TOTAL INORGANIC CARBON (TIC)

(Water Quality) The total amount of inorganic salts of carbonates and bicarbonates present in water without regard as to whether the salts are in suspended particulate form or dissolved. Water that contains an excessive amount of these salts is considered to be Hard Water. The dissolved materials interfere with the functioning of soaps and detergents and can form adherent scale in boilers, pipes, and steam equipment.