(Inorganic)
The aesthetic objective for total dissolved solids in drinking water is 500 mg/L. The term “total dissolved solids” (TDS) refers mainly to the inorganic substances dissolved in water. The principal constituents of TDS are chloride, sulphates, calcium, magnesium and bicarbonates. The effects of TDS on drinking water quality depend on the levels of the individual components. Excessive hardness, taste, mineral deposition or corrosion are common properties of highly mineralized water. The palatability of drinking water with a TDS level less than 500 mg/L is generally considered to be good.