This document discusses total dissolved solids (TDS) in water. It defines TDS as the amount of dissolved matter in water, with levels in fresh water normally less than 100 mg/L. The document notes concerns about increasing TDS levels in the Mon River in Northern West Virginia. It summarizes efforts to monitor TDS levels through additional sampling and continuous monitors. Potential sources of TDS are discussed, as well as EPA recommendations and criteria used in neighboring states. Next steps mentioned are continuing information gathering and soliciting public input.

1. TDS – Total Dissolved Solids
TDS Total Dissolved Solids
Patrick Campbell, DEP‐DWWM
M 18 2009
May 18, 2009

2. What is TDS?
• Total Dissolved Solids (milligrams per liter) (mg/l)
– Amount of dissolved matter in water
Amount of dissolved matter in water
– Ocean water 35,000 mg/l
Fresh water normally less than 100 mg/l
– Fresh water normally less than 100 mg/l
– Rain less than 10 mg/l
St l l t d / d ti it
• Strongly correlated w/ conductivity
– e.g. TDS 500 mg/l ~= Conductivity 750 µs/cm (~66%)
• PA WQ Standard to protect drinking water use =
500 mg/l Monthly Avg. / 750 maximum

3. Mon River – Total Dissolved Solids (mg/l) Courtesy PADEP

4. Much Concern in Northern WV
Much Concern in Northern WV
• Upper Mon River Association ‐ several meetings
Upper Mon River Association several meetings
• Resolution by Morgantown City Council
2960 ( G ’ O )
• HB 2960 (House Gov’t Org.)
• Interest from Dischargers as well

5. Information Gathering
Information Gathering
• TDS monitoring added to Large River Network
TDS monitoring added to Large River Network
• Continuous Conductivity Monitors online
S
• WWTP Surveys
• Extensive Pre‐TMDL Monitoring in
Monongahela watershed beginning July ’09

6. WVDEP ‐ Large River Monitoring
TDS Results
612
643
700
800
1830
612
505
447
02
427
500
600
/L)
271
250
197
379
232
402
332
397
341
199
300
400
TDS
(mg/
148
64
39
197
88
46 51
74 83 80 85 74
176
66
143
81
150
111
127
182
84 97
158
199
100
200
0

7. Continuous Monitors Online
W t F k Ri
•West Fork River
•Mon River @ Pt. Marion
•Dunkard Ck
•Tygart River
http://wv.usgs.gov/

8. PSD Data
700
800
PSD Data
Chlorides ‐ In Chlorides ‐ Out
674
635
500
600
Sulfates ‐ In Sulfates ‐ Out
TDS ‐ In TDS ‐ Out
388
452
404
443 440
300
400
500
mg/L
163
145
278
182
200
256
200
300
54
96
46
107
33
27
81
47
121
39
126
35 50
63 17
28
145
100
60 43 33
0
100
Pleasant View PSD
W Pl
Town Of New Haven Lumberport Area PSD Moundsville Paden City Wastewater
Pl
Pax**
Wastewater Plant Plant

9. WVDEP Chemical Monitoring
• 6 Long Term Sites, increased to monthly
• 200+ DMR Trend Stations
200+ DMR Trend Stations
• Upcoming TMDL Monitoring at (7/09‐6/10)
~139 it thl
– ~139 sites, monthly

10. Sources of TDS
Sources of TDS
• Mines
Mines
• Landfills
d l
• Road salt
• Brine
• WWTPs
• Scrubbers
Scrubbers
• Water softeners
M h
• Many others

11. EPA Recommended TDS Criteria
EPA Recommended TDS Criteria
Human Health Aquatic Life
Human Health
• Non‐Priority Pollutant
– 1986 Gold Book Value
Aquatic Life
• None
– Discussion of individual ion
– 250 mg/l
– Taste and laxative effects
criteria (e.g. chloride, sulfate) v.
TDS
– Increasing effects observed at
• Secondary Drinking Water Std.
– Non‐enforceable
increasing levels
– 500 mg/l

12. Neighboring States’ TDS Criteria
Neighboring States TDS Criteria
• Kentucky – 750 mg/l HH @ POI (going to 250?)
Kentucky 750 mg/l HH @ POI (going to 250?)
• Ohio – 1,500 mg/l AQL; HH 500 mg/l avg/750
max @POI
max @POI
• Maryland
• Pennsylvania ‐ 500 mg/l monthly average @ POI
– 750 daily maximum (HH and cold water)
• Virginia – 500 mg/l HH @ POI
• ORSANCO ‐ none
ORSANCO none

13. Next Steps
Next Steps
• Information gathering continues
Information gathering continues
• Dialogue w/ EPA
S li i i f i b /2/09
• Solicitation of input by 7/2/09
• More updates as triennial review continues

14. Thanks for your interest!