Guide to Drinking Water Testing

The unfortunate truth that has become more prominently known in recent years about the tap water at our disposal is that this water in more contaminated with each passing year. Presently, there are more metal contaminants to worry about in tap water than ever before and fluoride and other purposely added elements are now being linked with serious health issues in both young and old age groups.

Drinking water testing can be carried out by any person who has the right home-testing kits or by a lab professional or team of lab professionals. Depending on the quality and type of test, you can find out more about the pollutants, bacteria, pathogens or other harmful substances that may or may not be in your own personal drinking water. For the most thorough tests, you will likely need professional assistance.

Drinking Water Chemical Testing

Chemical testing is always important to conduct when testing drinking water supply. These pollutants can cause a wide range of adverse health effects. Chemical testing will cover encompass testing for the presence of radon, arsenic, lead and other unhealthy chemical pollutants.

Drinking Water Bacterial Testing

Drinking water should always be tested for traces of bacteria of any kind. While not all bacteria is harmful, a decent percentage of harmful bacteria has been located in drinking water supplies many times in the past. People who experience the four seasons throughout a year definitely need this testing. When the ice from winter begins to thaw in spring, harmful bacteria is more likely to show up and water testing should be performed during these times.

Specialized Drinking Water Testing

Specialized drinking water tests check for a wide variety of different bacteria, minerals, pollutants, chemicals and other substances. Not to mention these tests are performed to test for the presence of iron-reducing bacteria, coliform bacteria, sulfur reducing bacteria and slime-reducing bacteria.

Pathogen Drinking Water Testing

These types of drinking water tests mainly test for the presence of coliform bacteria and pathogenic bacteria types. The bacteria types that are healthy and that work to dispose of harmful bacteria are also tested for during these checks.

Drinking Water Lab Testing

If you have the budget for lab testing, it may be the easiest way to test for all of the previously mentioned bad and good substances found in your own drinking water. Home tests do not often cover all of the proper pollutant tests and are also not as accurate. Drinking water lab testing, on the other hand, is likely the most stable and quickest method of checking the content of your own water supply.