In the context of "zero water," TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids.
Understanding Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refer to the total concentration of all dissolved substances in water. These substances can include minerals, salts, metals, and other inorganic and some organic materials.
Think of it this way:
- When water flows through pipes or over rocks, it picks up tiny particles and compounds.
- Many of these dissolve, becoming invisible in the water.
- TDS is a measure of the weight of all these dissolved 'solids' in a given volume of water.
High TDS levels can affect the taste, odor, and appearance of water. While many dissolved substances are harmless, some can indicate the presence of potentially problematic contaminants.
What "Zero Water" Means for TDS
According to information on Zero Water products, Zero Total Dissolved Water and demineralized water are similar in that both processes remove minerals and other impurities from water, aiming for zero dissolved solids.
Therefore, "Zero Water" is a term used to describe water that has been filtered to have a TDS level of effectively zero parts per million (ppm). This means the water contains virtually no dissolved minerals, salts, or other solids.
How Zero TDS is Achieved
Achieving zero TDS, as aimed for by Zero Water systems, is typically done through a multi-stage filtration process. As described in the reference, Zero TDS is produced by forcing water through a filter media that filters out contaminants such as dissolved minerals.
This filtration often involves steps like:
- Pre-filter: Removes larger particles.
- Activated Carbon: Filters out chlorine and organic contaminants.
- Ion Exchange: The core technology that removes dissolved inorganic solids (like minerals and salts) by exchanging them for hydrogen and hydroxide ions, which combine to form pure water.
- Non-woven Membrane: Removes finer particles.
- Post-filter: Polishes the water for a smooth taste.
This comprehensive process results in water with a significantly lower, ideally zero, concentration of dissolved solids compared to tap water.
Why Aim for Zero TDS?
People choose water with zero TDS for various reasons:
- Taste Preference: Some prefer the taste of water with very low or no dissolved minerals.
- Appliance Protection: Using water with zero TDS can prevent mineral buildup (scale) in appliances like coffee makers and irons.
- Specific Uses: Certain applications, such as laboratories or aquariums, may require water with extremely low TDS levels.
It's important to note that while removing dissolved solids creates very pure water, it also removes beneficial minerals like calcium and magnesium.
| Term | Meaning | Goal in "Zero Water" |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | Total Dissolved Solids | Effectively Zero |
| Dissolved Solids | Minerals, salts, impurities in water | Removed |
| Filtration Media | Material used to remove contaminants | Used to achieve zero TDS |
For more information on water quality standards, you might consult resources like the EPA's drinking water standards.
