Most consumers can decipher a nutrition label, but when it comes to the water they drink daily, many are unfamiliar with key quality indicators. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) is one such measurement that can offer valuable insights into water's mineral content and taste.
TDS quantifies the concentration of dissolved substances in water, including naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chlorides, and sulfates. The levels and types of these minerals vary based on the water's source and its journey through the environment.
“TDS gives consumers another way to understand the characteristics of the water they're drinking,” said Marita Weiman, Quality Assurance Manager at NWB Finland Oy, the company behind AINA Natural Water. “Water may look the same in a glass, but its mineral composition and taste profile can be very different depending on its source.”
TDS is typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). A higher TDS value generally indicates more dissolved solids, while a lower value suggests fewer. However, TDS alone is not a direct measure of water safety or healthfulness. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies TDS under its National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations, which focus on aesthetic qualities like taste, odor, and appearance rather than health-based standards.
Taste is where TDS becomes particularly relevant for consumers. The World Health Organization has noted that dissolved solids can affect the taste of drinking water, with different mineral compositions influencing the overall drinking experience. “Consumers often describe water as soft, crisp, mineral, salty or even metallic without necessarily knowing why,” Weiman said. “Mineral composition is one of the factors that can contribute to those differences. That's why we believe understanding TDS can help consumers become more informed about something they consume every day.”
AINA Natural Water, sourced from the Pudasjärvi region of Northern Finland, exemplifies a naturally low-TDS water. With approximately 32 mg/L of TDS, this water's low mineral content contributes to its soft, neutral taste and clean finish. The company emphasizes that they do not add minerals or alter the water to achieve a specific profile; instead, they preserve the natural characteristics of the groundwater.
“We want AINA to taste like what it is: natural water from Northern Finland,” Weiman explained. “The low TDS is not something we've engineered into the water. It's one of the measurable characteristics of the source.”
The source of AINA Natural Water lies in an area known for its forests and natural landscapes. The groundwater is naturally filtered through layers of soil, sand, and rock before being mechanically filtered and packaged. This process helps maintain a balanced drinking experience with no aftertaste, and the water is naturally low in sodium. Additionally, the company uses bag-in-box packaging, which requires substantially less plastic than traditional bottled-water formats.
As NWB Finland Oy expands into the U.S. market, it aims to educate consumers about looking beyond packaging and marketing terminology when selecting water. “People are becoming much more interested in where their food and beverages come from and what they contain,” Weiman said. “Water should be no different. Understanding measurements like TDS gives consumers one more piece of information they can use when comparing the choices available to them.”
AINA Natural Water is preparing to become available to U.S. consumers through OneLavi.com, as the company continues to build its presence in the American market. For more information, visit ainanaturalwater.fi and nwb.fi.
