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.
Labs generally perform a pH test. This test is quick to perform and determines whether the sample is acid, base or neutral. While a reading of 7 is neutral, higher or lower numbers can affect quality. Non-neutral samples may erode heavy metals form pipes. This causes plumbing problems and may make consumers sick in a home.
Nitrates are a part of many foods, but should be in the pipes of the home as continual consumption can make you ill. Sources of these chemicals include flooded sewers, septic tanks, animal waste and polluted storm waters. They can also come from farm runoff, affecting the quality of wells in the area. In addition, natural deposits in the area often increase their 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.
Some health concerns are regionally specific. For example, heavy metals may be a problem, especially in the Western USA. In other regions, there may be specific bacteria which is of concern and for which the sample should be tested. The local health department of the laboratory can help homeowners determine the tests which are necessary to ensure their safety.
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.
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.
Labs generally perform a pH test. This test is quick to perform and determines whether the sample is acid, base or neutral. While a reading of 7 is neutral, higher or lower numbers can affect quality. Non-neutral samples may erode heavy metals form pipes. This causes plumbing problems and may make consumers sick in a home.
Nitrates are a part of many foods, but should be in the pipes of the home as continual consumption can make you ill. Sources of these chemicals include flooded sewers, septic tanks, animal waste and polluted storm waters. They can also come from farm runoff, affecting the quality of wells in the area. In addition, natural deposits in the area often increase their 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.
Some health concerns are regionally specific. For example, heavy metals may be a problem, especially in the Western USA. In other regions, there may be specific bacteria which is of concern and for which the sample should be tested. The local health department of the laboratory can help homeowners determine the tests which are necessary to ensure their safety.
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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