This paper provides an introduction to the types of membranes used in electrodialysis and electrodialysis reversal. Membranes used for electrodialysis and electrodialysis reversal are ion exchange resins manufactured in sheet form. Three elements define an ion exchange membrane: a nonconductive structure, water content, and fixed ions. These three elements allow almost unlimited potential methods to make membranes. However, they do have some characteristics in common. This paper discusses basic performance characteristics, membrane durability, scales, physical strength, organic fouling, and oxidizing disinfectant tolerance. Figures show the structure of an ion exchange membrane, a cell of membrane, electrodialysis stack, current efficiency, resistance versus normality, resistance of cation exchange membranes, and analysis of acrylic-based anion exchange membrane.