TDS MetersUpdated 24 days ago
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) meters are not the right tool for accurate water quality measurement.
This is because they only measure the total charged mineral content of water. The TDS level primarily indicates the presence of beneficial charged minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium rather than harmful uncharged contaminants and heavy metals.
This is because they only measure the total charged mineral content of water. The TDS level primarily indicates the presence of beneficial charged minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium rather than harmful uncharged contaminants and heavy metals.
Here are some reasons why TDS meters may not be the best choice for water quality measurement:
Nonselective Information: TDS meters only provide a single measurement of total dissolved solids and do not indicate the specific types of contaminants present in the water.
Not Sensitive Enough: A TDS tester is not sensitive enough to measure toxic levels of lead, chromium 6, or arsenic, even if they are present in a sample. This is because the reading displayed on an inexpensive TDS meter is in parts per million, while things like lead, chromium 6, and arsenic are toxic at part per billion concentrations (1000 times lower).
No Measurement of Harmful Chemicals: TDS meters do not measure the presence of harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, or arsenic, which can be present in water even if the TDS measurement is low. TDS meters also fail to measure the presence of uncharged contaminants including PFAS, VOCs, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, petroleum products, or disinfection byproducts.
Drinking water contaminants cannot be meaningfully measured using a TDS/ppm meter (or any other handheld device). For reliable results, water samples need to be tested by trained staff in analytical laboratories that use much more sophisticated scientific equipment.
Hydroviv Drinking water filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead, VOCs, and PFOA/PFOS from drinking water. For more information on TDS Meters, check out this article written by Dr. Eric Roy, Hydroviv’s Founder and Chief Scientist: Stop Using TDS Meters (8/11/20) (hydroviv.com)
Hydroviv Drinking water filters are NSF/ANSI 53 certified to remove lead, VOCs, and PFOA/PFOS from drinking water. For more information on TDS Meters, check out this article written by Dr. Eric Roy, Hydroviv’s Founder and Chief Scientist: Stop Using TDS Meters (8/11/20) (hydroviv.com)