What does specific conductance estimate in water samples?

Specific conductance is an important water quality measurement that estimates the concentration of dissolved solids in water samples. Essentially, it reflects the ability of water to conduct an electric current, which is directly related to the presence of ions in the solution. The more dissolved salts and minerals in the water, the higher the conductivity will be. Since dissolved solids, such as sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium ions, contribute to this electrical conductivity, measuring specific conductance provides a reliable indication of their concentration.

This property is useful in water treatment operations, as it helps operators assess the quality of the water and make informed decisions about treatment processes. High specific conductance values may suggest the need for additional treatment to remove excessive dissolved solids that could potentially impact water quality and safety.