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Water may look clear, but its unseen contents can have big consequences. In this blog, we break down what hard water is, how TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) is measured, and why it all matters—especially if you're using pure water systems in your business or home. What Is Hard Water? Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals accumulate as water flows through soil and rock. Hardness levels: Soft: 0–60 mg/L Moderately hard: 61–120 mg/L Hard: 121–180 mg/L Very hard: Over 180 mg/L Hard water isn’t dangerous to health, but it can: Cause scale buildup in pipes and equipment Reduce the effectiveness of soaps and detergents Shorten the lifespan of appliances What Is TDS and What Does It Measure? TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) measures the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. It's expressed in parts per million (ppm). TDS includes: Cations: Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Sodium (Na⁺), Potassium (K⁺) Anions: Bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻), Chlorides (Cl⁻), Sulfates (SO₄²⁻) Other substances: Metals, organic matter, and trace minerals A TDS meter provides a quick snapshot of water quality. However, TDS does not identify specific substances, which means water can appear “pure” on a TDS meter but still be very hard. What Are Pure Water Systems? Pure water systems are used to remove nearly all dissolved and suspended impurities from water. These systems are essential in industries like: Pharmaceuticals Electronics manufacturing Laboratories and cleanrooms Types of pure water systems: Reverse Osmosis (RO): Removes up to 99% of TDS Deionization (DI): Eliminates ions using specialized resins Distillation: Purifies water through boiling and condensation Ultrafiltration: Removes fine particulates and microorganisms What Is a Water Softener? A water softener removes calcium and magnesium from hard water and replaces them with sodium or potassium ions. This process is called ion exchange. How it works: Hard water enters a resin tank. Calcium and magnesium ions are trapped and replaced by sodium or potassium. Softened water exits the tank. The system regenerates using a salt-based brine. Water softeners help prevent scale buildup and improve the efficiency of appliances and cleaning products. Why Water Softeners Matter for Pure Water Systems Here’s the key: low TDS ≠ soft water. Water can have: Low TDS but still be very hard (due to calcium/magnesium) High TDS and be soft (if sodium is dominant) Impact on pure water systems: Hard water can damage RO membranes and DI resins Even trace hardness can foul filters and reduce system life TDS meters alone can give a false sense of security For best results, use a water softener before your pure water system, regardless of the TDS level. Final Thoughts TDS and hardness both matter—but in different ways. Don’t rely on TDS alone to gauge water quality. If you’re operating a pure water system for cleaning, manufacturing, or service-based work, using a water softener is a must to protect your investment and ensure consistent performance. Need help choosing the right water treatment setup for your business?Contact us today for a consultation or browse our water purification systems and softeners designed for commercial and industrial use. Related Topics What Are Pure Water Systems? — Explore how reverse osmosis, deionization, and distillation reduce TDS. What Is a Water Softener? — Learn how softeners work and their impact on hardness vs. TDS. How Water Softeners and Hardness Affect Pure Water Systems — Understand why soft water may still hinder pure water system performance. What Is Hard Water? — Discover what causes water hardness and how calcium and magnesium concentrations affect water quality. What Is the TDS Measurement of Water — Find out what Total Dissolved Solids are, how TDS is measured, and what it reveals about water purity.

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