Why Water Test Is So Important?

“It’s not a question of if you should test, it’s a matter of how often.”

There are a variety of bacteria, which can cause immediate illness when ingested from contaminated drinking water. These illnesses can range from mild to moderate cases lasting only a few days, to more severe situations that can last for weeks or even result in death for those with weak immune systems (most notably the very young and the very old). Those who rely on a public water supply system which is tested regularly must still be concerned about what happens to their water after it is tested and must make its way to their home and through their home piping system. Home owners with their own wells are solely responsible for the quality and safety of their water and must do a water test at least twice a year. Travelers to foreign countries often experience problems with drinking water (“Montezuma’s Revenge”) and hikers and campers should be concerned about natural waters. Even boaters and RVers should periodically check their water supply systems for contamination.

You Can Request Your Own Specific Test or Combination or Choose From The Selections Offered.
Results are usually within 10 days unless noted.
NOTE: IT’S IMPORTANT FOR THIS WATER TO HAVE BEEN STAGNANT FOR 6+ HOURS IN THE PIPES

There are 6 water tests available

Lead and Copper Water Test $59
Coliform and E.coli Water Test $89
City Basic Water Test $129
City Pro Water Test $159
Well Basic $149
Well Pro $179

Lead and Copper Water Test $59

Parameters Analyzed (3):

Metals
Copper, Lead
Non-Metal Inorganics
pH

Coliform and E.coli Water Test $89

Parameters Analyzed (2):

Microbiology
E. coli, Total Coliform

City Basic Water Tests $129

Parameters Analyzed (10):

Metals
Arsenic, Copper, Iron, Lead, Nickel, Uranium, Zinc
Non-Metal Inorganics
Fluoride, Total Dissolved Solids, pH

City Pro Water Test $159

Parameters Analyzed (44):

Metals
Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead, Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc

Non-Metal Inorganics
Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Chloride, Fluoride, Hardness, Nitrate (as N), Phosphorous, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids, pH

Calculated Parameters
Grains per gallon, Hardness (Total), Hardness (Ca,Mg), Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Langelier Saturation Index

Well Basic $149

Parameters Analyzed (6):

Metals
Arsenic, Lead

Microbiology
E. coli, Total Coliform
Non-Metal Inorganics
Nitrate (as N), Nitrite (as N)

Well Pro $179

Parameters Analyzed (50):

Metals
Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium (Total), Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Lead,
Lithium, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Molybdenum, Nickel, Potassium, Selenium, Silver, Sodium, Strontium, Thallium, Tin, Titanium, Uranium, Vanadium, Zinc

Microbiology
E. coli, Total Coliform
Non-Metal Inorganics
Alkalinity (as CaCO3), Chloride, Conductivity, Fluoride, Hardness, Nitrate (as N), Nitrite (as N), Phosphorous, Silica, Sulfate, Total Dissolved Solids, Turbidity, pH

Calculated Parameters
Grains per gallon, Hardness (Total), Hardness (Ca,Mg), Sodium Adsorption Ratio, Langelier Saturation Index

Dug Wells

Dug wells typically have fewer problems than driven wells, but property owners may run into certain issues.

Shallow wells may slowly cave in over time. It’s easy to assume that this only occurs with older dug wells, but that’s not always the case. Although it is fairly uncommon, it is possible for newer wells to cave in long before the warranty period is over.

Shallow wells can also run dry. Unfortunately, if this occurs, there’s nothing that can be done to fix this issue except to wait for the well to replenish its water supply naturally, or to dig a new well.

The presence of sand and sediment in the water supply can point to a foot pipe or drop pipe that hangs too low.

If the well has been functioning normally but then suddenly starts producing sand and other sediment, this is an indication that the well is probably starting to cave in.

If the foot valve becomes clogged as a result, simply shaking the drop pipe can be enough to clear it of debris and allow the pump to function normally again.

A well that is not supplying water (although water is present) may indicate that the drop pipe or foot valve in the pump is installed above the water level.  An easy way to check this is to pull the drop pipe out of the well, measure it, and compare the measurements to the water depth.  This step can help rule out a faulty well.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common components of gasoline and other fuels, as well as products such as solvents, paints, cleaners, and de-greasers. Long-term exposure to VOCs above state health limits may damage the central nervous system, liver, or kidneys.  Some VOCs are known to cause cancer. If the property is near a commercial or industrial area, a gas station, or a landfill, and especially if the well is old or shallow, the homeowner should consider having their water tested for VOCs.

Common aesthetic contaminants include calcium and magnesium, which cause hardness; iron, which causes staining; and hydrogen sulfide, which causes a odor of rotten eggs.