TDS meter - we measure the hardness of water from various sources, including natural ones. Which water tester to choose: a review of models, their comparison and reviews A device for measuring the quality of drinking water

Currently, one of the significant problems that directly affect residents is the quality of water consumed. Therefore, every day, liquid analysis tools, both laboratory and for home use, are in great demand. Due to the increased demand, the modern market offers a wide range of special kits and accessories for express water analysis. In the article, we will consider what an analysis is, why it is carried out and how laboratory testers differ from home testers.

Feasibility of testing

Since most water supply systems do not meet the requirements of sanitary standards, it becomes advisable to test the supplied water for quality. The check can be carried out in any area where there is access to the liquid. These are wells from city water supply pipes.

It is important for each person what kind of liquid he consumes. Therefore, testing and express analysis of water is a necessary method of protecting the human body from toxins. In a domestic environment, any resident can test using special tools.

First of all, evaluate the organoleptic properties of water:

• taste;
• smell;
• Colour;
• turbidity.

It is known that purified water is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and transparent. But impurities and water treatment sometimes endow the liquid with certain taste qualities. For example, carbon dioxide imparts sourness.

When is the analysis done?

Water quality testing can be carried out in the laboratory, when a sample is provided by the customer, or at home by an ordinary resident using test kits or special instruments.

During the express analysis of water in the laboratory, it is customary to conduct two types of quality testing:

• technological indicators are checked;
• toxicological indicators are determined.

It is necessary to conduct an analysis at the first suspicion of changes in the chemical composition of the liquid and a threat to life, as well as in such cases:

• when the physical properties of water change (taste, smell, color, turbidity);
• approximate construction of any objects;
• if there is a well or a well on the purchased site;
• installation of treatment facilities near the dwelling;
• when reusing a well or borehole after long-term conservation.

If, upon self-examination, deviations in the indicators are found, then it is recommended to call specialists to identify and eliminate the ambiguity.

Water quality characteristics: table

An express analysis of drinking water shows certain results that need to be correlated with sanitary standards and analyzed. The quality parameters of the supplied liquid are regulated at the legislative level by the following regulations:

• SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 - the standard sets out the general requirements for regulating the quality of tap water.
• SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 - provisions for the regulation of bottled water.
• The rules for taking material for laboratory examinations - GOST R 53415-2009.

Sampling rules are necessary for the most objective and accurate assessment of water quality. If mistakes are made during the collection of the material, the result of the analysis may be erroneous.

Conducting water analysis in the laboratory

Water is carried out not only for drinking liquid, but also for anyone in contact with humans. For testing, special spectrophotometric equipment, various reagents and reagents, indicators and colorimeters are used.

Timely control of water quality will allow you to assess the condition of the liquid and affect its chemical composition. The results of laboratory examinations show:

• microbiological components;
• the presence of nitrites and nitrates;
• the volume of fluoride and nitrogen;
• the amount of heavy metals and salts;
• hardness and alkalinity;
• general mineralization.

The quality control of the sample should be carried out by an independent laboratory, which has no links with the enterprises for the supply of water to the population and its purification. It is important that the examination is carried out on modern equipment.

Analysis Instruments

Devices for the express analysis of water by the number of quality parameters under study are subdivided into monoparametric (which analyze the liquid by one specific component) and multiparametric (which test water by several parameters).

A monoparametric device can examine water according to one of the following parameters:

• pH level;
• salt concentration;
• rigidity;
• turbidity and others.

All instruments are based on analysis methods: chemical, optical, electrochemical, chromatographic and photochemical.

• drinking tap water testers;
• ground water testers on site;
• instruments for analyzing liquid in artificial reservoirs;
• analyzers;
• wastewater testers.

Chlorimeters and oximeters

To carry out an express analysis of water for the oxygen content in it, oximeters are used. The most popular models are:

• Extech DO600 +. It is a waterproof device that can be used both in the laboratory and at home. The gas analyzer has a 5 m extension that allows testing at depth (for example, a body of water or in a vessel). Oxygen readings can be reported as percentages from 0 to 200, or as a concentration from 0 to 20 mg / L. The device is equipped with a self-calibration function and memory for 25 examinations.
• AZ8401. The device shows not only the level of oxygen in the water, but also determines the suitability of the liquid for the habitat of fish. For the accuracy of the calculations, it is recommended to carry out several analyzes, since the indicators may vary depending on the water layer, the season and much more. The results are presented as a percentage, concentration mg / l or ppm. The device automatically calibrates before operation.

