"Last summer we had a water reservoir incident where fuel contaminated water was used to refill our reservoir. The Embassy had a temporary solution setup in our driveway to our home (temp water tanks) until they could determine the replacement options of the underground reservoir. A few weeks ago they decided to tile the inside of the reservoir as the answer/fix and let us start using the reservoir again.

We haven't started using it yet, but I am afraid that simply tiling the inside of the underground tank may not have been the best option. What if, eventually, the fuel that seeped into the walls of the old underground (concrete) reservoir begins to seep through the grout of the tiles they used to line the tank? I'm not sure if you could ever get the fuel out of that old concrete tank.

It has me wondering if I should explore the option of testing my water periodically? Our house has a durastill distiller (inside the home) that boils and distills the water prior to our consumption but someone told me that distilling the water would remove any bacteria but would not remove any residue from the fuel. I don't know about these things but am curious as to what you may think? I don't want to find out in 10-20 years that I have developed cancer and then it's too late!

Are there any home test I can do or somewhere I could mail a water sample? I am scheduled to be over here for about 2 more years so a periodic test would be great. I'm not sure how often I should test it (every 3 or 6 months?) but I am interested.

I use the distilled water for cooking/drinking but I used the water from the reservoir to wash dishes, shower, and brush teeth and do not want to be contaminated that way. Any help/advice you could offer is appreciated. I know the Embassy says it will be fine, but they are people and people make mistakes. I just want to be safe and sure....I have my Family over here."

Thank you, Dean, for what has got to be the longest email inquiry we have received thus far!  We will attempt to answer your questions as best we can.

1) Regarding testing, no at-home water testing product we know of can detect trace amounts of gasoline or diesel fuel products, additives, etc. in drinking water. The water must get analyzed in a laboratory setting using expensive equipment. Usually we suggest people consider using the mail-in water testing services of a company like  National Testing Laboratories for such testing. Given that you are stationed overseas, however, we suspect that option may not work out for you.

2) As for whether or not distillation removes gasoline and diesel fuel components, we contacted a manufacturer of distillation units and learned the following:

• Components of gasoline and diesel fuel products fall into a category known as Volatile Organic Contaminants (VOC's)
• Distillation units may remove some of the contaminants associated with gasoline and diesel fuel, but since those contaminants typically have boiling points lower than water's boiling point, it stands to reason that they would vaporize and wind up in the distillate (water produced via distillation).
  
  NOTE: The manufacturer we contacted stated that some of the VOC's would exit through specially placed vents in their distillation apparatus, but they recommend using Activated Carbon Filters post-distillation to effectively get rid of VOC's.
• A wide range of VOC's may come out of fuel products and filter manufacturers suggest having a comprehensive test performed prior to purchasing a water filter because water sources heavily polluted with VOC's typically require custom tailored water treatment solutions.

City water systems typically use free chlorine or chloramines to disinfect the water prior to distribution and as we all know, chlorine has a distinct smell and taste associated with it. Point-of-use water filters such as faucet filters can help get rid of, or at the very least reduce, unpleasant chlorine tastes and smells in drinking water.

Need to test for chlorine? Take a look at Chlorine-Test-Kit.Com. If you have interest in drinking water faucet filters, check out the selection below:

Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System, 35212
Brita 6025835212

Your Cost: $34.99
Regular Price: $39.99

The Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System 35212 has been discontinued by the manufacturer and will no longer be available. The Brita Disposable Faucet Filtration System easily installs onto your kitchen faucet and provides maintenance-free filtration! Once it’s done you simply throw it away. System lasts up to 1 year (with no filter change) and filters up to 300 gallons. Features filter indicator light so you know when the status of your filter changes. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 tested approved for the reduction of: -Lead -Mercury -Cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) -AsbestosNSF/ANSI Standard 42 tested approved for the reduction of: -Chlorine taste odor -Particulates (Class 1)

Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet Filtration System
Brita 6025835213

Your Cost: $22.99
Regular Price: $24.99

“The Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet Filtration System turns your bathroom tap water into healthy, great tasting water. The Drinking Fountain Feature eliminates the need for cups–and kids love it! The compact design of the Brita Disposable Bathroom Faucet System will not obstruct your sink and it’s disposable! System lasts up to 12 months or 50 gallons of water when 2 cups (16 oz) of filtered water are used per day. Once it’s done, simply throw it away. NSF/ANSI Standard 53 tested approved for the reduction of: -Lead -Mercury -Cysts (Cryptosporidium and Giardia) -Asbestos -Benzene -Methoxychlor -Toxaphene -Atrazine -CarbofuranNSF/ANSI Standard 42 tested approved for the reduction of: -Chlorine taste odor -Particulates (Class 1) ”

Brita AquaView Faucet Filtration System
Brita AquaView

Your Cost: $37.40
Regular Price: $52.59

“Model # 42645The Brita AquaView Faucet Filtration System allows you to actually see your filter changing color over time–so you know it’s working! The Brita AquaView also features a unique “out of the way” design that saves you sink space and filter indicator light that tells you exactly when you need to change your filter. The Brita AquaView filters are NSF / ANSI Standard 42 certified for reduction of Chlorine, Taste Odor as well as Particulates (Class 1). The Brita AquaView filter is NSF / ANSI Standard 53 tested and certified for the reduction of lead, cysts, asbestos, and turbidity. The AquaView also allows 3 different spray options for your convenience: Brita Filtered, Spray, and Stream. Package includes one filter and one system. No Tools required for installation and the Brita AquaView system installs on all standard size faucets.Quick and Easy Filter Replacement. ”

