What does TDS stand for in water quality testing?

TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids, which is a critical measurement in water quality testing. It refers to the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances that are dissolved in water. These can include minerals, salts, and metals, which can influence the taste, health, and suitability of water for drinking and other purposes. Measuring TDS helps evaluate water quality, as high levels can indicate potential issues such as contamination or excessive mineral content, which could affect both human health and the performance of water treatment systems. Understanding TDS is essential for ensuring safe drinking water and maintaining systems used in various applications such as aquaculture, irrigation, and manufacturing.