Water testing companies provide an extensive range of services. These include testing for chemicals, metals, pesticides, bacteria, and viruses. Testing is available for municipal systems, private wells, and community wells. In addition, they can perform specialized tests for specific contaminants. To find out more, read our article on the different types of water testing.
Tests performed by water testing companies
Water testing companies can perform a wide variety of tests to determine the health and safety of the water that supplies your home. These tests can identify harmful chemicals in the water and determine what treatment is necessary. For example, you can find out whether your water contains lead or arsenic, or if it contains pesticides like atrazine. If you’re unsure of whether or not your water is safe, contact your local health department to have a professional analyze it for you.
One of the most important tests performed is the pH level, which determines the acidity of the water. Water with a high pH level can be hazardous to human health. It can also lead to corrosion of household plumbing. It’s important to note that the pH level should stay below 6.5 for safe drinking water. And total dissolved solids (TDS) levels should be less than 500 milligrams per liter. If these levels increase over time, this water testing companies could be a sign of increased pollution in the water. Further tests should be performed to determine the causes of increased TDS levels.
Reliability of well water tests
If you have a private well, you may be wondering if the water you are drinking is safe to drink. Well water testing is a vital tool in determining the safety of water. A study by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2009 found that over 42 million people sourced their drinking water from groundwater sources. While well water testing is not a perfect science, it can provide some important information.
While well water may be safe to drink, it can be contaminated with chemicals and bacteria. If you live in an area where contaminated water is common, you should have it tested to be sure it is safe for consumption. Additionally, you should get additional water tests to see if your water has changed in appearance or has a different pH level. You can also contact local health departments and well contractors to find out more about the quality of your water.
Methods used to test for contaminants
Water testing companies use a variety of methods to identify contaminants. Some methods detect all types of contaminants, while others are more sensitive to specific contaminants. Often, companies use a bacteriological method to identify contaminants in water. These methods detect pathogens, including E. coli and coliforms, and can give results within 24 hours. Other methods may require longer testing times and can produce false-negative results.
A number of chemicals are known to be harmful to humans. These include mercury, lead, arsenic, and radium. Whether your water contains these chemicals can have a significant impact on your health. The best way to determine if your water is safe to drink is to contact your local health department and ask about testing options.
