What does it all mean??
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS):
"Dissolved solids" refer to any minerals, salts, metals, cations or anions dissolved in water. TDS is used as an "environmental watchdog." High levels indicate non-specifically that there may be a problem in the water.
Information from the World Health Organization on TDS
pH:
Controlling pH is necessary to ensure satisfactory water clarification and disinfection. pH is similar to TDS in that it does not indicate a specific problem, instead it indicates there may be a problem. Extreme pH values can result from accidental spills, treatment breakdowns, and insufficiently cured cement mortar pipe linings
Nitrate:
Sources of nitrate ions include agricultural runoff, urban runoff, animal feedlots and barnyards, municipal and industrial wastewater, automobile and industrial emissions, decomposition of plants and animals.
High levels will cause:
Blue Baby Syndrome (above 10 mg/L will convert hemoglobin in infants into a form that can�t transport oxygen)
More info on nitrate in drinking water
Chloride:
Sources of chloride ions include river streambeds with salt-containing minerals, runoff from salted roads, irrigation water returned to streams, mixing of seawater with freshwater, chlorinated drinking water, water softener regeneration.
High levels will cause:
Corrosion
Salty tasting water
But should not cause:Health problems
Calcium:
Calcium levels in freshwater range from 4 to 100 mg/L
High levels are not a health concern, but can cause formation of excess calcium carbonate deposits in plumbing or decreased cleansing action in soaps
Soft water (0 � 20 mg/L)
Moderately soft (20 � 40 mg/L)
Moderately hard (40 � 80 mg/L)
Hard (80 � 120 mg/L)