About Testing for Water Potability

Ensuring that your water is safe to drink is very important to your health. Water can contain various contaminants which may be hazardous to humans and animals, so testing water is critical. There are a few ways that you can test the potability of your water and protect your health.

Standard Tests

• A potability test will check the water for levels of bacteria, pH level, color, odor, hardness, and commonly found elements such as nitrates and nitrites, iron, manganese, and sodium that may be in your water, according to Well & Septic. It is very important that levels of the dangerous bacterium, E. coli is not present in your water.

Chemical Tests

• Partial chemical tests will usually check for magnesium, iron, fluoride, chlorine, and other chemical compound levels in your water. Most tests for water are conducted for independent substances that may be in your water. Chemical tests will not show any levels of bacteria or other potential hazards. Lead tests will only show levels of lead in your water.

Test Regularly

• Water potability tests can also show if there is a problem with plumbing, and if pipes are creating hazards for your water, such as high levels of rust or iron. Routine tests should take place once a year to check for E.coli and other bacteria. It is best to test water during the rainy season, when most problems can be addressed.