How to Test Drinking Water

Everyone needs safe drinking water. Annual well water testing is recommended by the EPA to ensure safe drinking water. Though home drinking water supplied by a public water system usually is guaranteed to be safe, the quality of water pipes in the home can affect it. There are many drinking water test kits on the market today, but some water testing must be done by a certified laboratory.

Safe drinking water is a necessity for everyone. Regular testing of home drinking water is not difficult and is highly recommended in certain situations.

• Determine whether the drinking water is delivered by a public water system. If so, the municipality in charge conducts regular and effective monitoring for impurities and contaminants. Home testing still may be necessary depending on the age and type of pipes in the residence. Home testing also may be a good idea if there is a bad taste, odor or if the water is cloudy.

• If the home contains pipes installed before 1930, or pipes installed within the past five years, testing may be in order. Older pipes may contain lead, while new copper pipes sometimes are held together with lead solder or brass fittings. Lead and brass from the solder can leach into the water supply for up to five years.

• Determine if the drinking water is supplied by a well. Well water used for drinking must be tested for contaminants annually, according to the Federal Envronmental Protection Agency.

• Purchase a home water testing kit if testing water supplied by a municipality. The equipment and supplies are readily available online or at local hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive. Usually these are used to test for nitrates, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, flouride, chloride and bacteria. Home testing kits usually come with testing strips to dip into a water sample. Results can be read at home.

• Contact the local health department or county extension service to obtain recommendations for well water testing. Well water may contain more complex pollutants like pesticides, radon, arsenic, radium or petroleum products.  Identifing these contaminants usually requires regular testing by a certified laboratory.  

• For more information, or to find a certified water testing laboratory, contact your county health department or call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800-426-4791).