You may want to have your water tested for basic safety elements. What does it mean? What if the results are out of “normal ranges”?

Below is a short description of why each item should be tested and what the results mean. You should consult your water treatment or well adviser for additional information.

Bacteria – Total coliforms are a group of closely related, mostly harmless bacteria that live in soil and water as well as the gut of animals. The extent to which total coliforms are present in the source water can indicate the general quality of that water and the likelihood that the water is fecally contaminated. Total coliforms are currently controlled in drinking water regulations (i.e., Total Coliform Rule) because their presence above the standard indicates problems in treatment or in the distribution system.

Bacteria – Fecal coliforms. Fecal coliforms are bacteria that are associated with human or animal wastes. They usually live in human or animal intestinal tracts, and their presence in drinking water is a strong indication of recent sewage or animal waste contamination. Your water was tested for the presence or absence of bacteria.

Nitrates – milligrams per liter –Infants below the age of six months who drink water containing nitrate in excess of the MCL could become seriously ill and, if untreated, may die. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blue-baby syndrome. High concentrations of Nitrates are also unhealthy for seniors and those with compromised immune systems. Ten (10) is the level determined by the EPA to be critical, requiring mitigation efforts.

Turbidity – NTU –Turbidity is a measure of the cloudiness of water. It is used to indicate water quality and filtration effectiveness (e.g., whether disease-causing organisms are present). Higher turbidity levels are often associated with higher levels of disease-causing microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria. These organisms can cause symptoms such as nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and associated headaches. The standard for turbidity is 10 Nephelometer Turbidity Units (NTU). If the standard is exceeded, an iron test is required to determine whether the turbidity is due to high iron, or a defect in well construction, or non-use of the well.

pH – pH is a general measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a water sample. The symbol pH stands for potential for hydrogen. The pH of water, on a scale of 0 to 14, is a measure of the hydrogen ion concentration. Water contains both H ions and OH ions. Pure distilled water contains equal number of H and OH ions and is considered neutral (pH 7), and is neither basic nor acidic. If water contains more H than OH ions the water is considered acidic with a pH less than 7. If water contains more OH ions than H ions, the water is considered basic with a pH greater than 7. The US EPA standard range is 6.5 to 8.5. Acidic waters tend to be corrosive to plumbing and faucets, particularly if the pH is below 6. Alternatively, alkaline waters are less corrosive but can lead to accumulation within plumbing and potentially adversely affect water flow. Waters with a pH of above 8.5 may tend to have a bitter or soda like taste. The pH of water may have an effect on the treatment of water.

In so many ways, “Water is Life”. But no one cares about the water supply until there is none!