Abstract
Many parameters may be used to measure the deterioration of water quality. One very important parameter is total dissolved solids (TDS). An increase in TDS beyond acceptable levels can have a significant impact on municipal, industrial, and agricultural use of water. In this review an overview of the problem of high TDS levels is given. Factors related to TDS which are considered include: (a) laboratory determination, (b) natural and man-influenced sources, (c) adverse effects, and (d) treatment process removal techniques. A brief summary of the TDS problem associated with the Colorado River is also considered.