Water Tests
While relying on a private well can offer some great advantages – namely, the ability to completely control the quality and composition of your water – most well water users can attest that it comes with its own share of disadvantages as well.
Perhaps the biggest trouble with well water stems from the variety of contaminants to which well water users are exposed: wastewater runoff, bacterial contamination, leaching of metals and minerals, high salt content, acidic water, etc. Fortunately, as our readers should know by now, these problems can be easily solved with the right water treatment system.
Before you go off to browse water treatment systems, though, there are a few tests that you should conduct in order to determine the composition of your water and how best to treat it. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but a brief look at ten of the most common water problems found in well water supplies.
Introduction to Water Quality
Water quality is a critical aspect of our daily lives, and ensuring the safety of our drinking water is essential. With the increasing concerns about contaminants in tap water, it’s crucial to understand the importance of water testing and the various options available.
Tap water, the primary source of drinking water for most people, can contain harmful contaminants such as lead, volatile organic compounds, and total coliform bacteria. These contaminants can have severe health implications, making it vital to test our drinking water regularly.
In this guide, we will explore the various types of water test kits, including DIY kits and send-away kits, and provide guidance on how to interpret test results and remove contaminants from your drinking water.
Key Contaminants to Test for in Your Well Water
1. Bacteria
- Common in well water, most bacteria are harmless, but sulfur, iron, coliform, and E. coli should be tested for and treated.
- Sulfur and iron bacteria cause foul smells and plumbing biofilm.
- Coliform bacteria often indicate sewage contamination, and E. coli can lead to serious illness.
- EPA recommends testing annually. Home test kits are available, but lab testing is more accurate.
- Treatment options: UV sterilization, chlorine injection, ozonation, or distillation.
2. pH
- Water pH should be around 7.
- Acidic water (<7) causes corrosion; alkaline water (>7) causes scaling.
- Test with strips or a meter; adjust with a calcite neutralizer or soda ash feeder.
3. Hardness
- Hardness comes from calcium and magnesium in your water.
- Over 8–10 grains per gallon often requires a softener or conditioner.
- Hard water causes scale, stains, and soap inefficiency.
- Easily tested with hardness test strips.
4. Iron/Manganese
- Causes staining, bad taste, and discolored water.
- It may appear clear at first, but it oxidizes and turns orange or black.
- Often accompany iron bacteria.
- Remove with iron filters; test for pH and hardness first.
5. Tannins
- Caused by decaying organic matter in soil and plants.
- Leads to brown water and a bitter taste.
- Typically aesthetic, but can coexist with iron and manganese.
- Treated with tannin filters or pre-treatment like chlorination, followed by filtration.
6. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
- Includes salts, minerals, and metals.
- Over 500 ppm can affect taste; ocean water is 30,000–40,000 ppm for comparison.
- Test with a TDS meter.
- Remove using reverse osmosis or distillation.
7. Nitrate
- Found in areas with fertilizers, septic tanks, or livestock.
- Dangerous for infants—can cause blue baby syndrome.
- EPA limit: 10 ppm.
- Test at home or via lab; treat with RO, softeners, or distillers.
8. Copper
- Often caused by acidic water corroding copper pipes.
- Small amounts can upset digestion; long-term exposure harms kidneys/liver.
- Not visible or tasteable—must be tested in a lab.
- Treatment: neutralize pH and use softeners or conditioners.
9. Lead
- Extremely toxic even in small amounts.
- Common in older plumbing and solder.
- EPA limit: 15 ppb.
- Let water sit in pipes overnight for a worst-case sample.
- Treat with RO systems, distillers, or pipe replacement.
10. Pesticides
- Typically found near farms or industrial areas.
- Harmful to humans even in small amounts.
- Test at home with strips or use lab analysis.
- Certified lab testing is recommended every 3 years.
Water Test Kit Options
When choosing a water test kit, it’s essential to consider the type of contaminants you want to test for and the level of accuracy you need. There are various options available, including DIY kits, send-away kits, and professional lab tests.
DIY kits are user-friendly and affordable, but may not provide accurate results. Send-away kits are more comprehensive and accurat,e but can be more expensive. Professional lab tests are the most accurate but can be costly and may require a visit to a lab.
Interpreting Test Results
Interpreting test results can be challenging, especially for those without a background in water quality. It’s essential to understand the different types of contaminants and their potential health risks. The Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) provided by your local water supplier can help you understand the contaminants present in your tap water. When interpreting test results, look for contaminants that exceed the EPA’s maximum allowable levels. It’s also essential to consider the potential health risks associated with each contaminant and take steps to remove them from your drinking water.
Removing Contaminants
Removing contaminants from your drinking water can be achieved through various methods, including filtration, distillation, and reverse osmosis. Filtration is the most common method, and there are various types of filters available, including activated carbon, ceramic, and ultraviolet (UV) filters.
Distillation involves boiling the water and then collecting the condensed steam, which is free from contaminants. Reverse osmosis involves forcing the water through a semi-permeable membrane, which removes contaminants. It’s essential to choose a method that is suitable for your specific needs and budget.
Now that you know what to look for in your water, you’re ready to begin testing. You can browse our online store for a wide selection of test kits, from small individual tests to large, all-inclusive kits that will allow you to test for all of the contaminants mentioned here, plus dozens more.
Contact Us
Finally, don't forget that you can contact us at any time with any questions or concerns you may have: send an email to support@cleanwaterstore.com or leave a comment on our Facebook page. Thanks for reading – we look forward to hearing from you!