Brita AquaView Faucet Filter System (Bonus Filter)
Brita AquaView Bonus

Your Cost: $39.40
Regular Price: $65.00

“The Brita AquaView On Tap Faucet Filtration System allows you to actually see your filter changing color over time–so you know it’s working! The Brita AquaView also features a unique “out of the way” design that saves you sink space and filter indicator light that tells you exactly when you need to change your filter. The Brita AquaView filters Chlorine Taste Odor as well as Particulates (Class 1). NSF/ANSI tested and certified the AquaView reduces lead, cysts, asbestos, and turbidity. The AquaView also allows 3 different spray options for your convenience: Britia Filtered, Spray, and Stream. Package includes two filters and one system. ”

Brita AquaView Replacement Filter Cartridge
Brita AquaView Replacement

Your Cost: $19.95
Regular Price: $29.95

“The Brita AquaView Replacement Filter cartridge is the replacement filter for the Brita AquaView On Tap Filter model 42645, AVFF-100. Instructions included. Filter lasts for approximately 100 gallons or 4 months depending on water quality. Tested and certified by the NSF/ANSI this filter reduces: lead, cysts, particulate (class 1), and taste odor. Part number 42647. ”

OmniFilter F1 Series A Water Faucet Filter
OmniFilter F1

Your Cost: $15.99
Regular Price: $16.99

“The OmniFilter F1 Water Faucet Filter reduces rust, sediment, and chlorine taste odor from your water. This faucet water filter installs easily onto your faucet and provides great tasting water with just the turn of a knob. The OmniFilters F1 Series A includes the filter unit, filter cartridge FRC1, and adaptor kit. The FRC1 cartridge should be replaced ever 3 months or 200 gallons. The Omni Filter F1 specifications are as follows:Flow Rate – .75 gpm Micron rating – 50 Filter change indicator dial Capacity 200 gallons Reduces Chlorine / Rust / Sediment / Dirt The replacement cartridges for the OmniFilter F1 are the FRC1 and the FRC1-D. ”

F-2C WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
Waterpik F-2C

Your Cost: $16.99
Regular Price: $18.99

“The F-2C WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable convienent way to remove chlorine, bad taste and odor from your drinking water. Installs in less than 4 minutes! NSF Tested and Certified. The F-2C Systems features : Quick Installation — Less than 4 minutesEconomical Cost — Great Tasting Water at a Fraction of the Cost of Bottled WaterConvenient Selector — Let’s you switch between filtered and unfiltered water easilyStep by Step InstructionsNSF/ANSI Standard 42 Tested and Approved for Chlorine Taste and Odor ReductionThe Waterpik F2C Faucet Filter System takes replacement cartridge R2C2 or R2C4. Cartridge should be replaced every 3 months for optimum performance. ”

F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F5

Your Cost: $19.99
Regular Price: $24.99

“Model F-5 (White) and Model F-5C (Chrome)The F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System reduces Chlorine, Lead, Bad Taste, Odor, and Cysts. The F-5 Faucet Filter System comes with the R-5 filter cartridge and installs in less than 4 minutes.Reduces lead, cysts, chlorine, bad taste and odor Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class II), Taste and Odor. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 53 for the reduction of Cysts and Lead Includes a replaceable filter cartridge, R-5. Easy installation in less than 4 minutes. No tools required White finish and white cover. This F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 97% of Chlorine Taste and Odor This F-5 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard53 for the reduction of 99% of Cysts 99% + of Lead ”

F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F6

Your Cost: $13.99
Regular Price: $19.99

“Model F-6 (White with Clear Cover)The F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable and convenient way to purify your water from your faucet. The F-6 Faucet Filter System comes with the R-2C filter cartridge.Reduces chlorine, bad taste and odor. Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class II), Taste and Odor. Includes a replaceable filter cartridge, R-2C. White finish and clear cover. This F-6 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 92% of Chlorine Taste and Odor ”

F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System
WaterPik F7

Your Cost: $23.95
Regular Price: $34.95

“THE WATERPIK F7 HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED BY THE MANUFACTURER. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO SEE THE WATERPIK F8, WHICH REMOVES MORE CONTAMINANTS AND HAS RECENTLY BEEN REDUCED IN PRICE. Model F-7 (White)The F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System is an affordable and convenient way to purify your water from your faucet. It installs in a few minutes and has an electronic filter indicator to notify you when it is time to change the filter.One of the most advanced electronic faucet filters available System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 42 for the reduction of Chlorine (Class I), Taste and Odor, Particulate (Class I). System tested and certified by NSF International against ANSI/NSF Standard 53 for the reduction of Cysts, Lead, Lindane and Asbestos. Three-month, 200 gallon capacity. Choose between filtered and unfiltered water to extend filter life. Green, yellow and red monitor light indicates when to change filter. Includes a replaceable, easy to install, high performance carbon block filter, the R-7. White finish and white cover. This F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard 42 for the reduction of 97.2% of Chlorine Taste and Odor 99.55% of Particulates Class IThis F-7 WaterPik End of Faucet Water Filter System meets NSF / ANSI standard53 for the reduction of 99.98% of Cysts 99% + of Lead 97.5% of Lindane 99.98% of Asbestos ”

Looking for more types of water filters? Take a look at the Water Filters Detailed List over on WaterTestBlog.Com