Total Dissolved Solids: The Hidden Threat to Water Quality | SoundHeal

Total dissolved solids (TDS) refer to the amount of dissolved inorganic and organic substances in water, including salts, minerals, and other compounds. High levels of TDS can have severe consequences on human health, aquatic life, and the environment. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the maximum allowable TDS level in drinking water is 500 milligrams per liter (mg/L). However, some studies suggest that even lower levels of TDS can have negative effects on human health, with a study by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences finding that TDS levels above 200 mg/L can increase the risk of certain types of cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a maximum TDS level of 300 mg/L for drinking water. As the global water crisis worsens, it is essential to address the issue of TDS and its impact on water quality, with some experts predicting that TDS levels will continue to rise due to climate change and increased human activity, affecting over 2 billion people worldwide by 2025.