Drinking Water Testing and Analysis

This screening will look for two types of bacteria, coliform and E. coli. Coliforms are bacteria that are present in the digestive tracts of all warm-blooded animals, including humans. While this bacterium itself is not likely to cause illness, its presence can indicate that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system. E. coli is one of the major species in the fecal coliform group – one of the five groups of bacteria that make up the total coliforms. While there are strains that can cause illness, most E. coli bacteria are harmless and are not typically found growing and reproducing in the environment. However, E. coli, when identified, indicates recent fecal contamination and a high risk that pathogens are present.

Nitrate-nitrogen is a naturally occurring compound found in high levels in relation to human waste, animal waste, and commercial applications like chemical fertilizers. Well water systems are at risk for nitrate contamination due to improper well construction, well location, overuse of fertilizers in the area, and/or improper disposal of waste in the area. Ingesting elevated nitrate levels can cause Blue Baby Syndrome. Testing is highly recommended for households with infants, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and/or older adults on well water in rural areas.

As a heavy metal, Lead has been used in construction for hundreds of years due to many of its inherent properties. It can be found in lead pipes, plumbing fixtures, welding solder, or pipe fittings within plumbing systems. When people are exposed to lead, and a buildup occurs in the body, they are at risk for lead poisoning. On the other hand, iron and manganese are considered non-hazardous elements that are commonly found in water but can be associated with health concerns. They can affect the color and flavor of water, stain laundry, and can build up within a water system causing damage. A common sign of high levels within a system can be “slime” buildups in toilet tanks.

Turbidity measures the clarity of water or the cloudiness of fluid due to suspended solids within the liquid. Turbidity in drinking water is an issue because contaminants such as viruses and bacteria can become attached to suspended solids putting people at risk for developing gastrointestinal diseases. Testing for pH: Because metals dissolve easily within acidic water, water with a low pH, more than likely, dissolved any present metals that may have leached from a plumbing system. However, water with a high pH contains a lot of calcium and minerals that can cause scaly deposits on cookware and produce a bitter taste in coffee.