If you’ve ever noticed a strange taste in your drinking water or wondered about the white residue left behind in your coffee maker, you might have encountered total dissolved solids (TDS). But what exactly is TDS, and when does it become a problem for your drinking water? Let’s break it down and explore how RWI Water Systems can help ensure you and your family have access to the cleanest, safest drinking water possible.
What Is TDS in Drinking Water?
Total dissolved solids, or TDS, refers to the amount of dissolved organic and inorganic substances in your water. These include minerals, salts, metals, and other compounds that are picked up as water moves through the environment. Some common sources of TDS in drinking water include:
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium – naturally occurring and generally safe to drink.
- Salts: Chlorides and sulfates, which can affect taste and lead to buildup in plumbing fixtures.
- Metals: Lead, arsenic, and mercury – dangerous at high levels and can pose significant health risks.
- Organic Matter: Decaying plant and animal material, which can contribute to water contamination.
- Industrial and Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, herbicides, and chemicals that may find their way into the water supply.
When Do TDS Levels in Drinking Water Become Dangerous?
Not all TDS are harmful, but high levels can indicate contamination or an imbalance in your water supply. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a secondary recommended limit of 500 parts per million (ppm) for TDS in drinking water. Water with TDS levels above this may taste salty, metallic, or bitter and could indicate the presence of harmful contaminants.
Extremely high TDS levels (above 1000 ppm) can be a sign of serious water quality issues, including excessive heavy metals or harmful chemicals. Long-term consumption of high-TDS water may contribute to health problems, including kidney issues and increased risk of certain diseases.
How a Reverse Osmosis System Provides the Best Solution for TDS in Drinking Water
If you live in areas like Camp Pendleton, Del Mar, Forster Hills, San Luis Rey, or De Luz, your water supply may have elevated TDS levels due to natural mineral deposits or contamination from human activity. This is where a reverse osmosis (RO) system from RWI Water Systems can make a huge difference.
What Does a Reverse Osmosis System Do?
A reverse osmosis system is one of the most effective ways to reduce TDS and ensure clean, safe drinking water. It works by pushing water through a semipermeable membrane that filters out contaminants, including:
- Heavy metals like lead and arsenic
- Excess salts and minerals
- Pesticides and industrial chemicals
- Bacteria and viruses
The result? Clean, crisp, and great-tasting water that you and your family can trust.
4 Reasons to Invest in a Reverse Osmosis System for Your Home
If you’re concerned about TDS in drinking water or your home’s overall water quality, here are 4 reasons why an RO system could be the best solution:
- Healthier Drinking Water – Removes harmful contaminants and reduces TDS to safe levels.
- Better Taste – Eliminates the metallic, salty, or bitter taste that high-TDS water can cause.
- Protects Appliances – Reduces scale buildup in coffee makers, kettles, and other kitchen appliances.
- Peace of Mind – Knowing your water is free from dangerous pollutants provides confidence in every sip.
If you’re concerned about your water quality, RWI Water Systems can help. We offer expert water testing and high-quality reverse osmosis systems to ensure your household gets the best drinking water possible. Whether you’re living on base at Camp Pendleton or in nearby communities, we have the right solution for you.
Don’t leave your drinking water quality to chance. Contact us today to learn more about TDS in drinking water and see how a reverse osmosis system can improve your water and your health.
