When it comes to water quality in your Perth home, there’s more than meets the eye. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is an important measurement that can tell you a lot about what’s actually in your water.
Let’s explore what TDS means for your household water and why monitoring these levels matters.
What Exactly is TDS?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids and refers to the combined amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in your water. These substances include:
- Minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Salts such as sodium chloride
- Metals, including lead and copper
- Other dissolved compounds and particles
These substances are measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per litre (mg/L), with both measurements being equivalent. The higher the TDS reading, the more dissolved substances are present in your water.
How is TDS Measured?
Measuring TDS is surprisingly straightforward. The most common method uses a TDS meter – a handheld device that measures the electrical conductivity of water. Since pure water doesn’t conduct electricity well, the meter can determine how many dissolved solids are present based on how conductive the water is.
At Filtered Homes, we offer free water testing services where we can measure your home’s TDS levels along with other important water quality indicators.
What Do TDS Levels Mean?
Different TDS readings indicate varying water quality levels:
- 0-50 ppm: Very low mineral content, often found in distilled water
- 50-150 ppm: Considered excellent drinking water
- 150-250 ppm: Good quality water
- 250-350 ppm: Fair water quality
- 350-500 ppm: Poor water quality, may have noticeable taste issues
- 500+ ppm: Unacceptable for drinking according to many health organisations
In Perth, TDS levels can vary significantly depending on your location and water source.
Why Should You Care About TDS?
Understanding your water’s TDS levels is important for several reasons.
Health Considerations
While some minerals in water are beneficial, high TDS levels might indicate the presence of harmful contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrates. Extremely high TDS levels can affect taste and potentially impact health over time.
Appliance Protection
High TDS levels often mean harder water, which can lead to limescale buildup in pipes, kettles, coffee machines, and other appliances. This buildup reduces efficiency and shortens the lifespan of your household appliances.
Taste and Appearance
Water with high TDS levels often has a distinctive taste that many find unpleasant. It can also affect the taste of beverages like tea and coffee. Additionally, high TDS water may leave spots on glassware and fixtures after drying.
How Whole-Home Filtration Addresses TDS
Our whole-home water filtration systems at Filtered Homes are designed to address elevated TDS levels by:
- Removing harmful contaminants while preserving beneficial minerals
- Reducing scale-forming compounds that damage appliances
- Improving the taste and odour of your water
- Providing consistent water quality throughout your entire home
Understanding your water’s TDS levels is the first step toward ensuring your household has clean, safe, and great-tasting water. Ready to learn more about your water quality? Contact us to schedule your complimentary water assessment.
