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How to Check Ppm of Water Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What is ppm water testing? 2 Is ppm and TDS the same? 3 How do you measure ppm in water? 4 What is the normal ppm of tap water? 5 How many ppm in water is safe? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Brian Blake
Last Updated: January 3, 2025
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This article was co-authored by Brian Blake. Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University. This article has been viewed 51,900 times.
If your water is odorless and clear, how in the world can you tell what’s in it? The answer is you measure really, really small. Parts per million (ppm) measures tiny amounts of substances in your water. It’s actually really easy to test the ppm of water to make sure it’s safe to drink. You just need a water quality tester. To help you out, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions about testing the ppm of water.
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Question 1 of 5:
What is ppm water testing?
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Ppm water testing measures substances in the water. Parts per million (ppm) equals one part contaminant to one million parts water.[1]X Expert Source Brian BlakeAquarium ExpertExpert Interview Ppm testing is an effective way to measure substances like chlorine and salt. For reference, 1 ppm is the equivalent of 1 or 2 grains of sugar dissolved in a bathtub full of water.[2]XResearch source
Some substances and toxins are so small they can be measured in parts per billion (ppb).
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Is ppm and TDS the same?
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Ppm is a measurement of TDS. TDS stands for total dissolved solids, which are the amount of organic and inorganic substances in the water. It can include salts, metals, minerals, and other substances.[3]XResearch source TDS uses parts per million (ppm) as a measurement of solids contained within a volume of water. So essentially, TDS and ppm are components of each other.
Question 3 of 5:
How do you measure ppm in water?
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1 Use a water quality tester to quickly test the water. A water quality tester is an electronic device that quickly tests the ppm of a sample of water.[4]X Expert Source Brian BlakeAquarium ExpertExpert Interview Fill a glass with water, turn on the tester, and insert it into the water. Wait a minute or so until the tester takes a reading and then check the ppm of the water sample.[5]XResearch source
You can find water quality testers at pool supply stores. You can also order them online.
2 Use a color-wheel test for a simple chlorine test. A color-wheel test is commonly used to test pool water to check the chlorine levels. You’ll dissolve a special tablet in a sample of the water that causes it to change colors. Then, you’ll compare the color of the water to a chart to get a range of the ppm levels of chlorine in the water.
A digital colorimeter involves dissolving special tablets into a sample of water that causes the water to change colors, which you can then test with a special meter. It’s more accurate than a color-wheel test.
Advertisement Question 4 of 5:
What is the normal ppm of tap water?
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Concentrations of less than 100 ppm are ideal for drinking water. Because tap water is often used as drinking water and for tasks such as washing dishes and bathing, you want the ppm levels to be low. The lower the ppm, the lower the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water such as inorganic salts and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Anything below 100 ppm is a good range.
Question 5 of 5:
How many ppm in water is safe?
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The recommended range is between 30-400 ppm. While the ideal range for drinking water is below 100 ppm, water is still safe at higher levels. Any water with a ppm level below 400 ppm is safe for things like bathing, washing, and even drinking.[6]X Expert Source Brian BlakeAquarium ExpertExpert Interview
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If your tap water has higher ppm levels, you can install water filters that can reduce its levels. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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Co-authored by: Brian Blake Aquarium Expert This article was co-authored by Brian Blake. Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University. This article has been viewed 51,900 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7Updated: January 3, 2025 Views: 51,900 Categories: Water
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Brian Blake Aquarium Expert Co-authors: 7Updated: January 3, 2025 Views: 51,900100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 What is ppm water testing? 2 Is ppm and TDS the same? 3 How do you measure ppm in water? 4 What is the normal ppm of tap water? 5 How many ppm in water is safe? + Show 2 more... - Show less... Other Sections Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Co-authored by Brian Blake 
4 Ways to Purify Water for Drinking, Cooking, and Sanitation 
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Co-authored by: Brian Blake Aquarium Expert This article was co-authored by Brian Blake. Brian Blake is an Aquarium Expert and the Owner of Boodleshire Aquatics based in the Kansas City Metro Area. With over 20 years of experience, Brian is an expert in freshwater planted aquariums, saltwater reef aquariums, and aquarium installation, care, and maintenance. Brian holds a Bachelor's degree in Ichthyology and Aquatic Environmental Science from Emporia State University. This article has been viewed 51,900 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 7 Updated: January 3, 2025 Views: 51,900 Categories: Water 
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Ppm water testing measures substances in the water. Parts per million (ppm) equals one part contaminant to one million parts water.[1] Ppm testing is an effective way to measure substances like chlorine and salt. For reference, 1 ppm is the equivalent of 1 or 2 grains of sugar dissolved in a bathtub full of water.[2] 
Ppm is a measurement of TDS. TDS stands for total dissolved solids, which are the amount of organic and inorganic substances in the water. It can include salts, metals, minerals, and other substances.[3] TDS uses parts per million (ppm) as a measurement of solids contained within a volume of water. So essentially, TDS and ppm are components of each other. 
1 Use a water quality tester to quickly test the water. A water quality tester is an electronic device that quickly tests the ppm of a sample of water.[4] Fill a glass with water, turn on the tester, and insert it into the water. Wait a minute or so until the tester takes a reading and then check the ppm of the water sample.[5] 
2 Use a color-wheel test for a simple chlorine test. A color-wheel test is commonly used to test pool water to check the chlorine levels. You’ll dissolve a special tablet in a sample of the water that causes it to change colors. Then, you’ll compare the color of the water to a chart to get a range of the ppm levels of chlorine in the water. 
Concentrations of less than 100 ppm are ideal for drinking water. Because tap water is often used as drinking water and for tasks such as washing dishes and bathing, you want the ppm levels to be low. The lower the ppm, the lower the amount of total dissolved solids (TDS) in the water such as inorganic salts and minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Anything below 100 ppm is a good range. 
The recommended range is between 30-400 ppm. While the ideal range for drinking water is below 100 ppm, water is still safe at higher levels. Any water with a ppm level below 400 ppm is safe for things like bathing, washing, and even drinking.[6] Advertisement