As one with time on their hands does. I tested water today. Here are the results of testing Toronto tap water, Brita filter water and distilled water. Here are the results in PPM using a TDS Meter Digital Water Tester.
In water quality and treatment, Parts Per Million (PPM) measures the concentration of dissolved substances, primarily Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), where 1 PPM is equivalent to 1 milligram of a substance per liter of water (1 mg/L).
The mineral components typically measured in PPM include:
Calcium
A primary contributor to water hardness, often originating from limestone or gypsum.
Magnesium
The second major contributor to water hardness, usually found alongside calcium.
Sodium
Often present as sodium chloride (salt), frequently contributing to high TDS in treated or naturally soft water.
Potassium
A common, highly soluble alkali metal found in water.
Chlorides
Derived from salts, contributing to conductivity and affecting taste.
Sulphates
Commonly found in minerals like barite and epsomite, contributing to non-carbonate hardness.
Carbonates/Bicarbonates
Components of alkalinity, contributing to carbonate hardness (scale formation).
Silica
Often found in small amounts (1–30 ppm) and can form hard scale in boilers.
Iron and Manganese
Trace metals that can affect water color and taste.
Hydrogen Sulphide
A gas, often detected in low PPM, resulting from bacterial reduction of sulphate.
Key Takeaways:
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): A TDS meter measures the electrical conductivity of water to estimate the total concentration of these dissolved minerals and salts in PPM.
Water Hardness: Typically measured in PPM, specifically representing the total concentration of calcium and magnesium.
Ideal Levels: For drinking water, 50-150 PPM is considered ideal (balanced taste), while over 500 PPM is generally considered high, and over 1000 PPM is considered unpalatable.
