Water Quality and Quantity Testing
Servicing all of Central Massachusetts
To ensure your drinking water remains clean and safe, annual water testing is recommended by the National Ground Water Association. This routine check helps detect contaminants such as bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, and other impurities that may compromise water quality. In Central Massachusetts, where many homes rely on private wells, it’s especially important to stay on top of water testing to protect your health.
While annual testing is the standard, you should increase the frequency in certain situations. Consider testing more frequently if:
- There’s a noticeable change in taste, odor, or appearance of your well water.
- The well cap is damaged or broken, allowing contaminants to enter.
- A new contamination source has been identified nearby (e.g., construction or farming activity).
- Your well has experienced bacterial contamination in the past.
- A septic system failure has recently occurred.
- Family members report recurring gastrointestinal illnesses.
- You have a newborn or infant in the household.
- You want to monitor the performance of a newly installed water treatment system.
In addition to the National Ground Water Association’s recommendation, consult with your local health agency to discuss water testing frequency and specific concerns based on your location in Central Massachusetts. Your local health department or the lab conducting the tests can help you interpret the results and determine if there are any health risks related to contamination.
Key Contaminants to Test for in Central MA
Several contaminants should be prioritized when testing your water:
- Coliform Bacteria: The presence of coliform bacteria is a strong indicator of potential contamination from human or animal waste. This is a critical test to identify whether the water has been compromised and may signal declining water quality.
- Nitrates: High nitrate levels in well water pose a serious threat, especially to infants under six months, potentially causing blue baby syndrome. Elevated nitrates may also suggest the presence of other harmful contaminants, such as bacteria or pesticides.
- pH and Hardness: Testing for pH and hardness levels is important to assess how the water interacts with plumbing and household appliances. Hard water can lead to mineral buildup and staining, while pH levels can affect the corrosiveness of the water.
- Iron, Manganese, and Sulfides: These elements, while not necessarily harmful in small amounts, can stain plumbing fixtures and laundry, and affect water appearance and taste.
Local Concerns in Central Massachusetts: Arsenic and Rado
In addition to the standard contaminants, it’s important to test for region-specific pollutants in Central Massachusetts. These include:
- Arsenic: Naturally present in the region’s groundwater, arsenic is tasteless, odorless, and colorless. Long-term exposure to even low levels can cause serious health issues, such as cancer, skin lesions, and neurological problems.
- Radon: Like arsenic, radon is another colorless, odorless gas that can be dissolved in well water. Exposure to radon increases the risk of lung cancer and is a particular concern in areas where radon naturally seeps from bedrock.
Call Us: 508-886-6056 to request an appointment
Or email us at: dirtywaterccws@gmail.com