Instrument for measuring the purity of water is a new development of American scientists. Now it is in our country. After all, for every person it is vitally important what he eats. Including water, which is the basis of the mass of dishes or which we just drink. The device for determining the purity of water will allow you to easily, quickly and, most importantly, qualitatively determine whether it is worth using this water or not. What is the Water Checker device? It's a compact device that's easy to take with you wherever you go. The device operates on two finger-type batteries. To determine the degree of water pollution, you need to pour a few drops into a special tank and press one button. After a few seconds, the result will appear on the display as a numerical value and emoticons. After that, you will know exactly what kind of water is in this source, whether you or your loved ones can drink it. This is an especially indispensable thing for those who have children in the family, as they are more sensitive to various impurities in the water.

Features of the device for measuring water pollution

• Just one touch of a button is enough to measure the purity of tap water, from a filter, water from a reservoir, from a bottle or mineral water
• Determinant of the degree of water pollution Water Checker displays the measurement result with clear icons in the form of smiles
• The result is displayed numerically on the LCD display
• The water tester is compact and waterproof
• Water Checker features low energy consumption
• The device is easy to operate

Instructions for using the device for measuring impurities in water

1. Fill the dedicated water tank to the marked level
2. Press and hold the measurement button until you hear a beep
3. After a few seconds, the water pollution tester will show the result on the display.
4. It is easy to understand the degree of suitability of water for drinking by one of the five smiles
5. You can interpret the numerical values ​​according to the table in the instructions.

Notes on using the instrument

• For greater measurement accuracy, it is necessary to clean the Water Checker from water droplets
• The amount of water must exactly match the level on the device, otherwise the readings will be inaccurate

Technical characteristics of the device for measuring the degree of purity of water Water Checker

Standalone water purity control device EL-1105

A unique device will allow you to determine the level of impurities in any water in a few seconds and will give you recommendations on its use. Water from tap water, reservoirs, bottled, etc. water in different parts of the world have different purity indicators. Wherever you are: on a trip, on a business trip, on a hike or in the country - you can assess whether you drink this water or not.

The level of impurities is defined as (TDS - Total Dissolved Solid) and indicates the concentration of insoluble substances distributed in water. Measured in ppm. The measurement table of the device is given below.

Measurement range, ppm	Error,%	Reading accuracy, ppm
0...100
101-200
201-500
501-999

Beginning of work.

1. Install 2 AAA cells according to the polarity.
2. Fill the container up to the test mark with water.
3. Press and hold the button until you hear a beep.
4. The results will be shown on the display.

Water tester elements:

1. Sensor contacts
2. Water tank
3. minimum filling level
4. Display
5. Frame
6. Test start button
7. Waterproof gasket

Correspondences of impurities (TDS) and icons:

0-30 - Very clean water

31-100 - Pure water

101-200 - Normal water

201-300 - Water not recommended for consumption

301-999 - This water cannot be drunk!

Table of TDS values ​​for standard water types:

Distilled water	High purity potable	Mineral	Tap water	Water of rivers, lakes
0 - 30	31 - 100	40 - 120	50 - 250	200 - 600

Attention!Some types of quality mineral water contain insoluble saline

leftovers.

The result of testing this water can give a very negative result. This is not a contraindication to drinking - however, you must be sure that this mineral water is genuine and not artificially mineralized.

Country of origin: USA

Water Quality Tester TDS Meter- a water purity control device TDS meter will allow you to quickly determine the level of impurities in waste, natural and tap water

Description:

The water purity control device will allow you to quickly monitor waste, natural and tap water. In just a few seconds, it will determine the level of impurities in the water and give you recommendations for its use. Ideal for testing water treatment systems. Allows you to provide yourself with the best quality water. Just remove the protective cap and immerse the device in water for about 10 seconds - the measurement result will be displayed on the digital display. To replace the batteries, pull the cover on the upper end part of the device until the battery compartment is visible.

The level of impurities is defined as TDS (Total Dissolved Solid) and refers to the concentration of insoluble substances distributed in water. Measured in ppm.

• Hold function - saving measurement results for easy reading and writing.
• Auto-off function: if the device is not in use, it turns off automatically after 10 minutes.
• Automatic function - measurement is interrupted after 3 minutes if conditions do not change.
• Built-in sensor for automatic temperature compensation (1 to 50 ° C).
• Measurement of high salinity - if the salinity of the sample exceeds 999mg / l, the X 10 icon starts flashing on the display.

Correspondence table of impurities (TDS) and water quality:

Table of TDS values ​​for standard water types:

ATTENTION!

1. Some types of quality mineral water contain insoluble salt residues. The result of testing this water can give a highly negative result. This is not a contraindication to drinking, however, you must be sure that this mineral water is genuine and not artificially mineralized.

2. The device does not provide chemical, toxicological and radiation assessment of water. Use suitable instruments to control such water.

Specifications:

Material: ABS, metal.

Dimensions: 142x25x15 mm.

Power supply: 2x1.5V.

Mineralization measurement range: 0-9990 ppm (mg / L).

Resolution: 1 ppm (0∼999 ppm), 10 ppm (1000∼9990 ppm).

