Is Your Water Safe?
What You Need to Know
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Millions of people are growing more concerned about the quality of the water flowing
from their tap. It seems that we are constantly hearing about water contamination. So, it
is natural to begin to wonder, “Is my water safe to drink?”
Today, it’s easier than ever to find the answer to that question. Take charge of
your water, and make sure it’s safe. A simple water test can help you and your
contractor make an informed decision about needed treatment, if any is required. There are
several options for independently testing your water.
- A certified laboratory can provide a detailed analysis of your water. Lab services are
generally available by mailing in a sample that you take, or a lab employee may come to
your home. Consult your local yellow pages for drinking water certified labs. Cost: about
$20 to $150 or more for comprehensive testing.
- The county health department may be able to test your water supply for a fee. To contact
your local health department, consult the city/county government section in the white
pages of your phone book. Cost: about $25.
- Several do-it-yourself tests are now available on the market. You should make sure the
test you purchase is simple to use, provides results at home (nothing to mail in), and is
laboratory certified for accurate and reliable results. You can get results within 48
hours. You should also make sure the product you buy offers a tool-free number in case you
have questions. Cost: from about $5 for individual tests to $30 for a comprehensive test
kit.
There are several home tests available.
Bacteria Test
You add water to the bottle that is provided in the kit, shake, and wait for 48 hours to
see what color the water has become, which will indicate if the water is clean or
contaminated.
Nitrate/Nitrite Test
You dip test strips in the water and compare the color change. This test takes a
few seconds.
Lead Test
You will boil a sample of your water and add in a solution. The resulting color change
will provide instant results if lead is in the water supply.
Iron Hardness Test
Analyzes for eight contaminants and pollutants by using test strips.
Comprehensive Test
A collection of all the testing produces, checking for 12 contaminants: bacteria,
lead, nitrates, chlorine, iron, copper, pH, total alkalinity, total hardness, iron
bacteria, and hydrogen sulfide.
If you detect problems in your water supply, contact your water well contractor with
the test results so you can make an informed decision together about water treatment
options. Most water quality problems can be solved.
Where can I get more information?
For more information on your private water well, contact Steve Foster:
Foster Well Drilling
7021 Eastside Road
Anderson, CA 96007
Tel: (530) 241-1605
Fax: (530) 365-5094
E-Mail info@fosterwelldrilling.com
Also, visit the Web site of the National Ground Water Association, www.ngwa.org, and its site just for well owners, www.wellowner.org
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