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What is a TDS Reading - and Why We Use it at Waterchoice

05 October 2025

When you’re choosing a water filtration system, you’ll often hear the term TDS reading. But what does it actually measure, and why does it matter for your home or business? At Waterchoice, we use TDS readings every day to make sure your water is as clean, safe, and great-tasting as it can be.

What “TDS” Really Means

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids. It’s a scientific way of measuring the combined amount of tiny particles dissolved in your water. These particles can include:

  • Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium
  • Salts like sodium chloride
  • Organic matter such as small bits of plant material
  • Trace metals and other naturally occurring elements

Even though you can’t see these substances, they can influence how your water tastes, smells, and behaves in your home. A TDS reading is expressed in parts per million (ppm) - for example, a reading of 250 ppm means there are 250 milligrams of dissolved solids in every litre of water.

Why TDS Readings Matter for You

Understanding your TDS level is about more than just numbers. Here’s why it’s important:

  • Taste and Odour: Water with very high TDS can taste metallic, bitter, or salty.
  • Health Considerations: While many minerals are harmless, a high reading may signal the presence of unwanted contaminants.
  • Appliance Longevity: Excess minerals lead to limescale buildup in kettles, coffee machines, and hot-water systems.
  • Filter Performance: Tracking TDS before and after filtration shows how effectively your system is removing dissolved solids.

How We Take a TDS Reading

At Waterchoice, we use a digital TDS meter to test water at key points:

  1. Source Water: We start with the water coming straight from your mains supply
  2. Post-Filtration: We measure water after it has passed through your reverse osmosis or other filtration units.
  3. Comparison: We compare the two readings to confirm the system is running at peak efficiency.

Because the process is quick and non-invasive, we can check your water on-site during installation or routine maintenance.

The Waterchoice Benchmark

For most households, a TDS reading below 100 ppm after reverse osmosis is considered excellent. This level shows that your filtration system is stripping out unwanted solids while still allowing trace minerals that give water a fresh, natural taste. We record these readings during installation and maintenance so you have a clear record of performance.

You will be shocked to learn that we get many readings above 500ppm in Western Australia.

Ready for Better Water?

Enjoy the taste and confidence of crystal-clear water every day. Book your Waterchoice installation today and let our team bring pure, refreshing water straight to your home or business.

 

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