Instruments for testing water quality. Xiaomi TDS tester review – How clean do we drink water? Name of the device for testing drinking water

The problem of clean water exists in almost every home. Someone purchases and installs special filters, while 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 whether cleaning is necessary.

Tester 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 solid matter after long-term use, which can soon get into the water. Most often, people who use cheap filters that do not perform their functions from the first day get hit.

If suddenly the water became suspicious bad smell and color, then a water quality tester will help to find out exactly about its problematicity. As a rule, there is a sewer smell, a taste of chlorine or rotten eggs, but people pay attention to this quite rarely.

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 to use. The acceptable norm is PPM from 100 to 300.

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

Top Models

A water tester will help you check the quality of the filter. Any model provided below will serve its owners long years no problem. With such devices, you can easily find out the status drinking water, liquids in the 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 under its brand you can find excellent devices for home use.

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

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

A 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.

Xiaomi's amazing water tester is capable of measuring quantities ranging from 0 to 1000+ PPM. Deciphering the result is not so difficult:

  • from 0 to 50 - ideally pure water;
  • from 50 to 100 - a fairly pure 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 dangerous for use.

Finding a use for a high quality analyzer is fairly easy. 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 in time about the poor performance of cartridges and replace them.

It looks like the most common electronic thermometer, closed on both sides with special caps. On top are the batteries that are included in the kit, and below are two titanium probes.

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

You can also calibrate the device without much effort. To do this, you can take water intended for injection, sold in pharmacies. It is always ultra-pure and is therefore an excellent reference for calibration.

Before measuring, it should be remembered that the result is affected by the temperature of the liquid. In order to take into account this parameter, 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 almost perfect. There are, of course, some shortcomings 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 3CT

When there is a need to quickly check 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 brilliantly.

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

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

Buyer opinions

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

Users claim that thanks to the device they constantly check the condition of their filters and their operation. This makes it possible to always drink only pure water and be completely protected from all sorts of ailments that may appear in a person due to the use of poor-quality water.

HM Digital TDS-4 Pocket Size TDS

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

His device is capable of measuring levels up to 9990 PPM, since this indicator is already huge in order to recognize 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, like both previous models, is easy to use, has affordable price and does a great job.

People get a tester for the purpose of testing drinking water, although in fact it 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 those listed above, there are several other good models:

  1. Digital Aid Best Water Quality. The device for $ 16 is distinguished by a maximum 9990 PPM, high performance and a chic shape of the device. In addition, the tester not only determines as accurately as possible new result, but also remembers several previous ones, which allows you to compare indicators.
  2. HM Digital TDS-EZ Water Quality TDS Tester. Among the best handheld devices, one cannot fail to note the model, the cost of which is $ 13. Far from the most budget device 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 us to speak only positively about it.
  3. ZeroWater ZT-2 Electronic Water Tester. The $11 device comes in handy in cases where the owner of the filter has forgotten when it needs to be replaced. The measurement range (0-999 PPM) is 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 can not be purchased in every city. Although the quality of their work is really high.

Today I will try to take on the role of our valiant Rospotrebnadzor and check the quality of the water we drink. More precisely, I will tell you about a device that is available to everyone and which can check the suitability of water for drinking, moreover, quite qualitatively and at home.

What for?

We are talking about Xiaomi TDS. The device is curious from several sides at once. Firstly, this is a gadget from Xiaomi, which in itself is interesting for any techno-geek in our country, and not only in our country.

Secondly, each of us, for sure, at least once in his life, but wondered about the quality of the water that he uses for food. Most of us do not drink tap water and rightly so. We do not live in Italy, but in Russia, with communication systems that have already served their purpose. Hence the quality of the water that flows through our pipes. But this is only one side. Some citizens like to travel, find springs and collect water for drinking or pots for cooking. The point, of course, is good, but it will not be superfluous to check the sanitary condition of such water.

