Re: [Killietalk] TDS vs Conductivity

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

In a message dated 2/2/06 1:27:06 PM, bjc3 at centurytel_net writes:

<< Am I not correct in saying that the conductivity, which is what all 
these meters read, is dependent on the number of charged species in the 
water, mostly simple ions like Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl-, carbonate, 
bicarbonate, etc >>

Exactly right. TDS does not mean what it says. What is important are those 
colligative materials that affect the osmotic pressure. Conductivity is a very 
simplified way  of measuring it, although very useful. Expressing it as TDS is 
useful, if misleading. Probably should be called apparent ionic dissolve 
solids. However that creates an acronym, already in use.

Lee Harper
Media, PA
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