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Water Filtration Systems Guide, Water Problems, Whole House Filtration

What’s the difference between TDS and Water Hardness?

Posted on by WAWF Admin

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and hardness are both water quality parameters, but they measure different aspects of water composition.

  1. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):
    • Definition: TDS refers to the total amount of inorganic and organic substances dissolved in water, including minerals, salts, metals, and other substances.
    • Measurement: TDS is measured in parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter (mg/L) and is typically determined using a conductivity meter or by evaporating a water sample and measuring the residue.
    • Impact: High TDS levels can affect the taste of water and may indicate the presence of contaminants. It is a general indicator of water quality.
  2. Hardness:
    • Definition: Hardness measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in water. These ions are primarily responsible for the formation of scale in pipes and appliances and can affect soap effectiveness.
    • Measurement: Hardness is often expressed in terms of calcium carbonate equivalents (mg/L CaCO3). It can be measured through titration or using commercial water hardness test kits.
    • Impact: Hard water can lead to scale buildup in plumbing and appliances, reducing their efficiency. It can also affect the lathering of soaps and detergents.

In summary, while TDS gives a comprehensive measure of all dissolved substances in water, including minerals and salts, hardness specifically focuses on the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. Both parameters are important for assessing water quality and its potential impact on various applications.

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