Water Testing Advice

Judith C. Stawan, Extension suppon aide
Ann T. Lemisy, associate professor, College of Human Ecology, Cornell University
Sharon 1. Hogan, communications consultant
Richard A. WeIsmiller, soil end water resource specialist, Department of Agronomy, The University of Maryland

The question of whether or not to have your water tested is a serious one that concerns the health of you and your family. Your water should be safe to drink and acceptable for all other household uses. in additton to illness, a variety of less serious problems such aS taste, color. odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symp- toms of water quality problems. Even water that appears problem-free may not necessarily be safe or acceptable.

Not everyone needs to test their water and it is impractical and unnecessary to test for all possible contam- inants. This fact sheet provides a few guidelines for deciding whether or not to have your water tested. and if so. what tests would be appropriate for your situation. Your Cooperative Extension agent can offer you further assistance and information.

Public Versus Private Water Supplies
Many homeowners get water simply by turning on the faucet and making a monthly payment to a municipal water system. others provIde their own water. Your water supply 15 either public (you and others are con- nected to the same water system) or private (you supply your own water). Public water systems draw water from rivers, reservoirs, springs or ground water wells. Most priuste drlnWng tester comes from walls, though sIsrings and ponds are sometimes used.

If your water comes from a pubic or munnicipal water system your water is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards, such as path- ogens, radioactive elements and certaIn toxic chemicals. However, some public water supplies may have water quality problems caused by Inadequate municipal water treattment facilities or disttrlbution systems. Some rural water supply districts do not have enough money to hire trained specialtsts or to immediately comply with ex- panding government requirements. In addition, corrosive water or deteriorating pipes in the house may add contaminants to municipal drinking water after it enters your home. . If you obtain drinking water from your own well, you alone are responsible, for assuring that ills safe. For this reason, routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended.CEven if you cur- rently have a safe, pure water supply. regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water qual- ity. This record can be helpful in solving any future prob- lems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply.

When Should You Test Your Water?
Whether you have a public or private waler supply. you should have your water tested if the following situ- ations arise;

If family members or house guests haue recurrent inodents of gastmintestinal illness: Test for coliform bacteria, nitrate and sulfate.

If household plumbing contains lead pipes, fittings, or solder joints: Test for pH, corrosion index, lead, copper, cadmium and zinc.

If you are buying a home and wish to assess the safety and quality of the existing water supply: Test for coliform bacteria, nitrate, lead, iron, hardness, pH, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS), corrosion index and other parameters depending on proximity to poten- tial sources of contamination.

If a water softener is needed to treat hard water: Test for Iron and manganese, which decrease the efficiency of cation exchange softeners, before purchase and installation.

If you wish to monitor the efficiency ond performance of home water treatment equipment: Test for the spedfic water problem being treated upon installation, at regular intervals after installation, and if water quality changes.

If water stains plumbing fixtures and laundry: Test for iron, manganete and copper.

If water has an objectionable taste or smell; Test for hydrogen sulfide, pH, corrosion index, copper, lead, iron, zinc, sodium, chloride and TDS.

If water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored: Test for color, turbidity and detergents.

If pipes or plumbing show signs of corrosion: Test for corrosion index, PS, lead, iron, manganese. copper and zinc.

If water leaves scaly residues and soap scum, and decreases the cleaning action of soaps and detergents: Test for hardness.

If water supply equipment (pump, chlorinators, etc.) wear: rapidly: Test for pH, corrosion index.

Private Water Supplies
Routine Tests. The testing frequencies in this fact sheet are general guidelines. Test more often if you suspect there is a problem with the quality of your drinking water.

Once each year test for coliform bacteria, nitrate, pH and TDS. it is best to test for these contaminants during the spring or summer following a rainy period. These tests should also be conducted after repairing or replacing an old well or pipes, and after installing a new well or pump.

Every 3 years test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, lead, hardness and corrosion index.

If a new baby is expected in the household it is a good idea to test for nitrate in the early months of a pregnancy, before bringing an infant home, and again during the first 6 months of the baby's life.

Special Situations
Where you live, or what you are living next to, can sometimes affect the quality of your well water. If someone in your family becomes ill, or the taste, odor or color of your water changes, your water supply may be contaminated.

If your well is in an area of intensive agricultural use: Test for pesticides commonly used in the area, coliform bacteria, nitrate, pH and TDS.

If you live near a coal or other mining operation: Test for iron, manganese, aluminum, pH and corrosion index.

If your well is near a gas drilling operation: Test for chloride, sodium, barium and strontium.

If your water, smells like gasoline or fuel oil, and your well is located near on operational or abandoned gas station or buried fuel storage tanks: Test for fuel components or volatile organic com- pounds ('OC's).

If your well is near a dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, or dry cleaning operation: Test for volatile organic chemicals (such as gasoline components and cleaning solvents) pH, TDS, chloride, sulfate and metals. -

If your well is near seawater, a road salt storage site, or a heavily salted roadway and you notice the water tastes salty or signs of corrosion appear on pipes: Test for chloride, TDS and sodium.

Water Quality Fact Sheet #4, Cooperative Extension System, Cornell University, University of Maryland - advice regarding testing of home water supply for contaminants.

More Information:

• Typical Water Tests & Fees
• Drinking Water testing, contamination, correction - all topics
• General water testing and corrective measure advice: contact your local health department.
• Free In-Depth Information at The Home Inspection/Construction Information Website
• Fee-paid home inspections or consulting: contact your ASHI home inspector, or find an ASHI home inspector in your area or contact the author
Email: dfriedman@inspect-ny.com to contact the webmaster