/l.

AESTHETIC ADVISORY - ACTION IS RECOMMENDED
While TDS is not considered a primary pollutant, high TDS levels typically indicate hard water and may lead to scale buildup in pipes, reduced efficiency of water filters, hot water heaters, etc., and aesthetic problems such as a bitter or salty taste. Water with a high TDS concentration may indicate elevated levels of ions that do pose a health concern, such as aluminum, arsenic, copper, lead, nitrate and others.

CONSTRUCTION ADVISORY - ACTION IS RECOMMENDED
For new water well construction. High TDS ranges can effect bentonite grout (1500 ppm) and water can be unpalatable (1800ppm). For new private wells with TDS at 3000 ppm or above the salty formation must be sealed off or the entire well must be sealed. TDS divided by 1.5 approximately correlates with specific conductivity.

Standard value 2: 
500.00
Standard units 2: 
ppm
Standard type 2: 
SMCL
Action is recommended 2: 

SMCL ADVISORY - ACTION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
TDS levels between 500-1500 mg/l were detected in your water sample which exceed the secondary maximum contaminant level (SMCL).

AESTHETIC ADVISORY - ACTION IS RECOMMENDED
While TDS is not considered a primary pollutant, high TDS levels typically indicate hard water and may lead to scale buildup in pipes, reduced efficiency of water filters, hot water heaters, etc., and aesthetic problems such as a bitter or salty taste. Water with a high TDS concentration may indicate elevated levels of ions that do pose a health concern, such as aluminum, arsenic, copper, lead, nitrate and others.

Typical range in Ohio: 
290-830
Range qualifier: 
higher range values in northwestern Ohio bedrock aquifers
Major sources in drinking water: 
Erosion of earth materials
Treatment options: 

TREATMENT OPTIONS

  • Reverse osmosis removes TDS using a semipermeable membrane to separate molecules that are larger than water. Reverse osmosis can be effective in treating a wide range of TDS, and the result is high quality water. However, the technology can be costly to install and operate, and requires regular maintenance.
  • Electrodialysis deionizes water using an electric current to separate ions by their electric charge, while controlling the movement of TDS using selectively permeable membranes that are also electrically conductive. It can be effective for removing specific contaminants; however, electrodialysis is not suitable for high levels of iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, or hardness.
  • Distillation or freezing may also be used for areas with higher TDS concentrations. Ion exchange is another option, but is not as effective for treating concentrations lower than 3,000 mg/L.
Website resources: 

WEBSITE RESOURCES

Fact sheets: 

FACT SHEETS