The Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) level in reverse osmosis (RO) water ideally falls between 50-150 PPM (parts per million), although levels less than 300 PPM are also generally considered acceptable.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Understanding TDS: TDS refers to the total concentration of dissolved solids in water, including minerals, salts, and metals. High TDS levels can affect the taste and potentially the safety of water.
- RO Process and TDS Reduction: Reverse osmosis systems are designed to significantly reduce TDS levels in water. They do this by forcing water through a semi-permeable membrane that filters out most of the dissolved solids.
- Ideal Range (50-150 PPM): This range is often considered the sweet spot for RO water. It provides a good balance of purity and palatability. Water with TDS levels in this range typically tastes clean and refreshing.
- Acceptable Range (Less than 300 PPM): While 50-150 PPM is optimal, RO water with TDS levels below 300 PPM is generally considered safe and suitable for drinking.
- Factors Affecting TDS Levels: Several factors can affect the TDS level of RO water, including:
- The TDS level of the incoming water.
- The efficiency of the RO membrane.
- The age and condition of the RO system.
- The presence of a remineralization filter (which adds minerals back into the water after RO filtration).
It's important to regularly check the TDS level of your RO water to ensure that your system is functioning properly and that the water quality is within the desired range. TDS meters are readily available and easy to use.
