What's In YOUR Water?
The following items will help you determine when to test your private drinking water supply.
How frequently should I test?
Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels,
especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.
Do you expect to have a new baby in the household?
Test for nitrate in the early months of a pregnancy, before bringing an infant home, and again during
the first six months of the baby’s life. It is best to test for nitrate during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Do you have taste, odor and staining issues?
Test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosion, and every three years. If you suspect other contaminants, test for these also.
Have you had a chemical or fuel spill or leak near your water supply?
Test your well for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds. Tests can be expensive; limit them to possible problems specific to your situation.
How frequently should I test?
Test water every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels,
especially if you have a new well, or have replaced or repaired pipes, pumps or the well casing.
Do you expect to have a new baby in the household?
Test for nitrate in the early months of a pregnancy, before bringing an infant home, and again during
the first six months of the baby’s life. It is best to test for nitrate during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Do you have taste, odor and staining issues?
Test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosion, and every three years. If you suspect other contaminants, test for these also.
Have you had a chemical or fuel spill or leak near your water supply?
Test your well for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds. Tests can be expensive; limit them to possible problems specific to your situation.
As a local expert, I can tell you about
possible impurities in your area.
Is someone in your
household pregnant
or nursing an infant?
Are there unexplained
illnesses in your family?
Do you notice a change in
water taste, odor, color or
clarity?
possible impurities in your area.
Is someone in your
household pregnant
or nursing an infant?
Are there unexplained
illnesses in your family?
Do you notice a change in
water taste, odor, color or
clarity?
If so, you may need to
test more than once a year.
test more than once a year.