RFWhat Does TDS Measure in Water? TDS Measurement Test Procedure
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Water, being the universal solvent, possesses the remarkable ability to dissolve molecules from a wide range of substances. Maintaining an adequate level of Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water is essential to ensure its taste, color, and odor are acceptable.
TDS refers to the total amount of organic and inorganic materials dissolved in a given volume of water. These materials encompass a variety of substances, including metals, ions, and minerals.
The presence of TDS in water can be attributed to various sources, such as minerals found in springs, chemicals used at water supply sources, road salts, fertilizers, and even plumbing materials.
Let’s delve into what TDS measures in water and explore the test procedure for TDS measurement using a TDS meter, along with its associated benefits. TDS is quantified as the mass of dissolved solids per volume of water, typically expressed in milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is equivalent to parts per million (ppm).
The following table outlines various TDS levels and their corresponding water quality ratings:
| TDS level (in ppm) | Rating |
|---|---|
| <50 to 250 | Considered Low; missing in useful minerals which are beneficial for health of human beings. |
| 300 to 500 | Perfect; This range is sweet spot for quality drinking water. |
| 600 to 900 | Not great ; It requires RO (Reverse Osmosis) system to reduce the TDS level |
| 1000 to 2000 | Terrible ; Not recommended or safe to use |
| >2000 | Worst ; The water with this TDS level is completely unsafe. The household water purifiers can not handle this contamination level |
For safe drinking water, TDS levels between 300 and 500 ppm are generally considered ideal.
The following systems are commonly employed in water filters to reduce elevated TDS levels in drinking water:
- RO (Reverse Osmosis) system
- Water Distiller
- Deionization system
TDS Test Procedure Using a Digital TDS Meter
The image below illustrates a digital TDS meter used for assessing water purity. These meters often utilize polypropylene as a filter material.
TDS meters quantify water quality in parts per million (ppm) or mg/L. They find widespread applications in various fields, including:
- Water purifiers & filters
- Food quality monitoring (vegetables and fruits)
- Drink quality monitoring
- Spas, pools, aquariums, hydroponics, and more
To perform TDS measurement, adhere to the following guidelines:
- Obtain a sample of the water to be measured in a clean glass.
- Remove the protective cap from the TDS meter and immerse it into the water, ensuring that the maximum immersion level indicated on the meter is not exceeded, as shown in the illustration.
- Turn ON the meter using the ON/OFF button.
- Allow the digital reading on the display to stabilize. This may take a few moments.
- Once the reading stabilizes, press the “HOLD” button to record the reading.
- Compare the measured reading with a TDS water chart to determine the water quality level and its suitability for the intended application.
- After use, gently shake off any excess water from the TDS meter, replace the protective cap, and store the meter in its cover.
Benefits or Advantages of TDS Measurement
The TDS measurement method offers several benefits for assessing drinking water quality:
- Water with very low TDS levels may have a flat taste and lack essential minerals. Conversely, water with high TDS levels can be unsafe due to contamination and is not recommended for consumption. TDS measurement using a TDS meter helps ensure that water maintains the right TDS level for both cooking and drinking purposes.
- Flowers and plants have specific TDS requirements, typically ranging from 1000-1100 ppm and 900-1000 ppm, respectively. TDS measurement assists in watering vegetables and flowers with appropriate nutrient concentrations.
- TDS measurement can be used to assess the TDS level of water from your tap or water source, aiding in the selection of an appropriate water purifier and preventing unnecessary expenses.
- Regular TDS monitoring of water output from purifiers helps determine when replacement or maintenance of the purifier is needed.
- Maintaining proper TDS levels in fish tanks, similar to natural habitats, is facilitated by TDS measurement.
- High TDS water, often containing elevated levels of magnesium and calcium, is known as hard water. Hard water can accumulate in pipes, leading to costly pipe replacements and reduced lifespan of household appliances.
Conclusion
Overall, TDS measurement serves as a valuable tool for assessing water quality, safeguarding public health, protecting infrastructure, and monitoring environmental impacts, making it an essential parameter in water management and treatment processes.