And thirdly, the gadget is inexpensive, and in view of the approaching favorite holidays of all of us on February 23 and March 8, it is perfect as a useful gift for a loved one.

Xiaomi TDS price on the official website is 35 Chinese yuan or $5.30, or about 400 rubles. I bought a gadget in one large Chinese online store for $7.25. At first I wanted to post a link to the product, but then I changed my mind. The parcel went to me for two months, so I definitely will not recommend such a store. In private, please.

Theory is important for everyone!

In general, Xiaomi TDS is called so for a reason. The name stands for Total Dissolved Solids and should be understood as the total amount of dissolved (in water) solids. Accordingly, the gadget measures this parameter.

The unit of measure is usually the ratio of milligrams of various solids dissolved in one liter of water (mg/L).

In the case of our device, the ppm unit is used. It stands for the number of particles per million particles of water or in English parts per million (ppm). For ease of understanding, these two units of measurement can be equated. They are really very close to each other.

Functional

Xiaomi TDS is a tiny and stylish device that allows you to determine the exact amount of solids dissolved in one liter of water. Of course, the device may be wrong, but in most cases the error will not exceed two percent of the result. This is exactly what the manufacturer says.

The gadget can recognize the presence of the following substances in water: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, lead, copper, heavy metal ions, ammonium acetate, various salts, organic compounds, and so on. All these substances in a certain amount can be harmful to our body.

As a reminder, right on the packaging from under the device there is a special scale that can be used as a guide when measuring the purity of water.

  • 0 - 50 - crystal clear water (after deionization, microfiltration, distillation, etc.)
  • 50 - 100 - pure water (after carbon filtration, from mountain springs)
  • 101 - 300 - ordinary, heavy water
  • 301 - 600 - high content of various solids, as a rule, drinking such water is already unpleasant
  • 601 - 1000 - critical solids content - bad taste
  • 1000 and above - unsuitable for drinking water

Unfortunately, on the box and in the tiny instructions, all the inscriptions are only in Chinese. It is understandable, because the goods are sold exclusively in China, and it is no secret to anyone that in large cities there is a big problem with the environment. First of all, it concerns the purity of the air and drinking water.

I translated the above scale using a Google translator and a metric developed by the US Health and Safety Organization. environment— Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

It is very easy to use it. We pressed the button, the value of 0 ppm lit up on the small LCD screen, lowered it into the water, waited 5-10 seconds and that's it. While the device is in the water, it will show its current state, taken out - the value has fallen. As you can see, everything is very accessible.

I tested several types of water that I found at home. And that's what happened.

  • drinking water from an artesian well, purified, packaged in 19 liter bottles - 78 ppm
  • Aqua Minerale non-carbonated - 60ppm
  • the same, but already boiled water - 86 ppm (the kettle was not pre-washed, perhaps additional salts accumulated from there)
  • tap water - 322 ppm
  • orange juice - 1030 ppm

But the most interesting indicator was given by melt water - 12 ppm. I scooped snow for her into a glass right in the yard. So think after that, what kind of water you need to use.

Specifications and design

The gadget is powered by two replaceable AG13 button batteries. I'm glad they are already included. The manufacturer was not greedy.

Batteries are hidden at one end of the "handle". In the middle is a small monochrome display, and next to it is a single "TDS" button.

At the bottom end there are sensors covered with a transparent matte cap.

A large contact is responsible for measuring the temperature and calibrating it (not shown), and two smaller "antennae" made of titanium take on the responsibility of measuring solids dissolved in water.

The device is dressed in the form factor of an ordinary stationery marker. The case is entirely plastic, glossy, most likely, over time it will become covered with scratches and become like a devil with horns. But it's beautiful! And it looks great in the box. What else is needed?

  • model XMTDS01YM
  • operating temperatures: 0 - 80 degrees
  • dimensions: 150 x 16 x 16 mm
  • weight 28 g

Of course, the gadget is resistant to water ingress according to the IPX6 standard. From here it does not matter how deep you dip your "pen" into the liquid. The only thing I have not tried to completely lower the device under water. I don't think anything will happen, but I didn't.

