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How do i test my home water quality.
Water testing kits are an easy way to gain valuable insight into the quality of the water you rely upon for drinking cooking bathing laundry and more.
This data is compiled in the form of a water quality report you can test the quality of your water by obtaining a copy of this report.
As an individual water system owner it is up to you to make sure that your water is safe to drink.
Water from a utility can spend 3 7 days traveling through old pipes before reaching your home where plumbing and fixtures can also influence water quality.
The epa environmental protection agency says you should consider several factors.
Do i need to test the water quality of my home.
These kits generally use either test strips submerged into a water sample or drops that react with various contaminants if present.
An annual water quality report also known as a consumer confi dence report.
That s also a good idea if your home was built before lead free pipes were mandated in 1986.
The report contains information on contaminants found possible health effects and the water s source.
Several water quality indicators wqis and contaminants that should be tested for in your water are listed below.
A wqi test is a test that measures the presence and amount of certain germs in water.
Basic kits usually test for bacteria lead nitrates nitrites pesticides chlorine hardness and ph.
Obtain a water quality report for your neighborhood.
Local water municipalities are required to test water quality regularly and to make the results public and available each year.
Test your water every year for total coliform bacteria nitrates total dissolved solids and ph levels.
Because concerns about environmental safety our air land water are paramount today many of us choose to test our tap water.
To do this simply contact your local municipality.
Test city water we ve tested our water every year for 20 years and the tap score was the first test i can honestly say i fully understood.
Every water supplier is required to offer a consumer confidence report ccr to provide information about the quality of the water in your area check online on the epa website and search for you local water system provider or check the website of your city s water provider to see the report.
Always use a state certified laboratory that conducts drinking water tests.
If you suspect other contaminants test for those too.
Normally you will receive it with your water bill once a year in july.
What to test for.
If you do not receive a report contact your water company for this information.
You can test your water yourself or have a professional lab or service do it for you.
If you re on well water you won t get a ccr so you should get your water tested.
Since some contaminant testing can be expensive spend some time identifying potential problems.
