Water Quality and Quantity Testing
Annual water test must be conducted in order to ensure that water source is clear from bacteria, nitrates, and any other impurities as per the National Ground Water Associated has recommended. However, the frequency should be increased in case:
- The taste, odor and appearance of the well water has significantly changed.
- The well cap is broken.
- A new contamination source has been detected.
- The source has bacterial contamination in the past
- There's a recent septic system malfunction
- Family members reported recurring gastrointestinal illness
- There's a newborn or infant living in the house
- You want to monitor the performance of your new home water treatment system.
You may consult with your local health agency for advices concerning type and frequency of water testing particular to your location. The laboratory that conducted the water test or your local health department can help interpret your water test result and determine health risks related to water contamination.
The key determinant of a potential human or animal waste contamination is the presence of coliform bacteria in the water test. It's an indicator for declining water quality.
High levels of nitrate in water source poses health threats particularly to infants and may imply presence of other contaminants like bacteria and pesticides.
Other things that should be tested includes pH, hardness, iron, manganese, sulfides, and other water components that can affect with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor.
Some testings specific to your locality should be considered as well such as arsenic and radon. These elements are tasteless and odorless, thus, you can't tell if they are present or not in your drinking water unless a water test for these elements is conducted.