Outcome

Xiaomi TDS tester review the purity of drinking water turned out to be quite short. On the other hand, what else can be said? A simple, useful little thing in the household, which, let's be honest, will be lying around in one of the drawers in your kitchen. I hope I am wrong and will use this device myself from time to time.

At the end useful information. Perhaps someone does not know. The Department of Rospotrebnadzor is responsible for the quality and safety of drinking water. It is the employees of this department that should conduct appropriate checks in the territory they control. Do not be lazy and go to the website of the local representative office to ask how things are with drinking water in your area. To do this, put the code of your region before the page name and look for the information you need in the site search. For example, 77.rospotrebnadzor.ru is the page of the Moscow Administration.

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

Common are devices capable of performing only one analyzing function. 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 experiments and control measurements during expeditions;
  • in industry (food, cosmetic, chemical).

Analyzed parameters

SanPiN determines the parameters by 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;
  • liquid pH;
  • 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 features a device has, the higher its price. Using all the capabilities of multi-parameter meters is not always necessary, so the choice is made taking into account the initial characteristics of the water in a particular region. And you can check any water using these devices:

  • drinking;
  • technical;
  • ground;
  • sewage;
  • rain;
  • river, sea or other bodies of water.

Types of meters

The analyzer can be stationary and 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 content of oxygen contained in the water. It is widely used in industry, less often it is used in household plots. Aquarium owners use such devices.
  • Chlorimeter . Allows accurate measurements showing the presence of chlorine in the liquid. It is used in the maintenance of swimming pools, boilers, aquariums, in water treatment systems.
  • salt meter . Determines the hardness of water and the presence of dissolved metal salts in it. Used to test purified water passing through filters. Able to analyze almost any water.
  • Conductometer . Used to determine the electrical 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. 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 studied water. It finds substances that undergo reduction or oxidation. Used in laboratories 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.

Currently, one of the significant problems that directly affect residents is the quality of water consumed. Therefore, liquid analysis tools, both laboratory and for home use, are in increasing demand every day. Due to 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 ones.

Expediency 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 test can be carried out in any area where there is access to liquid. These are wells from city water supply pipes.

For each person it is important what kind of liquid he consumes. Therefore, testing and express analysis of water is a necessary method for protecting the human body from toxins. AT living conditions any resident can be tested using special tools.

First of all, evaluate the organoleptic properties of water:

  • taste;
  • smell;
  • color;
  • turbidity.

It is known that purified water is colorless, odorless and tasteless, and also transparent. But impurities and water treatment sometimes endow the liquid with certain palatability. For example, carbon dioxide gives acidity.

When is the analysis done?

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

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

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

An analysis is necessary at the first suspicion of changes in the chemical composition of the fluid and a threat to life, as well as in such cases:

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

If deviations in indicators are found during self-checking, it is recommended to call specialists to identify and eliminate ambiguities.

Water quality characteristics: table

Express analysis of drinking water shows certain results, which must be correlated with sanitary standards and analyze. The quality parameters of the supplied fluid are regulated at the legislative level by the following regulations:

  • SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 - the standard sets out General requirements regulation of tap water quality.
  • SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 - provisions for the regulation of packaged water.
  • Rules for taking material for laboratory examinations - GOST R 53415-2009.

Sampling rules are necessary for the most objective and correct assessment of water quality. If errors are made during the collection of 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 any contact with a person. For testing, special spectrophotometric equipment, various reagents and reagents, indicators and colorimeters are used.

Timely monitoring of water quality will allow you to assess the condition of the liquid and influence it. chemical composition. The results of laboratory examinations show:

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

The quality control of the sample must be carried out by an independent laboratory that has no connection 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.

