Items on the third list include things like personal health care products, prescription medications, over the counter medications, herbicides, pesticides, and other compounds that mankind has added to the products it uses on a daily basis.

Why have we not noticed some of these contaminants previously?  Quite simply, advances in analytical techniques and its associated instrumentation has made it possible for scientists to detect them.

Should we worry about emerging contaminants?  We should certainly keep an eye on their levels and monitor their effects on people, that's for sure!

Remember:  In the not-too-distant past compounds like asbestos, lead, mercury, arsenic, and thousands of man-made chemicals got used all around the world without so much as a single person batting an eye or questioning their safety for the general public.

Thank you, Dee, for your inquiry and YES we believe that you can justify taking a few minutes out your already hectic schedule to test your water for (at least) the basic water quality parameters like coliform bacteria, heavy metals like lead and iron, pH & alkalinity, total hardness, etc.

We sincerely believe that KNOWING your water has the proper balance to keep you living a healthier, and dare we hope for longer, life makes spending 10 to 20 minutes every so often well worth ANYone’s time — especially if you have young children, elderly family, and/or individuals with compromised immune systems living with you.

Three water testing options

1. Local Water Quality Technicians — Having someone from a local water filtration company come out to test your water will save you the time it takes to test your water, yes, but prepare yourself for a sales pitch since they typically make their money on the water filters they sell, not the testing services they provide. Many an unsuspecting homeowner has purchased a water filter system that they did not need based upon the results of water test results provided by a water filter salesperson.

   Not saying ALL water filter salespeople stoop to that low level, but hard evidence points to the fact that many have in the past.

   Oh, and make certain the local water testing lab you select has the proper certifications to test drinking water.

   Watercheck Well Water Package

2. Mail-In Water Testing Services — It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes to properly collect and pack up a water sample that then needs to get shipped via and overnight method guarantee that specific water quality characteristics and contaminant levels do not shift between the time of collection and testing.

   Companies like National Testing Laboratories offer a variety of water testing packages ranging from single tests for things like tannins and fluoride to comprehensive water testing packages that detect more than 100 metals, volatile organic compounds, DBP’s (disinfection byproducts), water characteristics, etc.

3. Perform the Testing Yourself — This option (more than the other two) will require you to get your hands wet, yes, but it also costs the least amount of money and makes it possible for you to test your water on-the-spot when/if it tastes funny, looks cloudy, smells bad, etc.

   Granted no at-home drinking water test kits exist for things like VOC’s and DBP’s, but you can easily test at home for other more common water problems like metals, coliform bacteria and total hardness in a matter of minutes.

   No matter which option you choose, just CHOOSE and rest easier knowing that unwanted contaminants have not slipped into your water supply.

   Remember: It’s Your Water, Your Health, and Ultimately… Your LIFE!

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2013/05/23/how-long-does-water-testing-take/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2013/02/24/best-reason-to-test-your-drinking-water/ http://watertestingblog.com/2013/02/24/best-reason-to-test-your-drinking-water/#respond Sun, 24 Feb 2013 21:35:48 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=6460 People often ask us what we would consider the absolute best reason to test drinking water and we typically say something like, “… because ultimately the responsibility for making sure the water that one drinks contains no contaminants fall squarely on the shoulders of the person drinking the water.”

   Today, however, we would like to (temporarily) change our answer to, “… because you never know when a dead body may turn up in your water supply.” Why the change of heart? Read this: Tourist’s Body Found in Hotel Water Tank.

   Yep. You read that correctly. Authorities found a dead body in the water tank of a Los Angeles hotel and people bathed in, brushed their teeth with, and drank that water. In a word, “Yuck!”

   WaterCheck Water Test Kit

   While the likelihood of this ever happening to you or anyone you know is infinitely small, it does prove a point that we try to drive home all the time: All water supplies can become contaminated at some point… and testing takes very little time, costs very little, and could one day keep you or a loved one from accidentally ingesting harmful contaminants.

