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The Nutrient Content of Water Analysis

Drinking water contains nutrients that are obtained through natural processes or introduced during the stages of water treatment. A water analysis report will measure the concentrations of these nutrients, and alert you as to whether or not they are present at unusually high levels.

  1. The Nutrients in Water

    • Drinking water contains essential minerals, which are nutrients that the human body cannot manufacture, and which must be ingested. Without these minerals, mortality increases due to reduced immune system defence, and physical and mental development is impaired. Typically, drinking water contains the nutritionally important minerals selenium, sodium, chlorine, fluoride, calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron.

    The Water Analysis Report

    • A water analysis report contains a list of the contaminants that were tested for and their concentrations. The minerals found in drinking water come under the category of nuisance contaminants, because they are very unlikely to have any adverse health effects: rather, at high concentrations they will give water a bitter, brackish taste. They can also discolor plumbing fixtures, beverages and laundry.

    Acceptable Limits

    • The University of Pennsylvania provides a list of water contaminant parameters to assist people in interpreting their water analysis report. The acceptable limits of some of the nutrients found in water, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency, is 250 mg/l for chlorides, 1.3 mg/l for copper, 0.3 mg/l for iron and 0.05 mg/l for magnesium.

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