Most people know that clean drinking water is crucial for a healthy life at home, but what about at the workplace? Getting into what constitutes “clean drinking water” can get complicated, but understanding TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) and its impact on water quality can help individuals and business owners make an informed decision about how to provide the best quality water at home and work.
What are Total Dissolved Solids?
When we talk about Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), we’re referring to ALL of the elements that are in the water, both good and bad. These elements can be organic or inorganic— think minerals, salts, or metals that have dissolved in water.
TDS levels are measured in parts per million (PPM) or milligrams per liter. A higher level of TDS indicates more substances dissolved in the water. That means even if the water from your tap runs clean, there are likely still many water contaminants present — yuck!
Are Total Dissolved Solids safe to drink?
Fortunately, there are some higher-level water regulations, too. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water is safe to drink if it has a TDS level below 300 PPM. These universal regulations are difficult to enforce, however, and many authorities will accept the potentially dangerous TDS level of 500 PPM.
What are some examples of TDS?
Remember, Total Dissolved Solids refer to all dissolved solids in the water supply. This includes both organic and inorganic substances, good and bad elements.
Organic matter might include:
- Algae
- Disinfectants
- Bacteria
- Pesticides and herbicides
Inorganic matter might include:
- Aluminum
- Ammonium
- Arsenic
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Fluoride
- Lead
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Nitrates
- Sodium
- Sulfate
How to protect the water quality at your home or business
Total Dissolved Solids in public drinking water do not generally pose a health risk, but they can impact your water quality. TDS originates from sewage, industrial waste, urban runoff, and even chemicals from older water filtration systems.
It’s good to keep in mind that while the United States has an average TDS level of approximately 350 PPM, levels above 1,000 mg/L are unsafe for human consumption. Elevated TDS levels in water can have serious health implications, including an increased risk for kidney stones, diabetes, liver disease, and more. Even the unpleasant tastes and odors that come with TDS can discourage water drinking and contribute to dehydration.
If you are concerned about the water quality at your home or business, a TDS water meter could be a good investment. Both municipal and well water can benefit from a free, professional water quality test.
Benefits of commercial water treatment systems
Proper hydration is essential to feeling good, and that remains true for the workplace! Studies have shown that employee wellbeing takes a serious hit without easy access to clean drinking water. Even being just a little dehydrated can reduce brain function by 12 percent. And if employees are seriously thirsty, expect productivity to drop up to 25 percent!
It’s important to encourage your colleagues and customers to stay hydrated with clean and safe drinking water. A commercial water filtration system like industrial-sized reverse osmosis or water softening system from Conner Water Systems can provide a more reliable and sustainable solution than finicky municipal water. We fight against high levels of TDS with state-of-the-art water treatment technology such as ion exchange softening, reverse osmosis, chlorine injection, electro-deionization, and more.
Choosing a reliable water treatment solution for your home or business in Santa Cruz
To guarantee that your home family or work family always has access to high-quality, filtered water free from contaminants, you need a reliable water filtration system! At Conner Water Systems, we offer a variety of residential and commercial water treatment systems that can help your home or business meet your water quality standards.
We can help you understand TDS and your options for providing safe and delicious drinking water in the spaces where you spend the most time. Remember, staying hydrated will not only increase productivity in the workplace but it contributes to a healthy and happy staff. Choosing a reliable water treatment system from Conner Water Systems can be your first step towards a healthier, happier workplace! Contact us today for more information.