   Testing for ‘common’ water contaminants… not difficult at all!

   Test kits like the SenSafe Water Quality Test Kit and/or the WaterWorks Complete Water Test Kit make it possible for pretty much anyone to test for a collection of water quality parameters and potential contaminants.

   And, for those who wish to get an even better picture of their water quality situation, test kits such as the WaterCheck Water Test Kit made by National Testing Laboratories which tests for 103 water quality parameters and potential water contaminants.

   SenSafe Water Quality Test Kit

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2013/02/24/best-reason-to-test-your-drinking-water/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2012/06/27/home-water-filters-gaining-in-popularity/ http://watertestingblog.com/2012/06/27/home-water-filters-gaining-in-popularity/#respond Wed, 27 Jun 2012 23:30:13 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=5689 According to a recent article posted on the Washington Post web site entitled Handy Guide: Home Water Filtration, an estimated 40 percent of Americans have some sort of water filtration system in their homes.

   Countertop Water Filters Faucet Water Filters Undersink Water Filters Whole House Water Filters

   The article also mentioned that Americans who use water filters in their homes do so for three main reasons: 1) Taste of their drinking water; 2) Unpleasant or strong odors in their drinking water; and/or 3) Concerns about the health effects of drinking contaminated drinking water.

   Bad taste and odor

   More often than not the main complaints we hear from people regarding the quality of their drinking water have something to do with the way their water tastes and/or smells…. with a large number of the complaints involving the unwanted taste or smell coming from their water’s chlorine content.

   Other common odors in drinking water may come from dissolved organic matter (tannins), higher then normal levels of dissolved metals and dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas (abbreviated as H₂S).

   As a general rule the majority of common taste and odor problems in drinking water get labeled as aesthetic problems, not health concerns. Please note that extremely high concentrations of ANYthing in drinking water, even contaminants typically considered aesthetic nuisances, can pose health risks in the right concentrations.

   Concerned about health risks

   As more and more stories about pesticides, heavy metals, arsenic, and volatile organic compounds in drinking water around the country keep appearing in the news, more and more and people take an interest in the quality of their own drinking water by taking the first step: Having their water tested.

   While having a certified water testing laboratory such as National Testing Laboratories remains the best way to find out exactly what, if any, contaminants you or someone you know needs to have removed from their water, several do-it-yourself home water test kits make it possible for the average homeowner to check basic aspects of their own water quality on a regular basis w/o the need for laboratory services.

   You will find a number of very handy (and easy-to-use!) home water quality test kits in the Water Test Kit Store.

   Remember: It’s your water, your health, and ultimately… your LIFE!

   WaterSafe Well Water Test Kit

   WaterSafe Pesticides Test Kit

   Lead in Water Test

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2012/06/27/home-water-filters-gaining-in-popularity/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/30/where-to-get-all-water-tests/ http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/30/where-to-get-all-water-tests/#respond Fri, 30 Mar 2012 17:08:03 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=5378 The internet makes locating information, goods and services so much easier than in the past and when it comes to inquiries about water testing the Water Testing Blog definitely gets its share of inquiries from outside the United States.

   eXact Micro 10 Water Testing Meter

   Today’s inquiry came to us from ‘Ashish’ who wrote, “hi,i am a mp govt emploie i want all test for water because my department allso belong these.”

   As best we can interpret, Ashish works for a government agency that has responsibility for performing water quality testing and Ashish would like to know where he can obtain all the required water quality testing products that his agency would need to carry out its water testing duty.

   Unfortunately, without knowing exactly what testing Ashish’s department performs we really can’t provide him with much of an answer except to recommend the following general, all-purpose testing equipment:

   • eXact Micro 10 Water Testing Meter — We selected this water testing product because of its versatility. The eXact Micro 10 provides direct readings for Total Alkalinity, Bromine, Calcium Hardness, Free Chlorine, Total Chlorine, Copper, Ozone, Permanganate and pH. When used in % Transmission Mode along with the appropriate reagentstrips the eXact Micro 10 has the ability to read an additional 17 water quality parameters.

