Many homes are built where municipal utilities are not available. They depend on wells for cooking, drinking and cleaning. While the EPA mandates that public supplies be tested, these rules do not apply to private wells in the United States. Well water testing benefits homes by ensuring all who live there have a safe supply to meet their needs.
Several tests are used as determiners of the quality of the supply along with the presence of contaminates. Indicator strains of bacteria and chemicals, which do not necessarily cause illness, are checked. Their presence indicates the supply may have been contaminated by germs, including those in raw sewage that can 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.
In order to test the level of acids or bases in the sample, the lab often tests the pH. This level affects both taste and looks of the water. Neutral samples have a pH of 7. If this number is too high or too low, heavy metals can leach out of the pipes into the drinking supply. In addition to damaging the pipes, continuing to drink the liquid could make one ill.
While nitrates are used as preservatives in foods, they should not be found in the wells that supply homes. Continual consumption can make one ill. They often come from flooded septic tanks or sewers as well as animal waste and other farm runoff. They affect the quality of wells. Other sources include natural geographic formations.
Contamination by volatile organic compounds is generally regional. These contaminates come from man made pollution, such as industry or fuel spills. Check with the lab or local health department to determine the VOCs for which regional wells should be tested.
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.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
Several tests are used as determiners of the quality of the supply along with the presence of contaminates. Indicator strains of bacteria and chemicals, which do not necessarily cause illness, are checked. Their presence indicates the supply may have been contaminated by germs, including those in raw sewage that can 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.
In order to test the level of acids or bases in the sample, the lab often tests the pH. This level affects both taste and looks of the water. Neutral samples have a pH of 7. If this number is too high or too low, heavy metals can leach out of the pipes into the drinking supply. In addition to damaging the pipes, continuing to drink the liquid could make one ill.
While nitrates are used as preservatives in foods, they should not be found in the wells that supply homes. Continual consumption can make one ill. They often come from flooded septic tanks or sewers as well as animal waste and other farm runoff. They affect the quality of wells. Other sources include natural geographic formations.
Contamination by volatile organic compounds is generally regional. These contaminates come from man made pollution, such as industry or fuel spills. Check with the lab or local health department to determine the VOCs for which regional wells should be tested.
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.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
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