Water discoloration can result from the presence of iron, manganese, other metals, or organic materials. High color levels not only impact the aesthetic quality of water but may also indicate underlying contamination or water quality issues. Identifying and addressing the source of discoloration is essential for ensuring safe and reliable water. Comprehensive color testing can pinpoint the cause and guide corrective measures.

Odor testing evaluates the sensory acceptability of water, recognizing that unpleasant odors are often a warning sign of underlying issues. Unusual odors may arise from chemical contaminants, biological activity, or industrial pollutants and can significantly impact water quality and user satisfaction. Identifying and addressing the source of these odors is crucial for ensuring water safety and reliability. Professional odor testing provides the tools to detect and resolve these issues effectively.

Water hardness is a measure of calcium and magnesium levels, which can significantly impact water quality and usability. Hard water is often characterized by soap inefficiency, leading to increased detergent use, and by calcium buildup on taps, glassware, and plumbing fixtures. These issues can reduce the lifespan of appliances and increase maintenance costs. Comprehensive hardness testing helps identify the level of minerals in your water and provides actionable insights to prevent damage and improve water efficiency.

Turbidity measures the cloudiness of water, often caused by suspended particles like sediment, organic matter, or microbial contamination. Elevated turbidity levels can indicate filtration system failures and may be associated with bacteria, viruses, or other harmful pathogens, posing significant health risks. High turbidity can also reduce water clarity, impacting its appearance and usability. Professional turbidity testing is essential for identifying the source of cloudiness, ensuring filtration systems are functioning properly, and safeguarding water quality.

pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of water, which plays a crucial role in water quality and usability. Low pH levels can lead to corrosive effects on pipes, plumbing systems, and appliances, potentially increasing maintenance costs and reducing the lifespan of infrastructure. High pH levels, on the other hand, may cause scaling and impact water taste. Regular pH testing is essential to ensure balanced water chemistry, prevent damage, and maintain safe and efficient water systems.

The presence of nitrates and nitrites in water may indicate contamination from sewage, septic systems, or agricultural runoff, posing a serious threat to water quality. Elevated levels are particularly dangerous for infants, potentially causing severe illness such as blue baby syndrome. High nitrogen levels can also contribute to environmental issues like algal blooms, affecting ecosystems and water usability. Comprehensive nitrogen testing helps identify contamination sources, protect health, and ensure water safety for your family and community.

Chlorine residual measures the amount of chlorine present in drinking water, ensuring effective disinfection and safety. Proper chlorine levels are critical for eliminating harmful microorganisms, but non-chlorinated water systems, such as residential wells, should be free of chlorine prior to coliform bacteria testing to ensure accurate results. Regular chlorine testing helps verify water disinfection, protect health, and ensure compliance with safety standards for drinking water.

Chloride is a naturally occurring element commonly found as a component of salt, and it is naturally present in groundwater. However, elevated chloride levels may indicate pollution from stormwater runoff, agricultural practices, or industrial discharges. Additionally, the use of water softeners can significantly increase chloride concentrations in water systems. High chloride levels can affect water taste, corrode plumbing systems, and harm aquatic ecosystems. Regular chloride testing helps identify sources of contamination, protect infrastructure, and maintain safe, high-quality water for consumption and use.

Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound commonly found in drinking water due to the dissolution of minerals and geological formations. While low levels are generally harmless, elevated sulfate concentrations can lead to a laxative effect, particularly in sensitive individuals, and may cause unpleasant taste or odor in water. High sulfate levels may also indicate potential contamination from industrial or agricultural sources. Regular sulfate testing ensures water quality, identifies contamination sources, and helps maintain water that is safe and pleasant to use.

Sodium is a naturally occurring element found in water, often introduced through the dissolution of minerals or as a result of stormwater runoff and sodium-based water softener systems. While low sodium levels are generally harmless, elevated concentrations can affect water taste and may pose health risks for individuals with high blood pressure, hypertension, congestive heart disease, or those on a low-sodium diet. It is recommended that such individuals consult their physician before consuming water with high sodium levels. Regular sodium testing ensures water quality, identifies potential sources of elevated levels, and provides the information needed to protect health and maintain safe water standards.

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element commonly found in mineral deposits and can also enter water systems through agricultural runoff from orchards or wastewater discharge from industrial processes. Elevated levels of arsenic in drinking water pose serious health risks, including skin damage, circulatory issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers. Chronic exposure can have long-term health impacts, making regular arsenic testing essential for identifying contamination and ensuring compliance with safety standards. Protect your health and water quality by testing for arsenic today.

