Key Takeaways:

• What it Is: TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It's a measurement of all the dissolved minerals (like calcium, magnesium, sodium) and salts in your water, measured in parts per million (ppm).
• It's Not a Measure of Safety: High TDS is not necessarily unhealthy; it just means there are a lot of minerals. Premium bottled mineral waters often have high TDS. However, some harmful contaminants like lead or arsenic can also contribute to TDS.
• TDS and Taste: DFW tap water often has a TDS between 300-500 ppm. While not harmful, this high mineral content can give the water a distinct taste that many people dislike.
• The Best Way to Reduce TDS: The only effective way to significantly lower your water's TDS is with a Reverse Osmosis (RO) system (with USA-made options available), which can remove over 95% of dissolved solids.

You may have seen TDS meters for sale online or heard people talking about the TDS level in their water. But what is it, and is it something you need to worry about in the DFW area?

What Does TDS Actually Measure?

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is a combined measurement of all inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water. In simple terms, it's a measure of how "full" of stuff your water is.

The main contributors to TDS in DFW's municipal water are common, harmless minerals:

• Calcium & Magnesium: These are the hardness minerals.
• Sodium & Chlorides: These are naturally occurring salts.

A TDS meter works by measuring the electrical conductivity of the water. Pure H₂O is not very conductive, but the dissolved mineral salts are. The more minerals, the higher the conductivity, and the higher the TDS reading.

TDS is Not a Contaminant Test

It's crucial to understand that a TDS meter is not a safety-testing device. It cannot detect many of the most dangerous contaminants, such as:

• Lead
• PFAS ("Forever Chemicals")
• Pesticides
• Bacteria or viruses
• Chlorine

Your water could have a "good" low TDS reading but still contain harmful substances.

Why Reduce TDS? For Taste and Purity.

While DFW's TDS levels are considered safe by EPA standards, many people prefer the taste of water with a lower TDS. A Reverse Osmosis system, with USA-made options available, is designed to purify water on a molecular level. It's extremely effective at removing dissolved solids, typically reducing a TDS of 400 ppm down to just 15-25 ppm.

This is why water from an RO system tastes so crisp, clean, and refreshing. It's free from the high concentration of minerals found in tap water. If your goal is the purest, best-tasting drinking water, then reducing TDS with an RO system is the perfect solution.

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Reviewed by Sai Akash Tumu, TCEQ Licensed Water Treatment Specialist (#WT0007448). Our approach is to educate first. For a personalized assessment, contact us for a free consultation.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Water conditions vary, and we recommend a professional on-site water test for an accurate solution. This is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer >