TDS AND CONDUCTIVITY (EC)

What is TDS?
What should the TDS level of my water be?
There is no specific level nor 'good or bad' answer to this question. Generally speaking, for drinking water, a lower level
of TDS (purer water) is preferred. The U.S. EPA, all U.S. states, the World Health Organization (WHO) and most nations
put maximum limitations on TDS allowed in drinking water. These limitations are typically 500 or 1000 ppm, but they do
vary. There is no known minimum for drinking water.
Besides drinking water, a TDS level is specific for each application and particular usage. Though humans generally
prefer purer water for their health, fish and plants, for example, require water with widely varying TDS levels, most of
which are higher than healthy human drinking water. If you are using a meter to test the water pertaining to a particular
device, object or operation, contact the manufacturer of that object. For example, if you are using the meter to test the
efficacy of a water filtration system, contact the manufacturer of that system for preferred TDS levels. If you are testing
the water for a pool, plants, fish, etc. contact a specialist for your specific application, or the manufacturer of additives or
nutrients.
How do I care for my TDS meter?
Please see the Calibration and Maintenance page.
Why do I experience different readings in the same water with the same meter?
Reasons for varied readings include:
Ions:
The nature of charged positive ions (which is what the TDS meters are measuring) is that they are always moving.
Therefore, there may always be variances in the conductivity, and thus a different reading.
Temperature:
Even with ATC, temperature changes by a tenth of a degree may increase or decrease the conductivity. Additionally, the
temperature coefficient (what the reading is multiplied by to adjust for temperature differences) changes slightly
depending upon the range of ppm. Our meters and virtually every meter under $500 has a single temperature coefficient,
regardless of the range. (The new COM-100 offers three temperature coefficient options, but each is linear once selected.)
Air bubbles:
Even a tiny air bubble that has adhered to one of the probes could potentially affect the conductivity, and thus the
reading.
Lingering electrical charges:
Electrical charges off fingers, static eletricity off clothes, etc. on the meter and lingering electrical charges in the water will
affect the conductivity of the water.
Beaker/cup material:
Plastic cups retain lingering electrical charges more than glass. If the meter touches the side of the glass or plastic, it
could pick up a slight charge. If the plastic is retaining a charge, it could also affect the water.
Volume changes:
The amount of water in the sample may affect the conductivity. Different volumes of the same water may have different
levels of conductivity. Displacement may affect the conductivity as well.
Probe positioning:
The depth and position of the probe in the water sample may also affect the conductivity. For example, if a meter is
dipped into the water, removed and then dipped into the water again, but in a different spot, the reading may change.
How can I get the best possible readings?
Shake:
Always make sure to shake excess water off the meter before dipping it into a water sample, even if it's the same water.
Stir/tap:
After dipping the meter in the water, always lightly tap it against the side and stir the meter to remove any lingering air
bubbles or electrical charges.
Positioning:
When taking the reading, always make sure to hold the meter straight up without it touching the sides or bottom of the
glass/beaker/cup. The probes should be suspended as close to the center of the water sample as possible.
Time:
The longer the meter is in the water, the more accurate the reading will be.
Temperature:
25 degrees Celsius is the ideal temperature for conductivity readings, even if the meter has ATC.
Rinse:
If switching between very low and very high ppm water, always rinse the probes with distilled water to avoid any build-up.
Can I use the cap as a receptacle for testing?
No. The cap is for storage and protection only. For best results, use a larger beaker, cup, glass, etc., so there is a larger
volume of water that will be tested. Additionally, to ensure a long lifespan of your product, the TDS/EC sensors should be
stored dry.
Are TDS meters really conductivity meters?
Yes. While EC and TDS are often used synonymously, there are some important differences to note. EC, when applied to
water, refers to the electrical charge of a given water sample. TDS refers to the total amount of substances in the water
other than the pure H2O. The only true way of measuring TDS is to evaporate the water and weigh whats left. Since this
is near impossible to do for the average person, is it possible to estimate the TDS level by measuring the EC of the water.
Every digital TDS meter in the world is actually an EC meter.
All elements have some electrical charge. Therefore, it is possible to closely estimate the quantity of TDS by determining
the EC of the water. However, since different elements have different charges, it is necessary to convert the EC to TDS
using a scale that mimics the charge of that water type. The following are the most common water samples, and for the
COM-100, each has its own conversion factor:
KCl:
Potassium Chloride is the international standard to calibrate instruments that measure conductivity. The COM-100 is
factory calibrated with a 1413 microsiemens solution is the default mode is EC-KCl. The KCl conversion factor is 0.5-0.57.
442
TM
:
Developed by the Myron L Company, 442
TM
simulates the properties of natural water (rivers, lakes, wells, drinking water,
etc.) with a combination of 40% Sodium Bicarbonate, 40% Sodium Sulfate and 20% Chloride. The 442 conversion factor
is 0.65 to 0.85.
NaCl:
Sodium Chloride is used in water where the predominate ions are NaCl, or whose properties are similar to NaCl, such as
seawater and brackish water. The NaCl conversion factor is 0.47 to 0.5.
Measurements in EC (S) do not have a conversion factor, but do require the correct setting for the proper temperature
coefficient.
Most HM Digital TDS meters other than the COM-100 use the NaCl conversion factor (avg. 0.5). Some
products are available with the 442 conversion factor.
Is pinpoint accuracy always necessary when testing for TDS or conductivity?
Usually not. TDS is primarily about range. For the majority of industries that require TDS testing, such as drinking water,
aquaculture, hydroponics, etc. it is more important for your TDS levels to be within a certain range. There are a few
industries that do require a precise ppm level, but that level is almost always zero. With the exception of colloidal silver,
there is never a time in which someone needs an absolute precise level of TDS in their water.
What is the difference between a parameter and a scale?
A parameter is the characteristic being measured. A scale is a particular range applied to the measurement of that
parameter. For example, temperature is a parameter. Fahrenheit or Celsius is a scale.
Is "EC" a parameter or a scale?
EC is a parameter. It stands for Electrical Conductivity. There are a number of scales used in EC, most commonly micro-
Siemens (S) or milli-Siemens (mS). For example, if a particular application calls for water with 2.0 EC, this is an
incorrect determination. Most likely, the application is calling for an EC level of 2.0 mS. 2.0 mS = 2000 S.
What's that little symbol on my EC meter?
The symbol '' is not a lowercase U, but the Greek letter Mu. It is the abbreviation for micro, and when used with an S
(S) it stands for mirco-Siemens, which is a scale used for measuring EC.
How do I convert from EC (S) to TDS (ppm)?
The best thing to do is use a TDS meter, which will automatically do the conversion. EC meters do not use conversion
factors because there is no conversion. To convert to TDS, if you do not wish to use a TDS meter, you will need to
determine which conversion factor you want to use (NaCl, 442 or KCl) and do the math.
How do I use a TDS meter to test for salt in salt generator pools?
Any of HM Digital's TDS meters can be used to test for salt (up to the maximum range of the meter). Salt is a part of
Total Dissolved Solids and therefore will be part or all of the reading. If you are first filtering the water, and then adding
salt, simply use the meter as you would under any circumstances. If there is only salt in the water, and the reading is
2500 ppm, then the it is 2500 ppm (mg/L) of salt. If you are starting with tap water and filling a pool, for example, prior
to adding salt, then first test the level of your tap water. Therefore, if your tap water is 200 ppm, and your pool needs to
be 3500 ppm of salt, then add 3300 ppm of salt. (A small portion of the tap water TDS may be salt.)
Can a TDS meter be used for testing water softeners?
No. Water softeners do not remove TDS. Instead, water softeners work through a process of ion exchange. As water
flow through the water softener, it will pass through a resin, bed of small plastic beads or chemical matrix (called Zeolite)
that will exchange the calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions (salt). Therefore, the TDS level will remain virtually
constant (there may be minor differences).
How do I convert from TDS (ppm) to EC (S)?
The best thing to do is use an EC meter. If you know which conversion factor your meter uses, you can do the
math. Most HM Digital meters use the NaCl conversion factor, which is an average of 0.5. Therefore, if you are using a
TDS meter with the NaCl conversion factor, multiply the reading by two, and this will get you a close approximation of the
EC level.
Which EC-to-TDS conversion factor do HM Digital TDS meters use?
Most HM Digital TDS meters use the NaCl EC-to-TDS conversion factor, which is an average of 0.5. Some HM Digital
meters, such as the COM-100 have selectable conversion factors, so you can choose which one you want to use. For
specific meters, please contact HM Digital.
Dont you need the minerals in your drinking water?
Inorganic Minerals
It is believed that mineral waters help furnish elements for body metabolism. However, there is scientific proof to suggest
that most of these minerals are in an inorganic (dead) form. While they may enter the circulation, they cannot be used in
the physiological process of building the human cell.
With this in mind, we can see that mineral water may give "dead" or "inorganic" minerals to the body which cannot be
properly assimilated.
These inorganic minerals only interfere with the delicate and complex biology of the body.
The body's need for minerals is largely met through foods, NOT DRINKING WATER." -The American Medical Journal
Fact: The organic minerals in tap water represent only 1% of the total mineral content of the water.
One glass of orange juice contains more beneficial minerals than thirty gallons of untreated tap water.
Organic, or Bioavailable Minerals
Only after they have passed through the roots of plants do these inorganic minerals become organic (through
photosynthesis) and capable of being assimilated into our tissues as ORGANIC Minerals.
Pure water removes the inorganic mineral deposits in your body. Organic minerals are fully absorbed and remain in your
tissues.
According to many nutritionists minerals are much easier to assimilate when they come from foods. Can you imagine
going out to your garden for a cup of dirt to eat rather than a nice carrot; or drinking a whole bathtub of water for LESS
calcium than that in an 8 ounce glass of milk
What Are Total Dissolved Solids?
"Dissolved solids" refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. This includes anything present in water
other than the pure water (H20) molecule and suspended solids. (Suspended solids are any particles/substances that are neither
dissolved nor settled in the water, such as wood pulp.)
In general, the total dissolved solids concentration is the sum of the cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged)
ions in the water.
Parts per Million (ppm) is the weight-to-weight ratio of any ion to water.
A TDS meter is based on the electrical conductivity (EC) of water. Pure H20 has virtually zero conductivity. Conductivity is usually
about 100 times the total cations or anions expressed as equivalents. TDS is calculated by converting the EC by a factor of 0.5 to
1.0 times the EC, depending upon the levels. Typically, the higher the level of EC, the higher the conversion factor to determine the
TDS. NOTE - While a TDS meter is based on conductivity, TDS and conductivity are not the same thing. For more information on this
topic, please see our FAQ page.
Where Do Dissolved Solids Come From?
Some dissolved solids come from organic sources such as leaves, silt, plankton, and industrial waste and sewage. Other sources
come from runoff from urban areas, road salts used on street during the winter, and fertilizers and pesticides used on lawns and
farms.
Dissolved solids also come from inorganic materials such as rocks and air that may contain calcium bicarbonate, nitrogen, iron
phosphorous, sulfur, and other minerals. Many of these materials form salts, which are compounds that contain both a metal and a
nonmetal. Salts usually dissolve in water forming ions. Ions are particles that have a positive or negative charge.
Water may also pick up metals such as lead or copper as they travel through pipes used to distribute water to consumers.
Note that the efficacy of water purifications systems in removing total dissolved solids will be reduced over time, so it is highly
recommended to monitor the quality of a filter or membrane and replace them when required.
Why Should You Measure the TDS Level in Your Water?
The EPA Secondary Regulations advise a maximum contamination level (MCL) of 500mg/liter (500 parts per million (ppm)) for TDS.
Numerous water supplies exceed this level. When TDS levels exceed 1000mg/L it is generally considered unfit for human
consumption. A high level of TDS is an indicator of potential concerns, and warrants further investigation. Most often, high levels of
TDS are caused by the presence of potassium, chlorides and sodium. These ions have little or no short-term effects, but toxic ions
(lead arsenic, cadmium, nitrate and others) may also be dissolved in the water.
Even the best water purification systems on the market require monitoring for TDS to ensure the filters and/or membranes are
effectively removing unwanted particles and bacteria from your water.
The following are reasons why it is helpful to constantly test for TDS:
It is more important to have an adequate intake of water than it is to have enough calories. Water for drinking should be free of
unpleasant odors and flavors in order to make sure the individual will ingest enough to meet his/her requirements.
- Dr. Olaf Mickelson, former president of the American Institute of Nutrition
Why is pure water healthier to drink?
We are all affected by toxic minerals and chemicals found in the air and in our food on a daily basis. Water is the only way the body
has to flush out these toxins. The purer the water is to start with, the higher its capacity to collect and cleanse these compounds
from the body.
Why is it especially important for children to consume pure water?
A childs immune system and detoxification system are still developing throughout early childhood and teen years. Exposure to even
very low levels of toxic chemicals or lead in drinking water at a young age can lead to increased risks of degenerative diseases and
learning disorders in later years. Since many of the crucial defense systems that help protect adults from disease and environmental
pollutants are not fully developed in children, they are much more sensitive to contaminants. A child consumes 3 times as much
water per pound of body weight than an adult does, so they get a much bigger dose of the contaminants in our water. Their
developing bodies are simply much more sensitive.
Currently, the health standards that determine how much and what levels of contaminants we are permitted to consume in our
drinking water are all based on the potential effects on adults.

How can water with high TDS be undesirable or harmful?
It may taste bitter, salty, or metallic and may have unpleasant odors
High TDS water is less thirst quenching.
High TDS interferes with the taste of foods and beverages, and makes them less desirable to consume.
Some of the individual mineral salts that make up TDS pose a variety of health hazards. The most problematic are Nitrates, Sodium,
Sulfates, Barium, Cadmium, Copper, and Fluoride.
If a person drinks 2 pints of water a day, this will total 4500 gallons of water passing through his body over a 70 year span. If the
water is not totally pure, this 4500 gallons will include 200-300 pounds of rock that the body cannot utilize. Most will be eliminated
through excretory channels. But some of this will stay in the body, causing stiffness in the joints, hardening of the arteries, kidney
stones, gall stones and blockages of arteries, microscopic capillaries and other passages in which liquids flow through our entire
body.

Dont you need the minerals in your drinking water?
Inorganic Minerals
It is believed that mineral waters help furnish elements for body metabolism. However, there is scientific proof to suggest that most
of these minerals are in an inorganic (dead) form. While they may enter the circulation, they cannot be used in the physiological
process of building the human cell.
With this in mind, we can see that mineral water may give "dead" or "inorganic" minerals to the body which cannot be properly
assimilated.
These inorganic minerals only interfere with the delicate and complex biology of the body. 4
The body's need for minerals is largely met through foods, NOT DRINKING WATER." -The American Medical Journal
Fact: The organic minerals in tap water represent only 1% of the total mineral content of the water.
One glass of orange juice contains more beneficial minerals than thirty gallons of untreated tap water.
Organic, or Bioavailable Minerals
Only after they have passed through the roots of plants do these inorganic minerals become organic (through photosynthesis) and
capable of being assimilated into our tissues as ORGANIC Minerals.
Pure water removes the inorganic mineral deposits in your body. Organic minerals are fully absorbed and remain in your tissues.
According to many nutritionists minerals are much easier to assimilate when they come from foods. Can you imagine going out to
your garden for a cup of dirt to eat rather than a nice carrot; or drinking a whole bathtub of water for LESS calcium than that in an 8
ounce glass of milk?