Should you have your water tested?

The question of whether or not to have your water tested is a serious one that concerns the health of you and your family. In addition to illness, a variety of less serious problems such as, taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symptoms of water quality problems.

Not everyone needs to test their water and it is impractical and unnecessary to test for all possible contaminants. Below are a few guidelines for deciding whether or not to have your water tested, and if so, what tests would be appropriate for your situation.

Public Water Supplies

If your water comes from a public or municipal water system, your water is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by federal and state standards, such as pathogens, radioactive elements and certain toxic chemicals. However, some municipal or rural water supply districts do not have enough money to hire trained specialists or to immediately comply with expanding government requirements. In addition, bacteria may grow in your plumbing, or corrosive water or deteriorating pipes in the house may add contaminants to municipal drinking water after it enters your home.

Detailed water quality information on your municipal water is available by calling your local water utility.

Individual Water Supplies

If you obtain drinking water from your own well, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. For this reason, routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure, water supply, regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality. The record can be helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply.

Testing frequencies

This is a general guideline for routine testing. Test more often if you suspect there is a problem with the quality of your drinking water. If any tests give positive results, contact either the state health department or call the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 1-800-426-4791 for more information.

• Once per year test for coliform bacteria, nitrate, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). It is best to test for these contaminants during the spring or summer following a rainy period. These tests should also be conducted after repairing or replacing an old well or pipes, and after installing a new well or pump.
• Every 3 years test for sulfate, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosion index.
• If your home plumbing consists of lead materials, brass fittings or lead solder, test your water as soon as possible. Congress has banned the use of lead in new or replacement plumbing materials.