Would you treat an avocado the same as a deep-fried Twinkie just because they both contain fat?
Of course not: One fuels your brain. The other can clog your arteries...
Yet this kind of mistake happens all the time—especially with water.
People stick a TDS meter in their glass, see a number above zero, and assume something must be wrong... but a reading above zero doesn’t necessarily mean your water is unsafe. In fact, it could mean it’s full of healthy minerals your body actually needs.
TDS stands for Total Dissolved Solids.
It's the total amount of minerals, salts, metals, and other microscopic particles in your water. These solids are so small you can’t see them, but a TDS meter can detect them.
And just like fats, not all dissolved solids are bad.
Unsaturated fats (like those in avocados, nuts, and olive oil) are good for your heart, brain, and hormones. Saturated and trans fats (like those in fried snacks and processed foods) are linked to clogged arteries and chronic disease.
TDS works the same way.
It’s not the presence that’s the problem—it’s the type that matters.
Let's dive into the real truth about TDS, why our filters don't remove all TDS, and why that might be one of the best things about them.