Clean Water Testing

The necessity of testing your water really depends on where you live. If you receive your water through a public water supply then this water has gone through all of the standard tests for contaminants, though contamination of the water after testing and treatment is possible. If you receive your water through a privately owned ground well, then it is necessary to test this water for safety as the same standards are not enforced, and it is up to the owner of that particular well to do the testing.

Why Test My Water?

• You should test your water if you receive your water supply from a privately owned well. You should also test your water, regardless of where it comes from, if you water is very hard and leaves a residue in the shower or sink or if it has a strange taste or odor.

What Should I Test for?

• Water contamination can come from a variety of sources. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "Sewage, naturally occurring chemicals, local land-use practices, manufacturing processes and malfunctioning on-site water treatment systems" are the main causes. Because of all of these sources it is necessary to test for a variety of things. The CDC also recommends testing for "bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels." If you live near an area of heavy manufacturing you can also test for volatile organic chemicals or VOCs, which include petroleum and chemical solvents.

How Do I Test My Water?

• Testing your water can be done by a private or state-run laboratory that specializes in this process. Your local department of health can help you contact a reputable company. Make sure that any private water-testing company you use has been certified by the department of health as well.