What does a conductivity test indicate regarding water?

A conductivity test measures the ability of water to conduct an electric current, which is directly related to the concentration of dissolved ions in the water. When discussing water quality, higher conductivity values typically indicate a greater degree of mineralization, meaning that there are more dissolved solids, such as salts and minerals, present in the water. This measurement is useful for assessing water quality, as it provides insight into the overall ionic composition and potential mineral content, which can impact both safety and taste.

While other options mention important characteristics of water quality, they do not relate directly to what conductivity specifically measures. Pathogens are typically assessed through microbiological tests, temperature can be measured with thermometers, and dissolved gases have different testing methods. Thus, option B accurately reflects what conductivity testing indicates.