Total Dissolved Solids in Drinking Water: Health Risks, Sources, and How to Remove It
Total Dissolved Solids is an inorganic constituent in drinking water. The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 500 mg/L for this parameter. It represents the total concentration of dissolved substances within the water supply.
Health Effects
High levels of Total Dissolved Solids can negatively affect the taste of your water. They can also contribute to water hardness and cause corrosion in plumbing systems. These impacts are primarily aesthetic and operational rather than acute health hazards.
How Total Dissolved Solids Gets Into Tap Water
Total Dissolved Solids originate from a variety of natural sources. They are typically composed of dissolved salts and organic matter that enter the water supply.
How to Remove Total Dissolved Solids From Your Water
Effective treatment methods to remove these substances include reverse osmosis and distillation. Deionization is also a common treatment option to reduce their levels.
Should You Test Your Water?
You can check your local consumer confidence report or search the WaterQ website to find the level of Total Dissolved Solids in your water. If you rely on a private well, routine water quality testing is a practical way to monitor these levels. You can also look up your local water system on WaterQ or check the Total Dissolved Solids data page for reported levels in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Total Dissolved Solids dangerous in drinking water?
Total Dissolved Solids are not typically dangerous, as their effects are limited to water taste, hardness, and plumbing corrosion. They do not pose high-severity health risks. Managing them is primarily focused on improving taste and preventing pipe damage.
How does Total Dissolved Solids get into tap water?
They enter the water supply through natural sources, dissolved salts, and organic matter.
How can I remove Total Dissolved Solids from my water?
You can remove them using treatment methods such as reverse osmosis, distillation, or deionization.
Source: EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations and WaterQ National Database. For more contaminants, visit our contaminant library.