Having reliable access to clean and safe drinking water is essential for our overall health. Water contaminated by chemicals and viruses, bacteria, and other pathogens can cause illnesses and the spread of diseases.
Thankfully, the United States has one of the safest drinking waters in the world. Most Americans get their supply from public community water systems, which are regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Those who are connected to these water systems, they would often receive an annual water quality report, also known as the Consumer Confidence Report.
Although, some households choose private water supplies like wells or springs for their everyday use. In this situation, the homeowner will be the one to make sure that the water is still of good quality.
Whether you get your supply from public community water systems or a private well or spring, it’s essential to have your water tested once in a while for your safety. Find out more about the basics of water testing by reading on.
Why You Should Have Your Water Tested
Even though U.S. tap water supplies are considered to be among the safest in the world, water contamination can still occur. There are many possible sources of contamination, including:
- Sewage Releases – Sewage, or wastewater, is contaminated water from residential and commercial buildings. These can mix in with drinking water because of damaged or blocked plumbing. Sewage contains harmful bacteria and viruses that can cause illnesses such as cholera, gastroenteritis, and more.
- Naturally Occurring Minerals and Chemicals – Some elements can occur naturally in groundwater. These include arsenic, fluoride, selenium, boron, and radon. When ingested, they can cause long-term potential negative effects.
- Fertilizers and Pesticides – Excessive use of soluble pesticides can seep through the soil and contaminate groundwater. Over time, it can degrade the quality of water and reduce the clean water supply.
For you to constantly have good quality water, you need to have your water supply tested from time to time. You should also look into your water quality when you have repaired or replaced some pipes and pumps. One reliable way is to contact a water treatment company. Some can even offer you free water testing.
Different Types of Water Testing Methods
Water quality tests are not just a singular set of testing methods. There are several types that can help determine what kinds of contaminants are in the water. Some of these tests include:
Bacteria Test
As the name implies, this type of water test looks for any bacterial contaminants present in the water. One of the most common bacteria in dirty water is Escherichia coli, (E. coli.). Although most of its strains are harmless, they can still cause severe food poisoning that can lead to kidney failure or death.
Another common bacterial contaminant is Salmonella. If consumed, it can cause fevers, diarrheas, and severe stomach cramps that could last for a week. Although it’s not as life-threatening as some of the E. coli strains, Salmonella can still develop dangerous complications in infants, pregnant women, and older adults.
pH Test
A good indicator of the quality of your water is the pH level. This is the measurement of how acidic or basic the water is. The scale ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. If the water has a reading below 7, it’s considered acidic. Meanwhile, if it has a reading above 7, it’s basic or alkaline.
Do know that if your water is more acidic, some dissolved metals may be present, causing reddish stains and a metallic taste? The EPA recommends a pH level between 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water.
Mineral Test
Mineral tests are done to determine how much mineral content is in your water. There are some minerals in water that are essential for our health. These include calcium, magnesium, fluoride, iron, and a few others. However, an overabundance of said minerals can cause plumbing issues, stains, and bad odors.
Where To Have Your Water Tested
Most of the time, if you want accurate water testing, you’ll have to send a sample of your water to a laboratory. These labs are approved by your state or local environmental health department. Keep in mind that, depending on the test performed, it can take up to a month before you get the results.
You can find an approved laboratory by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791, or you can visit the EPA website. They’ll provide you with containers and instructions on how to get and store your water sample.
If you have a private water source for your home and you would like to do them, there are easy-to-use water testing kits readily available on the market. You can also contact a trustworthy water treatment company that can provide free water testing on-site. For this method, researching online for professional water treatment contractors is necessary.
Conclusion
As a responsible homeowner, it is your job to make sure that your source of water is clean. Keeping your water quality as good as possible can help protect you and your family from harmful chemicals and microorganisms.
