WaterQuality :Index : Water Quality Classification and Guidelines
| Electrical Conductivity |
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WaterQuality :Index : Water Quality Classification and Guidelines |
| Developed on behalf of the Department of Water Affairs |
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Download a PDF file | |||||||||||||||||||||
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ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY RANGE EC:mS/m (TDS: mg/ℓ) |
DRINKING |
FOOD PREPARATION
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BATHING
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LAUNDRY
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(Health)
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(Aesthetic)
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EC:<70 mS/m (TDS: <450mg/ℓ
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No effects |
Water tastes fresh
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No effects | No effects | No effects | ||||||||||||||||||
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EC:70-150 (TDS: 450-1000)
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Insignificant effect on sensitive groups |
Water tastes good |
Insignificant effect on sensitive groups |
No effects |
No effects |
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EC:150-370 (TDS:1000-2400)
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Slight possibility of salt overload in sensitive groups |
Water has a distinctly salty taste |
Slight possibility of salt overload in sensitive groups |
No effects |
Insignificant corrosion
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EC:370-520 (TDS:2400-3400)
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Possible health risk to all individuals
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Water tastes extremely salty
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Possible health risk to all individuals
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Impaired soap lathering
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Slightly corrosive |
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EC:>520 (TDS>3400)
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Increasing risk of dehydration
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Tastes extremely salty and bitter
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Increasing risk of dehydration
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Impaired soap lathering
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Corrosive |
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| * Not to be used without treatment | |||||||||||||||||||||||
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References: |
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DWAF (1998). Quality of domestic water supplies. Volume 1: Assessment Guide. WRC No. TT 101/98, p. 53. |
