If you have ever noticed white spots on your glasses or a strange metallic taste in your morning coffee, you might be dealing with total dissolved solids in water. At Metro Water Filter, we want to help you understand what is in your tap and how to fix it. Knowing the level of total dissolved solids in water is the first step toward a healthier home.
What is TDS in Water?
Total dissolved solids (TDS) in water is a measure of everything dissolved in your liquid supply, including minerals like calcium, salts, and even organic matter. While some minerals occur naturally as water flows through rocks and soil, too much TDS in water can lead to unpleasant results. If you are concerned about your levels, using a high-quality reverse osmosis water filter is one of the most reliable ways to clean your supply.
How to Test TDS in Your Water at Home
Before investing in any home water filtration system, it helps to know exactly what you are working with. Fortunately, testing your TDS levels is simple and affordable. A handheld TDS meter, a small pen-like device available online or at hardware stores, can give you a reading in seconds. Just dip the probe into a glass of tap water, and the meter displays your TDS level in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm).
As a general guide, the EPA suggests that a TDS level under 500 mg/L is acceptable for drinking water. However, many homeowners notice taste and scale issues well below that threshold. If your meter reads anywhere from 300 mg/L upward, or if you are simply unsure whether your levels are safe, it is worth consulting a professional. At Metro Water Filter, we offer free thorough water testing that goes beyond what a basic TDS meter can show, identifying specific contaminants so we can recommend the right reverse osmosis water filter for your household.
Understanding what is TDS in water is the first step, but knowing your specific number puts you in control of the solution.
The Problems Caused by High TDS in Water
Having high TDS in water typically levels above 500 or 600 mg/L can make your water taste salty, bitter, or metallic. Beyond just taste, high TDS in water can cause scale to build up inside your pipes and household appliances, which often leads to expensive repairs and a shorter lifespan for your equipment. Metro Water Filter experts have seen how high TDS in water can even cause skin irritation for some people due to the high mineral content.
How a Home Reverse Osmosis System Works
The most effective way to handle these issues is with a home reverse osmosis system. This process uses pressure to push water through a very fine, semi-permeable membrane that catches up to 99% of contaminants. When you use home reverse osmosis, the system separates your supply into reverse osmosis water, which is clean and ready for drinking, and a “brine” stream that carries the impurities away. A home reverse osmosis system is designed to provide your family with a steady source of purified water right at the tap.
Benefits of Residential Reverse Osmosis for Reducing TDS
Choosing residential reverse osmosis provides a layer of safety for your home by removing harmful substances like lead, nitrates, and arsenic. There are many reverse osmosis system benefits, such as better-tasting food and a reduced need for expensive bottled water. While there is an initial RO filter system cost to consider, the RO long-term value is clear when you consider the protection it offers your plumbing and your health. At Metro Water Filter, we believe that residential reverse osmosis is one of the best investments you can make for your home’s infrastructure.
Get Started with Home Reverse Osmosis
If you are ready to improve your water quality, Metro Water Filter is here to help. We can provide a professional water test to check your TDS in water and recommend the perfect setup for your needs. Using home reverse osmosis technology ensures that your family has access to the highest quality water every single day. Our team at Metro Water Filter specializes in residential reverse osmosis installations that are built to last.
Ready to say goodbye to poor water quality? Contact RO filtration experts at Metro Water Filter of the South today for a professional water test and consultation!