Instruments for analysis

Devices for express analysis of water according to the number of quality parameters being studied are divided into monoparametric (which analyze the liquid for one specific component) and multiparametric (which test water according to several parameters).

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

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

The operation of all devices is based on analysis methods: chemical, optical, electrochemical, chromatographic and photochemical.

  • drinking tap water testers;
  • testers ground water Location on;
  • liquid analysis devices in artificial reservoirs;
  • analyzers;
  • wastewater testers.

Chlorimeters and oximeters

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

  • Extech DO600+. This is a waterproof device that can be used both in the laboratory and at home. The gas analyzer has a 5 meter extension that allows testing at depth (such as a body of water or in a vessel). Oxygen values ​​can be presented as a percentage from 0 to 200 or as a concentration from 0 to 20 mg/l. The device is equipped with a self-calibration function and a 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 fish habitation. For the accuracy of the calculations, it is recommended to carry out several analyzes, since the indicators may vary depending on the water layer, season, and much more. Results are presented as a percentage, mg/l concentration or ppm. Before operation, the device automatically calibrates.

Water is an integral part of every person's life. We use it every day while cooking, washing dishes, taking a shower or bath. Not always such a liquid entering an apartment or house meets safety standards. It can harm human health or even endanger life. “Wrong” water can disable plumbing in a short period of time, destroy the integrity of metal pipes and ruin clothes when washing.




We have already written an article on this topic. If someone is not familiar with it yet, then be sure to read it. To do this, go to this . In today's article I want to talk about the assortment of the Russian market measuring instruments for water quality analysis. We will learn what an aquatester is, what types exist, and consider the most popular models.

Aquatester for measuring the level of PH

A PH water tester is a device that measures the amount of hydrogen in a liquid. These devices at home are able to determine the level of acidity in drinking water. Increased values ​​of this parameter are harmful to human health. Contribute to the formation of scale, damage to household appliances and plumbing fittings. There are professional models designed for laboratory research, but for home use, you can buy a portable aquatester. It will allow you to make a detailed analysis of the water. The error of such devices is only 0.02%. The price of these models starts from 1000 rubles. For functional samples will have to pay about 5 thousand. To get acquainted with the range of aquatesters for measuring PH, you can follow this link .

ORP tester

The human body is 90% fluid. One of the main factors affecting our general condition and overall health is water quality. Aquatester ORP is a device that determines the redox potential in any liquid. The usefulness of water for a person depends on this parameter. Every time we drink, the body receives an additional portion of acids and alkalis that contribute to proper processing. useful substances and stabilizing the acid-base environment. The ORP indicator in the human body should vary from -50 to -100 millivolts. The device will measure the specified coefficient. In "good" water, it should not exceed 7.0. The cost of water testers for measuring ORP starts from 2800 rubles per household appliance. For a professional tester, you will need to pay from 10 to 20 thousand rubles. An approximate range can be found on this link.

TDS tester

The TDS tester, salt meter or water hardness meter are versatile devices that can carry out a comprehensive analysis of the liquid. They are great for home use. With the help of such a device, you can find out the hardness of water, electrical conductivity, approximate chemical and mineral composition, as well as determine the presence of impurities and salts. Modern models contain a thermometer and adjust the readings depending on the temperature of the liquid. The advantages of such devices are versatility, compactness, ease of use and display information. Aquatester of this type is able to analyze the liquid within 3 minutes. The cost of models starts from 2500 thousand rubles, and reaches 15 thousand. The range can be viewed at this link .

Outcome

I want to say that the cost of these devices, in my opinion, is not high. If you buy an aquatester once and check the water that flows from the tap, you can be calm about its quality. If the liquid does not meet the established standards, you should think about purchasing filters or cleaning systems.

If you are not familiar with the article about "Cabinet water treatment systems in an apartment or house", you can read it by clicking .

I hope my article today was useful and understandable to you. Write in the comments if you are sure about the quality of your water?! And what do you think, is it worth buying a water tester for the home, if so, which one?