how to test conductivity of water

How to Test Conductivity of Water

Water conductivity is a vital measure of the water quality, indicating the amount of dissolved substances present in the water. High conductivity levels lead to decreased water quality and may even cause harm to aquatic life. That is why it is important to know how to test conductivity of water. Fortunately, testing the conductivity of water is an easy, quick and inexpensive process. Here are the steps to follow.

Steps to Test Conductivity of Water

Before you start the testing process, please note that you will need some equipment, including a conductivity meter, water sample, and a container. The common kinds of conductivity meters are portable and benchtop. Portable conductivity meters are small and have an internal battery, therefore, they are easy to move around. Benchtop conductivity meters are larger and are typically found in laboratories or testing facilities. Here are the steps to follow when using a conductivity meter:

Step 1: Prepare the Water Sample

Fill the container with the water sample you want to test. You can use tap water or even bottled water, but it is always better to use distilled water to get accurate results.

Step 2: Take the Reading

Switch on the conductivity meter and dip the probe into the water sample. The probe should be fully submerged in the sample. Let the probe stabilize in the water sample for a few seconds, and then take your reading. Portable meters take the reading automatically, while benchtop meters require you to press a button to get the reading.

Step 3: Record the Reading

Once you get the reading, record and document it. The conductivity of the water is measured in microsiemens per centimeter (S/cm). If the meter provides a reading in another unit, like millisiemens per centimeter (mS/cm), then you should convert it to microsiemens per centimeter using a conversion tool.

Step 4: Clean the Probe

After taking the reading, always remember to clean the probe with distilled water to avoid contaminating your next sample. For benchtop meters, you may be required to calibrate the meter to ensure it is reading accurately.

Factors that Influence Conductivity of Water

Several factors can influence the conductivity of water. Knowing these factors can help you interpret the conductivity readings better. Some of the factors include:

- Temperature: Water conductivity increases with temperature. Therefore, a water sample taken in winter will have a lower conductivity reading than the same sample taken in summer.

- Dissolved solids: The amount of dissolved solids in the water increases conductivity levels. High amounts of dissolved solids like salts, metals, and minerals increase conductivity levels.

- pH: The pH of the water can change the charge of the dissolved ions and thus affect the conductivity. Generally, more acidic or basic water will have higher conductivity.

- Turbidity: High levels of suspended particles and other materials in the water can interfere with the conductivity readings.

Interpreting Conductivity Readings

Once you have taken the conductivity reading, you will need to interpret the result. The ideal conductivity of water varies depending on the application. For drinking water, the recommended maximum conductivity level is 500 S/cm. For industrial water, it can be as high as 15000 S/cm.

Conclusion

Testing the conductivity of water is a simple process that can give you invaluable information about the water quality. Conductivity meters are affordable, easy to use and, therefore, accessible to everyone. A conductivity meter reading can help you adjust water treatment processes and keep your environmental impact as low as possible. Remember to take the factors that influence conductivity readings into account and interpreting the results accordingly.