Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
What are Total Dissolved Solids?
Total Dissolved Solids consist of inorganic salts (principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfates) and some small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water sources. TDS in drinking water originates from natural sources, sewage, urban run-off, industrial waste water, and chemicals used in the water treatment process and the nature of the piping or hardware used to convey the water. In the United States, elevated TDS has been due to natural environmental features such as mineral springs, carbonate deposits, salt deposits, and sea water intrusion, but other sources can include salts used for road de-icing, anti-skid materials, drinking water treatment chemicals, storm water and agricultural runoff, and point/non-point waste water discharges.
What are the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCL) for Total Dissolved Solids?
The Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels are established only as guidelines to help consumers manage undesirable contaminants causing bad taste, odor, or color. The SMCL for Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water is 500 mg/L.
What are the problems associated with Total Dissolved Solids above the SMCL?
TDS are a considered a secondary contaminant (not health threatening) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that may result in aesthetic or cosmetic problems, such as water hardness, colored water, staining, or salty taste. Additionally, high levels of chloride and sulfate will accelerate corrosion of metals.
What treatment methods have been proven to be effective for reduction?
Reverse osmosis has been most effective for the reduction of Total Dissolved Solids. Nanofiltration is a new membrane purification technology much like reverse osmosis and can also treat high levels of TDS.
What solutions does RainDance Water Systems have to offer?
Check out our variety of reverse osmosis water treatment systems or nanofiltration systems here:
What are Total Dissolved Solids?
Total Dissolved Solids consist of inorganic salts (principally calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides and sulfates) and some small amounts of organic matter that are dissolved in water sources. TDS in drinking water originates from natural sources, sewage, urban run-off, industrial waste water, and chemicals used in the water treatment process and the nature of the piping or hardware used to convey the water. In the United States, elevated TDS has been due to natural environmental features such as mineral springs, carbonate deposits, salt deposits, and sea water intrusion, but other sources can include salts used for road de-icing, anti-skid materials, drinking water treatment chemicals, storm water and agricultural runoff, and point/non-point waste water discharges.
What are the Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels (SMCL) for Total Dissolved Solids?
The Secondary Maximum Contaminant Levels are established only as guidelines to help consumers manage undesirable contaminants causing bad taste, odor, or color. The SMCL for Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water is 500 mg/L.
What are the problems associated with Total Dissolved Solids above the SMCL?
TDS are a considered a secondary contaminant (not health threatening) by the United States Environmental Protection Agency that may result in aesthetic or cosmetic problems, such as water hardness, colored water, staining, or salty taste. Additionally, high levels of chloride and sulfate will accelerate corrosion of metals.
What treatment methods have been proven to be effective for reduction?
Reverse osmosis has been most effective for the reduction of Total Dissolved Solids. Nanofiltration is a new membrane purification technology much like reverse osmosis and can also treat high levels of TDS.
What solutions does RainDance Water Systems have to offer?
Check out our variety of reverse osmosis water treatment systems or nanofiltration systems here:
Please note: The contaminant listed above is intended for research and informational purposes only. It is not intended to suggest that the listed contaminant is present in your water supply. Only testing by an accredited lab can identify the presence of contaminants in your water supply.
