Dissolved solids

Overview

Dissolved solids commonly are used as a general indicator of water quality. Dissolved solids usually are composed of major ions; calcium, magnesium, sodium, chloride, sulfate, and alkalinity originating from decomposition of soils and rocks. Large dissolved-solids concentrations can make water cloudy and give it a bitter taste. In addition, water with large dissolved-solids concentrations can produce scaly deposits and cause staining, wear, corrosion of pipes and fittings.