How can dissolved solids in water be measured?

Dissolved solids in water can be effectively measured using electrical conductivity methods because they directly relate to the presence of ions in the water. When solids dissolve, they separate into ions, and these charged particles can conduct electricity. The more dissolved solids present, the higher the electrical conductivity of the water. This method provides a quick and convenient means of estimating the concentration of dissolved solids without needing to isolate or quantify individual substances present in the solution.

In contrast, a hydrostatic test pertains to the pressure testing of pipes and is unrelated to measuring dissolved solids in water. An evaporation test would involve evaporating a sample of water to assess the mass of solids leftover, but it is less efficient and more time-consuming than measuring conductivity. An accumulation test does not directly measure dissolved solids; instead, it typically involves assessing the build-up of materials over time, which is not applicable for measuring dissolved substances in water.