Some people depend on their own well, pond, spring or cistern for drinking water. Individual water supplies of this sort are private. Water testing or water treatment is usually not required by law. The exceptions are bacteria tests for existing or new construction that is being evaluated for loans, including FHA, VA, FmHA and conventional. Dairy water supplies must be tested for bacteria and meet dairy industry standards.
Water testing and treatment can be expensive and time-consuming, but they are the only ways a homeowner can ensure a safe and reliable water supply. Individuals using public water supplies pay for water testing and treatment as a part of their water bill. Individuals operating a private water system do not have this benefit and are responsible for the testing and treatment of their water.
Choosing water tests
Testing water for every contaminant is possible but very expensive, impractical and not necessary. It is more important to test on a regular basis for a few indicators of contamination and to maintain a record of water quality. This helps to identify changes in the supply, contamination of the water source or deterioration of the water system. Good records of water quality are also important should you need to prove that your water has been contaminated by some outside activity such as mining or waste disposal.
Routine testing
Routine testing of water supplies covers these possible contaminants:
- Total coliform bacteria
- Nitrate
- pH (acid or alkaline level)
- Total dissolved solids
If requested, standard laboratory procedures will identify the amounts of specific bacteria, chemical compounds and other components that affect water quality. Routine annual water tests are most important, even if no obvious water problems exist.
Testing nuisance waters
Other tests identify particular problems and help in selecting water treatment equipment. Nuisance water may present no health hazard, but may not be satisfactory for all uses. Common complaints include staining of fixtures and fabrics, off-color appearance, unusual taste or odor, and deposits and pitting of metals. See Table 1 for a list of useful laboratory tests for nuisance water. MU Extension publications EQ101, Understanding Your Water Test Report, and EQ104, Understanding Your Home Water Treatment Systems, includes other information about suggested testing and treatment.
Table 1
Laboratory tests for nuisance water
| Symptom | Appearance | Test |
|---|---|---|
| Stained fixtures and clothes | red or brown | iron |
| reddish-brown slime | iron bacteria | |
| black stain, greasy feel | manganese | |
| green or blue | copper | |
Off-color | cloudy | turbidity |
| black | hydrogen sulfide, manganese | |
| brown or yellow | iron, tannic acid | |
Unusual taste and odor | rotten egg | hydrogen sulfide |
| metallic | pH, corrosive index, iron, zinc, copper, lead | |
| salty | total dissolved solids, chloride | |
| septic, musty, earthy | total coliform bacteria, methane | |
| alkali | pH, total dissolved solids | |
| gasoline or oil | hydrocarbon scan | |
| soapy | surfactants | |
Corrosive water | deposits, pitting | corrosion index, pH, copper, lead |
Collecting water samples
Proper collection and handling of a water sample is important for a meaningful water test. Sample containers should always be obtained from the testing laboratory or local health department,because containers may be especially prepared for a specific contaminant. Sampling and handling procedures depend on the water quality concern and should be followed carefully. Read all directions fully before attempting to collect your sample. If the water is being treated, it may be necessary to sample both before and after the water goes through the treatment equipment.
Bacteria sampling
Water samples for bacteria tests must always be collected in a sterile container. Take the sample from an inside faucet with the aerator removed. Sterilize by flaming the end of the tap with a disposable butane lighter. Run the water for two minutes to clear water lines and bring in fresh water. Do not touch or contaminate the inside of the bottle or cap. Carefully open the sample container and hold the outside of the cap. Fill the container to the line to allow mixing and replace the top. Refrigerate the sample and transport it to the testing laboratory within 36 hours (preferably in an ice chest). Many labs, including the state Health Department, will not accept bacteria samples on Friday or before a holiday, so check to find out the lab's schedule.
Iron bacteria forms a very obvious slime on the inside of pipes and fixtures. A water test is not needed to identify it. Check for a reddish-brown slime inside a toilet tank or where water stands for several days.
Chemical sampling
Sample bottles used to collect water for chemical analysis often contain a fixing compound to prevent loss or breakdown of specific chemicals. Always obtain these sample bottles and instructions from the testing laboratory. Run water at an inside tap for five minutes to clear the lines and bring in fresh water. Follow instructions for filling sample bottles and transport samples to the testing laboratory as quickly as possible, via personal delivery or overnight mail service.
Hydrogen sulfide sampling
Hydrogen sulfide is a gas with a distinctive odor like rotten eggs. The gas escapes from water very quickly, so if needed, measurements of hydrogen sulfide concentrations must be made immediately, on site. In most cases, this will not be necessary. If the odor is present, hydrogen sulfide is present.
Corrosion sampling
When sampling for evidence of corrosion, allow the water to stand in the water lines overnight or longer. Do not let the water run before collecting a sample because water held in the pipes will have corrosion products. Take the sample from an inside faucet with a laboratory container. Deliver the samples to the laboratory in person, or use an overnight mail service.
Organic chemical sampling
Many organic contaminants are volatile and will escape from solution when aerated. Take extra care when collecting these samples. Remove the faucet aerator and let water run for five minutes to clear the pipes and bring in fresh water. Partially close the faucet until a slow, steady, non-aerated stream of water flows. Hold the laboratory sample bottle at an angle to reduce aeration when filling. Fill the bottle completely and replace the cover. Invert the bottle and check for air bubbles. If bubbles are present, empty and take another sample. Take the sample to the laboratory in person if possible or use an overnight mail service.
Sampling for court cases
Sometimes water samples are taken for evidence in a court case to show pollution or damage to a water supply. These samples should always be collected by a health department sanitarian trained in proper sample collection methodology, who can testify as to how the sample was handled. Notify the sanitarian that this sample is being used in court and that the chain-of-custody must be adhered to. Use a state-approved lab for all water testing. Your record of routine sampling provides evidence about your water supply before pollution or damage.
Test results
The laboratory sends out water test results anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after receipt of samples. Water test results often list the drinking water standards to aid in interpreting the results. Contact your local extension specialist or your county health department for help interpreting test results and determining corrective action. File your water test report in a safe place for future reference.