River water's electrical conductivity, is a measure of how well the water can conduct an electrical current. The conductivity of water is dependent on the type and quantity of dissolved substances, minerals, and inorganic compounds (e.g. salts, chlorides and sulfides) and is also dependent on temperature. Human activities can drastically modify a rivers electrical conductivity. This is through unsustainable agricultural irrigation practices, washing salts and minerals into the water, as well as domestic storm water drainage inputs.

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Sources:

(1) https://www.usgs.gov/science-explorer-results?es=Electrical%20conductance

(2) http://www.dwa.gov.za/iwqs/wq_guide/Pol_saWQguideFRESHAquaticecosystemsvol7.pdf