What is TDS and What Do We Measure?
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, or Total Dissolved Solids. This is the collective term for all solids (in the form of molecules or ions) that are dissolved in your water but are not visible.
TDS is measured in ppm (parts per million) or mg/L (milligrams per liter). A TDS meter measures this indirectly via electrical conductivity. Dissolved substances such as salts, minerals, and metals conduct electricity. The higher the conductivity, the higher the TDS value.
What can contribute to the TDS value?
- Natural Minerals and Salts: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium. These are particles that water naturally absorbs from the soil and determine water hardness.
- Inorganic Contaminants: Heavy metals such as lead, chromium or mercury (often coming from old pipes).
- Organic Chemicals: Traces of pesticides, herbicides and drug residues.
The Average Value in the Netherlands
The drinking water quality in the Netherlands is excellent and strictly monitored. However, our tap water generally has a TDS value that varies between 100 and 250 ppm.
- This means that our water contains relatively many dissolved substances.
- For comparison, many mineral waters sit at around 30 ppm, while water treated with advanced filters goes to 0 ppm.
| TDS (ppm) | Qualification | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 000-050 | Excellent/Ultra Pure | Very low concentration of dissolved solids. |
| 051-200 | Good/Average | Standard quality, contains natural minerals. |
| 201-300 | Pretty Hard | More dissolved solids. Taste may be affected. |
| > 300 | High | High concentration, filtration is strongly recommended. |
Why Aim for Zero TDS? Three Important Reasons
Although tap water is safe, there are strong arguments for actively reducing the TDS value to zero with a filter.
A. The Purest Taste and Smell
Dissolved substances – even harmless ones – affect the sensory experience of water.
- Neutral Taste: Water with TOS 0 has an extreme neutral and clear tasteThis is experienced by many people as the “cleanest” water.
- Perfect for Drinks: For lovers of coffee and tea TDS-0 water is a must. This guarantees that the flavor profiles of the beans or tea leaves are not disrupted by unwanted salts, chlorine, or minerals in the water.
B. Protection and Durability of Devices
A high TDS value is directly related to many regions water hardness, or a high concentration of calcium and magnesium.
- Farewell to Kalk: By lowering the TDS to zero you eliminate the cause of Lime scale.
- This is crucial for the longevity and performance of your household appliances such as kettles, steam irons and, most importantly, expensive espresso and fully automatic coffee machinesA lower TDS level means no limescale buildup, which reduces the need for descaling and maintains appliance efficiency.
C. Elimination of Uncertainty
While a TDS meter does not differentiate between "good" minerals and "bad" contaminants, filters that TOS 0 achieve a unique certainty.
- These advanced filter systems (such as ion exchange or reverse osmosis) are designed to virtually to remove dissolved solids.
- This ensures that not only the hardness is addressed, but also a significant portion of the potentially unwanted traces of heavy metals and chemicals that traditional, simple filters can miss. You are assured of the purest possible water.
Choosing the Water Filter Jug: Pay Attention to TDS 0
Not all water filter systems are created equal. This is the most crucial point in your purchasing decision:
Traditional Filters vs. TDS 0 Filters
Most standard activated carbon water filter jugs are designed to reduce chlorine and sediment to improve taste. However, they are often NOT ALLOWED effective in significantly reducing TDS values, as they leave most minerals and salts untouched.
Om TOS 0 To achieve this, you need a more advanced system, often based on a five- or even seven-step filtration which uses specific ion exchange resins.
Measuring is knowing
Preferably choose a water filter jug that:
- Explicitly guarantees the removal of TDS (and often advertises with TDS 0).
- Comes with a TDS-meter.
With the meter you can measure the purity of your tap water for en na check the filter. More importantly, the meter tells you exactly when the filter needs to be replacedAs soon as the meter reads 006 ppm or higher, you know the filter is saturated and has reached its maximum capacity, meaning the water quality is no longer optimal.
The pursuit of TOS 0 is the benchmark for maximum water purity. It's an investment in better taste, longer appliance lifespan, and peace of mind about the contents of your drinking water.