Why test your water?
We all use water every day. Have you ever questioned the safety of the water you drink? It could contain fertilizer residue from nearby agriculture, or heavy metals from nearby industrial manufacturing. The quality of water you drink greatly affects your health and wellness.
For homes that use well water, it is up to the homeowner to ensure that the well water is safe to drink, bathe in, and use for cooking. Therefore, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that well water is analyzed at least once a year. Getting your well water tested will prevent consumption of harmful germs and chemicals.
What is involved in a water test?
Home inspection is a convenient time to collect a water sample for analysis. The home inspector will determine the best location for sample collection. Next, the inspector will remove the aerator if present. Then, the inspector will run the water for several minutes to clear the water lines. After that, the collection site is sterilized and three water samples are collected. The samples are delivered to the lab for testing, and results will be available to the client within 2-3 days.
Water Quality Testing Details
At Holston Home Inspections, we work with a state-certified drinking water lab to analyze the samples we take from a home. A state-certified drinking water lab is required to test samples using methods evaluated and approved by the EPA. After the testing is complete, the inspector will provide you with a detailed report of the results and recommend working with a filtration expert if any analytes are above the safe threshold.
We recommend that you purchase a premium water quality test, which analyzes for Total Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Iron, Total Alkalinity, Copper, Phosphorus, Total Chlorine, Turbidity, and Free Chlorine.
For buyers, a water quality test can provide valuable information about a prospective property. By having a water quality test done during the home buying process, you can make an informed decision and potentially negotiate the cost of any required filtration system with the seller.
For current homeowners, a water quality test is a proactive step in maintaining the safety and value of your property. Exposure to germs or chemicals in your drinking water is a serious risk that should not be ignored, and knowing about the issue is the first step in mitigating that risk. By catching any elevated levels of germs or chemicals early, you can take the necessary steps to protect your family’s health.
Whether you’re a current homeowner or a prospective buyer, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule a water quality test today to ensure the safety and well-being of your home and family.
Sources
The Center for Disease Control – Well Testing
US Environmental Protection Agency – Certification of Laboratories for Drinking Water
US Environmental Protection Agency – Well Water Contaminants and Their Impacts