– While testing your drinking water can seem intimidating for a household well owner it can be simple if you have a few basic steps.
These steps can be used to help well owners get the appropriate tests for contaminants, which could pose a risk to their health or create a problem in taste, odor or appearance.
1. 1. Determine the water quality you want to test.
2. 2. Get a reliable water test
3. Take a look at your test results to determine the best course of action.
The following is a great place to begin learning about these three steps. NGWA website, www.WellOwner.org.
What to test
NGWA recommends well owners to test their wells annually for bacteria, nitrate and other contaminants of concern. Local contaminants can either be natural, such arsenic, man-made chemicals, or heavy metals, from industrial or hazardous waste sites.
Water testing is done by most county health departments. Many well owners are also within easy reach of a laboratory for testing drinking water. These are both good places to start when trying to find out what may be of concern.
Water testing
It’s not difficult to find out where to get a water testing kit. Visit www.WellOwner.orgClick on the “Water Testing”Tab near the top of this page
Next, follow these steps:
* “Click for county health department contact info”This will take you to a webpage that provides contact information for your local health department. Ask your health department to determine if they test water and if so, how much.
* “Find a certified testing lab”
This will take you to a map, where you can navigate directly to your state agency’s webpage for information about certified drinking water labs.
Interpretation of your water testing results
To interpret test results, contact the agency or laboratory that performed them. For more information, please contact the agency or lab responsible. www.WellOwner.orgLinks to an online water testing interpretation tool are located below “Water Testing”Tab. The online tool will give you an explanation of your results, usually including any health risks and the best water treatment technologies.
Visit www.WellOwner.orgFind out more about groundwater protection and well maintenance.
