TDS meters do not accurately show the effectiveness of BOROUX foundation filters.
TDS meters are commonly used to measure Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) in water, which does not accurately reflect the effectiveness of BOROUX foundation filters. These meters work by measuring the conductivity of water, indicating the presence of charged ions. However, they cannot differentiate between beneficial minerals and harmful contaminants.
Ionic adsorption, a process used by BOROUX foundation filters, may alter the charge of water, leading to higher TDS readings even when no contaminants are present. This occurs because the filters absorb negative ions, leaving positive ions to pass through, which are then measured as total dissolved solids.
What are Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)?
TDS refers to the total amount of charged ions in a given volume of water, typically measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). This includes both beneficial minerals like calcium and harmful substances such as sedimentary minerals and heavy metals.
Although TDS meters provide a useful measure of water conductivity, they do not offer a comprehensive assessment of water quality. They are unable to distinguish between beneficial, positively charged minerals and negatively charged contaminants. Consequently, a zero TDS reading does not necessarily indicate filtered water; it may also lack essential minerals.
Design and Function of BOROUX Filters
BOROUX foundation filters are designed to retain beneficial minerals while removing harmful contaminants, ensuring optimal water quality. The filters absorb ions, which changes the charge of the water. Ionic adsorption may cause a more positive charge, meaning a higher TDS reading, even when nothing has been added to the water. TDS will not significantly decrease unless there is an abundance of toxic ions in the water.
When using a TDS meter with BOROUX water filters, the readings before and after filtration may show minimal change. Initial high readings on a new BOROUX system are common due to residual manufacturing materials, but these typically decrease after several batches of water have been filtered.
How to Tell What Contaminants are Filtered?
The recent and verified Test Results Report shows an accurate, third-party assessment of which contaminants are effectively filtered by the BOROUX foundation filters. Our testing is meticulous and performed by an IAPMO certified lab. We do not believe in extrapolating data, nor hiding our procedures. When we say that our filters filter for hundreds or thousands of gallons, it's because we ran hundreds of gallons of contaminated water through the filter during testing.
BOROUX foundation filters do not remove beneficial, ionic minerals (which is a good thing) and TDS meters read those minerals as total dissolved solids, which makes the reading show high numbers.
