Significance of Total Dissolved Solids in Water

The level of Total Dissolved Solids in Water affects the taste of the water.It is generally agreed that the total dissolved solids concentration of good, palatable drinking water should not exceed 500 mg/L. However, higher concentrations may be consumed without harmful physiological effects and may indeed even be more beneficial. This limit was primarily set on the basis of taste thresholds.

Although TDS is not generally considered a primary pollutant (e.g. it is not deemed to be associated with health effects). It is used as an indication of aesthetic characteristics of drinking water and as an aggregate indicator of the presence of a broad array of chemical contaminants.

Livestock and wildlife may be injured by drinking water that contains excessive dissolved solids. Continuous use of such water may cause a general loss of condition, weakness, scouring, reduced production, bone degeneration and death.

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Total Dissolved Solids Significance to Fish and Aquatic Life

Chemical Water Quality Parameters
Electrical Conductivity of Water
pH of Water
Relation of Acidity and Alkalinity in Water
Primary Anions and Cations in Water
Dissolved Gasses in Water
Primary Nutrients in Water and Eutrophication
Toxic Constituents in Water
Pesticides in Water
Oil in Water

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