Water testing is a vast field involving various procedures to monitor the quality of drinking water. Millions of tests are carried out each day to meet regulatory requirements and ensure safety. These tests are an essential part of water quality monitoring. You can learn more about the types of water tests performed in your area.
Water testing is available at most state-certified water testing laboratories. A list of these laboratories is available at the DPH Certified Environmental Labs website. Additionally, many private labs can perform specific tests. Most of these water testing labs allow you to collect your own sample. However, some may require you to hire a technician to take samples for you. The method for collecting a sample is different for each test, so you should always follow the instructions carefully.
If you are worried about the quality of your drinking water, routine testing can be a great way to ensure that you are getting the purest possible water. A test for dissolved oxygen and BOD will help you determine if your water is safe to drink. Water that lacks dissolved oxygen will result in bad taste and odor.
Water testing can also reveal the concentration of certain contaminants, which may lead to a water quality issue. If you notice a sudden change in the amount of a particular contaminant, you may need to change your water treatment or change the way you use it. For instance, a change in the concentration of certain bacteria, lead, or cyanide may mean that you need to change the way you treat your water.
If your drinking water contains a high concentration of lead or other contaminants, you may need to undergo water testing to ensure that the water you are drinking is safe to drink. In some cases, the contaminant can cause gastrointestinal problems, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. This is especially important for the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
For the most accurate results, you need to collect a sample of water from a clean source. You can buy sample containers from a health department or testing laboratory. Sometimes these containers are specially prepared for specific contaminants. When collecting a sample, it is important to follow the sampling procedure and read the instructions before starting the process. Depending on the parameter being measured, you may need to collect samples before and after a treatment process.
Different types of water contain different contaminants. For example, well water is more likely to contain pesticides and fertilizer toxins than surface water. Water quality testing kits can show you the types of contaminants in your water and provide details on the health risks associated with the presence of each one. You can also determine the pH level and general hardness of your water.