Should I have my water tested?

Routine water testing is essential to ensure the safety and quality of your drinking water, especially if your home relies on well water.

For municipal water users, maintaining water quality records can provide valuable insight and early detection of potential issues. Regular testing is particularly important if you have infants or immunocompromised individuals in your household, as these groups are more vulnerable to contaminants such as bacteria, lead, and nitrates.

Protect your family’s health by making water testing a regular part of your home maintenance routine.. 

When should I test my water and for what?

If your home relies on well water, annual testing for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH is essential to ensure your drinking water remains safe.

In addition, testing for general chemistry, including arsenic and uranium, is recommended every 4–5 years to detect naturally occurring contaminants.

Lead testing is particularly important for households with young children, as lead exposure can have severe health impacts. Homes built before 1986 should test for lead every 2–3 years due to the potential for older plumbing systems to leach lead into the water.

Regular testing tailored to your household’s needs is key to maintaining water quality and protecting your family’s health.

If my water is clear and smells clean, it’s safe to drink, right?

Clear and clean-smelling water isn’t always safe to drink.

Harmful bacteria, protozoa, and many metals like lead or arsenic are often odorless, tasteless, and colorless, making them undetectable without proper testing. 

The only way to ensure your water is truly safe is through regular testing tailored to detect these invisible contaminants. 

Protect your health by testing your water quality routinely, even if it looks and smells fine.

If my water is brown or smells bad, it must be unsafe, right?

Not necessarily. Brown or bad-smelling water can result from harmless issues like sediment or extra iron, which, while unpleasant, may not pose a health risk.

For example, water with high iron levels is generally safe for showering but not ideal for drinking. However, without identifying the exact cause of the discoloration or odor, it’s impossible to determine if the water is truly safe.

If you notice any changes in your water’s appearance or smell, it’s essential to test it before use to ensure its safety.

How should a sample be collected?

We provide sterile sample containers to ensure accurate testing.

For coliform bacteria, collect samples in sterile containers under sterile conditions, removing hoses and aerators from the faucet.

For metal testing, collect water after it has been sitting in the pipes for 6–8 hours.

For other tests, let the water run for 10–15 minutes before collecting. Use cold tap water to fill the containers, keep the samples cold, and deliver them to the lab within 24 hours of collection.

Please contact us beforehand for guidance on proper sampling procedures.

If my water has bacteria in it, should I drink bottled water?

Not all bacteria are harmful, but some can pose serious health risks.

Coliform bacteria, commonly used as an indicator of water quality, signal potential contamination in your drinking water. If coliform bacteria are detected, it’s a sign of an issue with your water supply, and you should switch to bottled or another safe source of drinking water until the problem is resolved.

How can I treat my water to make it safe again?

This greatly depends upon what problem your water is experiencing.

In most cases, filtration systems can greatly improve water quality. There are different types of filters to remove bacteria, chemicals and larger particles or sediment.

Distillation systems can help with solid contaminants. Water softeners are able to fix instances of hard water. Disinfectants can be used for pathogens.

A water system contractor or water treatment expert can help you determine which method is right for you.