Conductivity is a measure of the water's ability to conduct an electrical current. It is related to the amount of dissolved substances in water but does not give an indication of which minerals are present.  Conductivity is about twice hardness in most uncontaminated waters in Wisconsin.  If much greater than two times the hardness, it may indicate the presence of contaminants.  Changes in conductivity over time may indicate changing water quality.

Acceptable results:  There is no health standard. A normal conductivity value is roughly twice the hardness in unsoftened water.

Sources:  Natural and human-made dissolved substances in the water.

Recommended testing:  Annually, along with a total hardness test.