What does conductivity in water indicate?

Conductivity in water is primarily used as an indicator of the concentration of dissolved ions. When ionic substances (such as salts) dissolve in water, they disassociate into charged particles (cations and anions). These charged particles facilitate the flow of electric current, which is what conductivity measures. A higher conductivity reading indicates a greater concentration of these dissolved ions, signaling the presence of inorganic substances like salts and minerals in the water.

While organic compounds can be present in water, they do not significantly influence conductivity because they typically do not dissociate into ions. The pH level of the water relates to the concentration of hydrogen ions and does not directly correlate with conductivity. Similarly, temperature can affect conductivity measurements, as warmer water typically allows ions to move more freely, but it does not indicate the concentration of ions itself. Therefore, the most accurate understanding of what conductivity indicates is linked to the concentration of dissolved ions in the water.