Should I Get My Water Tested?
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Should I get my water tested?
If the water comes from a water company or utility, and you receive a bill, the company is required to have the water tested regularly. You may contact the company to see the test results.
If the water comes from a private or shared well, or a spring, we recommend a water test. You can do this yourself by finding a well drilling company or going to your health department for a kit. We can do this for you.
What kind of tests should I get? A bacteria test checks for presence of coliform bacteria and fecal matter. If the well or spring is not protected properly, animals can get into the water and contaminate it. Septic tanks might also leak sewer water to the surface of the ground, where it might run into the unprotected water. Yes, we have found these problems locally. To get your water tested for bacteria we take a sample and turn it into the health department. Results are usually available within a week.
A metals and chemicals test checks for presence of contaminants that might come from industrial or agricultural pollution. This also checks for hardness and presence of natural minerals like iron. We take a sample of the water and turn it into the health department for testing. They send it to the state laboratory. Results are usually available within a month.
What if there is a problem with the water? We have not found any problems that could not be fixed. Sometimes the health department supplies helpful information with the test results. Some problems might be fixed by repairing or improving the well or spring. Others might be fixed with a water filtration of purification system. A local well or water company may be contacted.
Do you want to learn more?
Here are some web sites:
NSF The Public Health and Safety Company -Water
The Water Quality Association
Well water tests
EPA's Drinking Water Regulations
Calculate how much water you use
How to Schedule a Water Test:
Most of our local water testing facilities accept water samples on Monday and Tuesdays. Because the water sample must be fresh, water samples should be taken the same days. We can schedule this along with your home inspection.
More Questions?
Phone us: 1-800-738-8781
Email us: mailto:info@yourinspectionexpert.com
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