Water Contaminant Spotlight: Total Dissolved Solids

COVID-19 Update: Culligan Water Dealers are open for business. Find out what steps we are taking to safeguard your health and continue to serve you.Learn More
Updated: October 29, 2020 April 18, 2018
If your water looks cloudy or tastes salty, bitter or metallic, total dissolved solids could be the culprit. Total dissolved solids, also known as TDS, also can cause problems with corroded pipes or fixtures, or lead to shorter lifespans in your water-using appliances. So, what exactly are TDS?
Simply put, total dissolved solids include inorganic salts and organic matter that have dissolved in your water. The specific types of TDS mainly include calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, bicarbonates, chlorides, iron, lead and sulfates. (If you’re interested in learning more about these specific contaminants, find information about these common water contaminants here.)
Keeping an eye on the level of total dissolved solids in your water is important. There is a certain amount of TDS in your water that naturally happens when it filters through soil. But when a storm hits or sewage contamination occurs, that’s when the level of dissolved solids begins to rise to an unnatural, potentially harmful level. Once this happens, the effects of dissolved solids in water can potentially lead to plumbing issues, water appliance malfunction and bitter-tasting drinking water; if ingested, they could negatively impact your health and well-being. (Find more details about the impact of TDS and what you should look for related to total dissolved solids here.)
When water is tested, the concentration of TDS is the calculated sum of the positively charged compounds (cations) and negatively charged compounds (anions). This initial indicator test determines the general quality of water; however, further considerations need to be taken based on different characteristics the water expresses. Water testing may seem like a complex process, and you might not know where to start.
That’s where Culligan comes in. We can conduct the proper test on your water to determine the TDS levels in your water, and then provide the fitting solution to remove any unnatural level of total dissolved solids in your water.
Enter your zip/postal code to get connected.
Get better water in your home.
ScheduleExperiencing any of these symptoms with your well water? A variety of solutions can help.
It’s hard to understate the importance of quality drinking water and staying hydrated. Given the h...
With any of our soft water systems, get more out of your water-using appliances while spending less on energy and detergent.
See Water Softeners
There’s never been a better time to enjoy the convenience of scheduled bottled water deliveries from the Culligan® Water Experts
See Water Delivery Options
Culligan’s water filtration systems have improved water quality for thousands of families worldwide.
See Water Filtration Systems