Water uptake of single salts and electrolytes were measured in industrial conditions (dry-room). The water uptake rate theta (g h(-1) cm(-2)) was expressed with respect to the apparent area of contact of the salt with atmosphere of the dry room. The water uptake by potassium-based salts was very low. LiF and LiCl salts were found to behave similarly. For LiBr- and Lil-based salts and mixtures, we pointed out a linear relationship between the water uptake and the elapsed time. Water uptake by magnesium oxide reached a limit after 200 h. This work provides a set of data concerning the rate of water uptake by single salts, salt mixtures and magnesia used in thermal battery electrolytes. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.