How Often Should I Get My Groundwater Tested?

Testing the quality of your groundwater on a regular basis is important to make sure you have safe drinking water in Monroe, NC. In addition, the information you get back in your test results will help you properly address any specific problems that exist in your water supply, ensuring you’re able to shield it against potential contamination and that you’re using the appropriate treatments for the water based on its vulnerabilities.

No matter your intended use of the water, you should get it tested for suitability. In doing so, you’ll be able to identify any problems present in the groundwater, ensure it’s suitable for your intended use (especially if animals or humans will be drinking it), determine how effective a treatment system is (or would be) and track any changes that occur in your water over time.

In fact, having a sample of your groundwater sent out to be tested at a certified water laboratory is the only way you’ll be able to guarantee it is safe to drink. You cannot see any parasites, bacteria or viruses that would be present in the water, and many of them do not add a taste to the water, either, so you cannot rely solely on your senses to determine the water quality. If your water isn’t properly treated when infected with these contaminants, it could cause sickness nearly immediately, or it could cause some long-term health problems that develop over the course of years.

Tests you should have performed

You should make it a priority to get your well water tested at least once a year, and more often if you have already established a history of contamination. Examples of some of the tests you can have performed include:

• Potability: This basic water test checks for nitrates, sodium, chloride, fluoride, coliform bacteria, sulphate, iron, manganese, total dissolved solids (TDS), hardness and pH level.
• Ions: Certain ions, such as those from iron, sodium, chloride, manganese and sulphate, can result in unpleasant tastes or odors in the water.
• Nitrates: Nitrates are commonly found in groundwater, and high concentrations can be especially dangerous for newborn babies, as nitrates affect the blood’s ability to carry oxygen.
• Fluoride: Fluoride is an essential micronutrient for humans. However, too much fluoride in the water can result in dental problems, so it’s important to keep the levels at a proper balance.
• Sulfate: Too much sulfate can result in gastrointestinal distress, creating a laxative effect.
• Coliform bacteria: This test checks for the presence of certain microorganisms in the water that could cause illness or other adverse effects to human health.
• Total dissolved solids: A high quantity of TDS can reduce water palatability. This test specifically checks for inorganic substances, including chloride, sulfate and sodium, that get dissolved in the water.

There are other types of tests available, but these are by far the most common ones. For more information about the benefits of groundwater testing in Monroe, NC to ensure safe drinking water, we encourage you to contact the team at Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC today.

Categorised in: Groundwater

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