Copper is a naturally occurring element found in mineral deposits and is widely used in plumbing systems. Over time, copper can leach into water from corroded pipes or industrial discharges, potentially leading to staining on fixtures and laundry. At elevated levels, copper poses health risks, including gastrointestinal distress, and long-term exposure may contribute to liver and kidney damage. Regular copper testing is essential to monitor water quality, prevent staining, and protect health, ensuring your water meets safety standards.

Lead is a toxic metal historically used in soldering joints in plumbing systems but has been prohibited in new installations since 1986. Despite this ban, lead can still leach into drinking water through corrosion in older pipes and plumbing fixtures. Exposure to lead is especially harmful to children, potentially causing delays in physical and mental development, while adults may face risks such as kidney damage and high blood pressure. Regular lead testing is essential to identify contamination, ensure compliance with safety standards, and protect your family’s health.

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring elements that can enter water systems from geological deposits or corroding pipes. While low levels are generally harmless, their presence can cause unsightly staining on fixtures, laundry, and plumbing. Elevated levels of manganese, in particular, may pose health risks for infants, potentially affecting neurological development. Regular testing for iron and manganese ensures water quality, prevents staining, and helps identify potential health risks, providing peace of mind for your family or business.

Uranium is a naturally occurring radioactive element found in mineral deposits, and it can leach into groundwater through natural geological processes. Elevated uranium levels in drinking water can pose significant health risks, including kidney damage and an increased risk of cancer with long-term exposure. Regular uranium testing is essential to ensure compliance with safety standards, protect your health, and address potential contamination. Testing provides peace of mind by identifying unsafe levels and guiding corrective measures.

Coliform bacteria are indicator organisms widely used to assess the safety of drinking water. While coliform bacteria are naturally present in soil, vegetation, and surface water, their presence in a drinking water system suggests potential contamination and the possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms. Regular coliform testing is essential to identify breaches in water system integrity, ensure compliance with safety standards, and protect public health. By detecting contamination early, testing helps maintain safe and reliable drinking water for your home or business.

E. coli is a type of coliform bacteria found primarily in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals, and its presence in drinking water indicates fecal contamination. This contamination poses an immediate health risk, as certain strains of E. coli can cause severe illnesses, including gastrointestinal infections and hemorrhagic colitis. Regular E. coli testing is critical to identify contamination early, ensure compliance with safety standards, and protect public health. Testing provides actionable insights to address contamination and maintain safe, clean drinking water.

Wastewater refers to water that has been used and discharged, including stormwater runoff, sewage, and industrial effluents. Comprehensive wastewater testing is critical for monitoring water quality, ensuring regulatory compliance, and protecting public health and the environment. Our testing services include analysis for Fecal Coliform, Alkalinity, Chlorides, Ammonia, Nitrates, Total Phosphorus, Heavy Metals, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Suspended Solids, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), Oil & Grease, and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH). Additional testing options are available upon request to meet your specific needs. Partner with us to ensure the safety and compliance of your wastewater management systems.

Surface water encompasses all water bodies above ground, including rivers, lakes, and oceans, playing a vital role in ecosystems, recreation, and water supply. Monitoring surface water quality is essential for assessing environmental health, detecting pollution, and ensuring compliance with water quality standards. Our most requested surface water tests include analyses for algae, phosphorus fractionation, nitrates, dissolved iron and manganese, tannins, and fecal coliform. Additional testing options are available upon request to meet specific project or regulatory requirements. Partner with us to ensure the safety, quality, and sustainability of your surface water resources.

Swimming water includes any water bodies designated for recreational use, such as pools, lakes, or beaches, where people swim and spend time. Ensuring the safety and cleanliness of swimming water is essential for protecting public health and meeting recreational water quality standards. Our most requested tests for swimming water include analyses for algae and E. coli, which can indicate contamination and pose health risks to swimmers. Additional testing options are available upon request to meet specific needs or regulatory requirements. Trust our expertise to maintain safe and enjoyable swimming environments for everyone.

Legionella is a naturally occurring bacteria found in freshwater environments such as lakes and streams. While typically harmless in nature, it becomes a serious health concern when it grows and spreads in human-made water systems like cooling towers, hot tubs, spas, and humidifiers. Legionella exposure can cause severe lung infections, including Legionnaires’ Disease, which poses significant risks to vulnerable individuals. Transmission occurs through inhaling water droplets or mist contaminated with the bacteria.

Regular Legionella testing is crucial for monitoring water systems, ensuring compliance with safety standards, and protecting public health. As a CDC-Certified Elite Level Testing Laboratory, we provide trusted and comprehensive Legionella testing services to help you identify and mitigate risks. Contact us today to safeguard your water systems and ensure a safe environment.

For information on algae testing, please look at our algae testing page.