Accuracy: ± 2%.

Automatic shutdown: 10 minutes.

Color: blue.

Weight: 36 g.

Manufacturer: Taiwan.

You can buy Water Quality Testing DeviceTDS meter with courier delivery in Moscow by placing an order through the basket.

Water is an integral part of our life. The environmental situation in the world is deteriorating, and this entails the pollution of water resources. To be healthy, to produce quality products, you need to know what the magic liquid H is.2 A. And here you cannot do without water quality meters. Someone has been using them for a long time, and some have not held it in their hands. But smart devices are recommended to have not only in industry, in laboratories, but also at home.

What are water quality meters?

Special devices used to assess the main parameters of water are called water quality meters or analyzers. They are:

• professional:
• household;
• semi-professional.

Devices capable of performing only one analyzing function are common. More complex devices that provide a detailed analysis of the properties of water in several parameters are called multi-parameter meters. They are used:

• at home for the analysis of water used for drinking, household needs, aquariums;
• in laboratories for conducting experiments and control measurements during expeditions;
• in industry (food, cosmetic, chemical).

Analyzed parameters

SanPiN determines the parameters according to which water is recognized as fit for consumption. It is almost impossible to determine these indicators by eye, but with the help of analyzers it is quite simple. The water quality meter allows you to determine:

• redox potential (ORP);
• the presence in the liquid of nitrites, nitrates, fungi, chlorine, hazardous organic compounds, metal salts;
• hardness level;
• turbidity;
• pH of the liquid;
• the amount of oxygen;
• electrical conductivity.

When buying a water analyzer, you should clearly know what parameters will have to be monitored and controlled. The more functions a device has, the higher its price. It is not always necessary to use all the capabilities of multi-parameter meters, so the choice is made taking into account the initial characteristics of the water of a particular region. And you can check any water using these devices:

• drinking;
• technical;
• unpaved;
• waste;
• rain;
• river, sea or other bodies of water.

Types of meters

The analyzer can be stationary or portable. Each of them conducts a study of water according to a certain indicator. In this case, they are divided into types:

• Oximeter ... Allows you to detect the oxygen content in water. It is widely used in industry, less often it is used in household plots. Such devices are used by aquarium owners.
• Chlorimeter ... Allows accurate measurements to indicate the presence of chlorine in a liquid. It is used in the maintenance of swimming pools, boilers, aquariums, in water treatment systems.
• Saline meter ... Determines the hardness of water and the presence of dissolved metal salts in it. Used to test treated water passing through filters. Able to analyze almost any water.
• Conductometer ... Used to determine the conductivity of water. It is possible to study both ultrapure aqueous solutions and those saturated with chemical compounds with high conductivity.
• pH meter ... Accurately and quickly determines the activity of hydrogen ions in a liquid. It can be used not only to determine the degree of acidity of water, but also other liquids (juice, milk, etc.)
• ORP meter ... Tester for assessing the redox potential of the test water. He finds substances that undergo reduction or oxidation. It is used in laboratories of industrial enterprises and medical institutions.

Depending on your goals, you can buy a suitable water quality meter that will be accurate in operation and will be affordable.

The problem of clean water is present in almost every home. Someone buys and installs special filters, and someone just wants to check the condition of the liquid, so they buy a water tester. This device makes it possible to find out if the water is suitable for home use and if cleaning is necessary.

Tester's Tasks

Today, a water tester is not such a popular device, since personal filters can also control the quality of water. But it is worth noting that it will not be possible to find an ideal model among these filters, because they all collect particles of solids after prolonged use, which can soon get into the water. The most commonly hit people are those who use cheap filters that fail from day one.

If suddenly the water has acquired a suspiciously unpleasant odor and color, then a water quality tester will help you to find out exactly about its problem. As a rule, there is a sewer smell, a taste of chlorine or rotten eggs, but people rarely pay attention to this.

Principle of operation

The water tester is designed to measure the amount of heavy particles in a liquid (PPM from 0 to 1000). The higher the value, the more dangerous the water is to use. The permissible norm is PPM from 100 to 300.

Filters can only clean up to a level of 0-50. If the level reaches 600 PPM, then the water will taste strange.

Top Models

A water tester will help to check the quality of the filter. Any model from the below will serve its owners for many years without problems. With such devices, you can easily find out the state of drinking water, liquid in a pool or aquarium.

Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen

One of the most famous and respected is the Xiaomi Mi TDS Pen Water Tester. Despite the fact that initially this production was exclusively engaged in the production of software and smartphones, today you can find excellent devices for home use under its brand.

Xiaomi is a water quality tester, which has long become a necessary device for people living not only in large cities, but even in villages. The device determines the content and amount of such substances:

• heavy metals - copper, zinc, chromium;
• organic components (ammonium acetate);
• inorganic salts (calcium).

