Total dissolved solids (TDS)
What is it? Total dissolved solids (TDS) are made up of inorganic salts (magnesium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonates, sodium, chlorides, and sulfates) and some small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water.
Why is it important? A high concentration of dissolved solids on its own is usually not a health hazard. In fact, the mineral water you buy in stores have naturally elevated levels of dissolved solids. However, a high TDS concentration can indicate that harmful contaminants, such as iron, manganese, sulfate, bromide and arsenic, may be present in the water due to human pollution. It also affects the hardness of the water.
What does it mean? These are normally only measured in freshwater systems. Salinity measures some of the ions that are included in the definition of Total Dissolved Solids. According to Health Canada: “An aesthetic objective of ≤500 mg/L has been established for total dissolved solids (TDS) in drinking water. At higher levels, excessive hardness, unpalatability, mineral deposition and corrosion may occur. At low levels, however, TDS contributes to the palatability of water.” Conductivity is more commonly used as a field measurement than TDS.