GRCA monitoring network - conductivity

Caution: Data is provisional. For more information read our Data Terms of Use

River Water Conductivity Data

Water conductivity measures the water's ability to conduct an electric current and is directly related to the total dissolved salts (ions) in the water. Conductivity, reported in micromhos per centimeter (umhos/cm) has recently been renamed as uS/cm (microSiemans per centimeter). Conductivity is temperature sensitive and increases with increasing temperature. Our conductivity probes automatically correct for temperature and standardize all readings to 25??C.

Groundwater can carry salts into the river water, thus increasing the conductivity of the river water. Road salt is another source of salt that can enter the river system and increases the conductivity of river water.

Large fluctuations in conductivity can occur after periods of rainfall or snowmelt. Additional water entering the river after a rainfall or snowmelt can increase dilution which decreases the salt content and conductivity of the river water.