Definitions for "Total Dissolved Solids"
A water quality parameter defining the concentration of dissolved organic and inorganic chemicals in water. After suspended solids are filtered from water and water is evaporated, dissolved solids are the remaining residue. Dissolved solids may include calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, sulfate, chloride and silica. Total dissolved solid concentrations depend on the geologic material water passes through in the saturated and unsaturated zone, and the quality of the infiltrating water. High total dissolved solids may effect the aesthetic quality of the water, interfere with washing clothes and corroding plumbing fixtures. For aesthetic reasons, a limit of 500 mg dissolved solids/L is typically recommended for potable water supplies.
Dissolved and suspended solids in water; material left behind after a water sample is filtered and evaporated. Rainwater will have TDS less than 10ppm; municipal water systems will have TDS less than 500 ppm.
Concentration of all substances dissolved in water (solids remaining after evaporation of a water sample).
Keywords:  mineral, content, see
See Mineral Content.