Chloride, sulfate, and alkalinity are primarily responsible for the dissolved solids content of the water. Chloride is the greater part of table salt and may impart a salty taste to water. Excessive concentrations of sulfate may act as a laxative to unaccustomed consumers. A bitter or gyp taste is often associated with high sulfate concentrations. A liter is slightly more than a quart.
Nitrates are of no concern for adults or children over six months of age.
Sources of nitrates include soil, sewage, and fertilizers. The optimum range for pH in drinking water is 6.5 to 8.5 standard units depending on the alkalinity and other factors. The table above may be used to compare the pH of a water to its total alkalinity and determine if the water is either corrosive or depositive. If there is sufficient alkalinity in water and the pH is high enough, then calcium carbonate or lime will precipitate out of the water and form a protective coating inside the lines of a water distribution system. This coating is desirable up to a point, as it will help protect a metallic water line from corrosion.