The water tester, the cost of which reaches 500 rubles, measures everything as accurately as possible. That is, if it shows a value of 250 PPM, then this means that in millions of particles there are exactly 250 particles of unnecessary substances that worsen the condition of the liquid.

The excellent Xiaomi water tester is capable of measuring quantities ranging from 0 to 1000+ PPM. It is not so difficult to decipher the result obtained:

• from 0 to 50 - perfectly clean water;
• from 50 to 100 - a fairly clean liquid;
• from 100 to 300 - the usual allowable rate;
• from 300 to 600 - hard liquid;
• from 600 to 1000 - rather hard water, which is practically undrinkable, although the risk of poisoning is low;
• more than 100 PPM - liquid hazardous for use.

Finding an application for a high quality analyzer is easy enough. Most often it is used to check the quality of water, where the filter has already worked. Xiaomi TDS is a water tester that allows its owners to find out about the poor performance of cartridges in time and replace them.

It resembles the most ordinary electronic thermometer, which is closed on both sides with special caps. At the top are the batteries, which are included in the kit, and at the bottom are two titanium probes.

You can turn the device on or off by pressing a single button. To analyze a liquid, the device must be lowered into a container with water, and then pay attention to the display, which is located on the side and displays the result.

You can also calibrate your device effortlessly. To do this, you can take water for injection, sold in pharmacies. It is always ultra-pure and therefore perfect as a reference for calibration.

Before measuring, it should also be remembered that the result is influenced by the temperature of the liquid. In order to take this parameter into account, the device is able to measure the degree of water heating.

Reviews

Many buyers who have been using the device regularly for quite a long time claim that it is practically perfect. Of course, there are some disadvantages in it, but it is absolutely not necessary to take them into account, since they are insignificant.

The device is perfect for those who want to control the quality of the liquid they use, as well as the water in the pool, aquarium, and so on. People speak positively about the good work of the tester. After all, there is no need to press too many buttons and carry out many actions, but just press one button, lower the device into the water and see the exact value.

Watersafe WS425W Well Water Test Kit 3 CT

When it becomes necessary to quickly test drinking water, this device will come to the rescue. Unlike the previous model, this device cannot tell about the quality of the liquid in the pool, but it copes with its main task elegantly.

Such a tester will be interesting for both adults and children, because it is made in the form of strips. They work according to the principle of a focus for children, where litmus sticks are required. When the tester is immersed in water, it turns into a certain color, by which you can understand the state of the liquid.

The tester is designed to detect metals, although it even copes with bacteria and pesticides. A generic product is consumed quickly, so people have to spend money on it regularly. Although in fact, the cost is not that high - about $ 21.

Customer opinions

First of all, people who have used the tester at least once note the convenience and quick results. Unlike other similar products, these strips show the result literally in 20-30 seconds, which really pleasantly surprises consumers.

Users claim that thanks to the device, they constantly check the status of their filters and their operation. This makes it possible to always drink only clean water and be completely protected from all kinds of ailments that a person may have due to the use of poor-quality water.

HM Digital TDS-4 Pocket Size TDS

The simple and accurate portable tester, which costs up to sixteen dollars, became a real bestseller literally a day after its release. Despite the fact that most often people pay attention to the devices of well-known brands (for example, Xiaomi), the tester from the Digital brand won over with its quality of work and an affordable price of buyers.

His device is capable of measuring the level up to 9990 PPM, since this indicator is already huge in order to recognize a low-quality liquid.

What users say

This device, which can be easily put in your pocket and taken with you on trips and hikes, receives positive reviews all the time. It is, like both previous models, easy to use, affordable, and does the job well.

People buy a tester to test their drinking water, although it actually does a good job with the liquid in the aquarium. Owners of small fish do not want their pets to feel bad, so they are very happy with such an excellent device that makes it possible to enjoy life.

Other models

In addition to the ones listed above, there are several other good models:

1. Digital Aid Best Water Quality. The $ 16 device has a maximum PPM of 9990, high performance and a chic shape of the device. In addition, the tester not only determines the new result as accurately as possible, but also remembers several previous ones, which makes it possible to compare the indicators.
2. HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester. Among the best pocket devices, one cannot fail to note the model, which costs 13 dollars. Far from being the most budgetary device, it has been on the market for a long time, so buyers can be sure of its quality. The device boasts a good PPM range (0-9990), which allows you to speak only positively about it.
3. ZeroWater ZT-2 Electronic Water Tester. The device for only $ 11 comes in handy in cases where the owner of the filter forgot when it needs to be replaced. The measuring range (0-999 PPM) is quite enough to see the quality of drinking water. The tester works quite well, but it is not intended for daily use.

All of them are also popular and have a huge number of positive reviews. The only problem is that they are not available in every city. Although the quality of their work is really high.