How to Reduce TDS in Well Water

Total dissolved solids (TDS) are substances in drinking water that at high levels may alter taste, leave residues, corrode pipes and appliances, and present possible health risks. TDS is defined as the total amount of inorganic salts and some organic matter that are dissolved in water. Common TDS include calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium cations and carbonate, hydrocarbonate, chloride, sulfate and nitrate anions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates public water systems, but not your home well. If your tap comes from a household well, you are responsible for testing your TDS levels and remediating when necessary.

Things You'll Need

• Electrical conductivity meter
• Water treatment device

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Instructions

• 1

  Test your household well water using an electrical conductivity meter. Five hundred mg per liter is the EPA's recommended maximum TDS level.

• 2

  Purchase the proper treatment device. Reverse osmosis and steam distillation are point-of-use systems that are used to reduce TDS in drinking water. Water softeners are whole house systems that reduce the hardness of water by exchanging certain types of TDS, such as calcium or magnesium, with sodium or potassium ions.

• 3

  Check the building codes in your area to determine if you are required to have a plumber install the system.

• 4

  Follow the manufacturer's instructions to install the device you chose.

• 5

  Follow the manufacturer's routine maintenance and water testing instructions to ensure the device continues to function properly.