     In addition to having extreme versatility, the eXact Micro 10 Water Testing Meter also has extremely easy-to-follow testing procedures. Children in the grade school age range can operate this meter and obtain accurate water test results.
      

   • Well Driller Master Test Kit — We keep mentioning this test kit because of the value it has for people seriously interested in testing water on a regular basis. Testing for a total of 14 different water quality parameters (some as many as 50 times!) this conveniently packaged water testing kit offers awesome value for under $200.

   So, we regretfully cannot say that we have satisfactorily addressed Ashish, but we did at least try. If you have more specific questions, Ashish, please feel free to contact us again!

   WaterSafe Science Project Test Kit

   eXact Micro 7+ Pool Testing Meter

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/30/where-to-get-all-water-tests/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/29/water-testing-downstream-from-a-mining-operation/ http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/29/water-testing-downstream-from-a-mining-operation/#respond Thu, 29 Mar 2012 18:05:14 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=5366 Diligence in monitoring water quality always makes sense and it really makes sense if you live near industrial complexes, manufacturing facilities… or in this case a mining operation. ‘Andre’ wrote in and asked,

   I want to send a sample of river water downstream from a mining opeation to see if and what the chemicals and water is composed of…we fish on this river and would like to submit samples for testing..we are on a budget but still would like to know what is in the water??

   and the cost of sending in samples of the river water..thanks

   In a situation like this we would suggest submitting a sample to a company like National Testing Laboratories which offers several levels of testing packages. For more information on this company, please refer to a previous article called Who is/are National Testing Labs?

   103 Parameter Water Test

   Given the wide range of potential contaminants that could get carried by runoff from the area around a mining operation, we suspect that you will want to run as many tests as possible. National Testing Labs has a 103-Contaminant Test Kit available for around $200 and an 83-Contaminant Test Kit available for around $160.

   Basic testing options for day-to-day monitoring?

   Once you have established a baseline reading by getting the water tested by a qualified water testing laboratory you will want to keep tabs on the water’s quality by using basic test kits from companies like SenSafe and WaterSafe.

   WaterSafe Test Kit

   Water Quality Test Kit

   Well Water Test Kit

   While basic, at-home drinking water test kits will not test for nearly the number water contaminants as laboratory testing, many basic water tests serve as potential indicators of more serious water quality issues.

   AP-1 AquaPro TDS Water Tester

   * TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)

   We suggest keeping an eye on the total dissolved solids level in a water source with a simple TDS Meter and monitoring for sudden spikes in TDS levels. Massive changes mean something has entered the water supply.

   Test for Metals

   While that ‘something’ may just be silt kicked up by heavy rains, one should get curious if the levels spike at times other than after rainstorms or other plausible explanations for elevated TDS levels.

   * Dissolved Metals

   Sudden changes in dissolved metals concentrations should certainly raise a few red flags and Heavy Metals Test Strips make monitoring dissolved metals levels in water a quick, safe and easy process.

   * Multi-Parameter Monitoring

   If you want to perform a wide range of water tests on a regular basis we suggest investing in a kit like the Well Driller Master Test Kit since it allows users to test up to 50 samples of water for critical water quality parameters.

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2012/03/29/water-testing-downstream-from-a-mining-operation/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2012/01/10/nsf-certified-water-filter-homepure-ap-0930-a-good-product/ http://watertestingblog.com/2012/01/10/nsf-certified-water-filter-homepure-ap-0930-a-good-product/#respond Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:56:44 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=5110 A plethora of water quality improvement products exists and sometimes the choices seem overwhelming — even to folks with more than a little knowledge on the topics of water quality and water quality improvement.

