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In many rural areas, homes depend on wells to supply for their needs. While the Environmental Protection Agency requires that public supplies be tested to ensure they meet certain standards, such tests are not generally required for private wells in the United States. Well water testing ensures a home's supply is safe for the family to consume.
There are several indicators of quality and contaminates for which a home's supply should be tested. While the bacteria and chemicals for which the supply is tested may not cause illness, their presences may indicate contamination by sewage or other germs that cause illness.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
From the microbiological standpoint, the more specific E. Coli test is often used. Positive E. Coli tests indicate contamination by fecal material. While the indicator E. Coli that grow on the microbiologist plates are generally harmless, there is a greater chance of germs that do cause diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea or dysentery are present. This indicator strand of E. Coli should not be confused with a more harmful strain often on the news.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
Volatile organic compounds are a problem in some regions. They are generally the result of industrial pollution or fuel spills. The exact VOCs for which the sample should be tested will vary by location. Check with the local heath department or testing lab for further information.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
In general, it is a good idea to test samples of the supply at least once per year. Additional tests should be submitted if one notes a difference in quality or if there have been local land disturbances. With proper well water testing you protect the health of all living in the home.
There are several indicators of quality and contaminates for which a home's supply should be tested. While the bacteria and chemicals for which the supply is tested may not cause illness, their presences may indicate contamination by sewage or other germs that cause illness.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
From the microbiological standpoint, the more specific E. Coli test is often used. Positive E. Coli tests indicate contamination by fecal material. While the indicator E. Coli that grow on the microbiologist plates are generally harmless, there is a greater chance of germs that do cause diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea or dysentery are present. This indicator strand of E. Coli should not be confused with a more harmful strain often on the news.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
Volatile organic compounds are a problem in some regions. They are generally the result of industrial pollution or fuel spills. The exact VOCs for which the sample should be tested will vary by location. Check with the local heath department or testing lab for further information.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
In general, it is a good idea to test samples of the supply at least once per year. Additional tests should be submitted if one notes a difference in quality or if there have been local land disturbances. With proper well water testing you protect the health of all living in the home.
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You can visit the website www.watertestwholesale.com for more helpful information about Well Water Testing Protects Your Family's Health
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