How to measure EC in water?

What EC is can be read in this article 🠪

Measuring Electric Conductivity (EC) in water is very important for growing plants, flowers, vegetables and fruit. The EC value indicates the salt content of the water. The more salt the water contains, the better the water conducts, and that is what the EC meter measures.

Besides salt, temperature also has an influence on the EC value. At a high temperature, the EC value increases and at a low temperature, the EC value decreases.

Measuring EC is best done with a digital hand meter such as the EP1400, which can not only measure EC but also temperature and pH values.

Why is measuring EC in water important?

EC measuring devices are widely used by professional growers to measure the water used for watering the plants. It is important to work with the right values in the water, because a 0.01 under or above the margins can make a big difference in the plant or flower.

The different EC values for water

Each type of water or liquid has a different conductivity (EC) and this is expressed in μS/cm: 

• Pure water: 0 μS/cm
• Distilled water : 1 μS/cm
• Osmosis water : 20 – 60 μS/cm
• Rainwater industry : 30 – 60 μS/cm
• Drinkable water: 300 to 700 μS/cm
• Seawater: 54 mS/cm = 54000 μS/cm

In most cases, growers in the Netherlands have ec-sensors in the pipes or in the water basin. Nevertheless, it is important to keep measuring yourself whether the values are correct everywhere, because measuring = knowing!

What is the best EC meter for measuring in water?

A professional grower must be able to measure very accurately and reliably. The EC meter must of course be able to measure conductivity, but also temperature. In most cases, it is also handy to be able to measure the pH value of the water immediately.

At Nieuwkoop BV, we offer one of the most accurate portable EC meters available, which is also easy to use.