   Today’s inquiry came to us from ‘Ric C’ who asked a very wise question about a water filtration unit he may wish to purchase (HomePure AP-0930):

   Hi
   Am dealing with a product that has an NSF certification, and below is the address;

   http://www.nsf.com/Certified/DWTU/Listings.asp?TradeName=homepure&Standard=&ProductType=&PlantState=&PlantCountry=&PlantRegion=&submit3=SEARCH&hdModlStd=ModlStd

   Does this mean the product is good?

   Quite honestly, we have never seen the HomePure AP-0930 before but as we said previously, the marketplace has a ton of water filtration units out there and we seriously doubt that anyone could know the in’s and out’s of every single water filtration unit currently available for purchase.

   Doulton W9331032 Ultracarb Water Filter NSF 42 & NSF 53 Tested & Certified

   With that said, we looked at the NSF credentials supplied by Ric and saw that this unit has tested and certified to NSF/ANSI STANDARD 042 (Drinking Water Treatment Units – Aesthetic Effects) for the reduction of chlorine taste and odor as well as NSF/ANSI STANDARD 053 (Drinking Water Treatment Units – Health Effects) for the reduction of volatile organic compounds (VOC’s).

   While having NSF Certification does give the HomePure AP-0930 a bit of credibility, please keep in mind that not every water filter will work in every application — even with NSF, WQA, etc. certifications to back up its capabilities.

   Think of it this way: A high quality hammer won’t do you a bit of good when you need to turn a screw.

   Testing your water first?

   Yes! Do it! Test your drinking water before spending money on a water filter!

   Before investing in a water filter for your home or office make sure you test your water for as wide a range of potential contaminants as possible. Doing so could save you the expense and aggravation associated with installing a filter that addresses the wrong water quality issues.

   Anything specific about the HomePure AP-0930 catch your eye?

   We like the fact that the HomePure AP-0930 has NSF certifications. As we said before, it means the unit certainly has some credibility.

   Heavy Metals Test Strips

   One thing we did not like about the unit dealt w/ it inability to filter out heavy metals such as lead, copper, iron, chromium, etc. In our opinion a well-rounded, general purpose water filter would also have the ability to remove/reduce levels of heavy metals in drinking water.

   Older homes most likely contain metal piping and the majority of public water systems contain metal pipes, as well. “But, we live a newly constructed home.” Does not matter (in our opinion). Newer homes, while mostly containing PVC or some other type of plastic piping, still get connected to public water systems that contain miles and miles of metal pipes.

   Depending upon the quality of the water when it leaves the water treatment plant, it has the opportunity to pick up anywhere from traces of metals to noticeable levels of metals as it travels through those miles of metal pipes to homes and offices on the water system.

   Interesting fact: The literature for the HomePure AP-0930 water filter system did mention metals and say that metals in water may cause problems, but the HomePure AP-0930 does not remove/reduce metals.

   Replacement filters for the HomePure AP-0930?

   According to the NSF web site, the HomePure AP-0930 uses a replacement filter element with model number “AP-0931”. A quick search on two popular online water filter web sites (FilterWater.Com, FiltersFast.Com) and a Google search yielded no locations where a person could purchase replacement filters.

   Not a particularly good sign! What happens in 3 months or a year when the original filter kicks the bucket?

   WaterCheck Laboratory Test Kit for 100+ Possible Water Contaminants

   Moral of the story?

   Not all water filter systems are created equal and even though some bear seals of certification and/or endorsement from well-known, reputable organizations such as NSF or WQA, not every one of those ‘certified’ products will clean up every possible water quality condition.

   So, test your water to see what problems/issues it may have and THEN set about the task of locating the correct water quality improvement device for your water.

   Look for products that bear the NSF and/or WQA logos, but do not assume the logo automatically means that a particular device will do what you need it to do.

   Oh, and one last thing: Check to make sure you can easily acquire replacement filters for any water filter you consider buying.

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2012/01/10/nsf-certified-water-filter-homepure-ap-0930-a-good-product/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2010/10/26/water-testing-approved-in-north-stamford-better-than-nothing/ http://watertestingblog.com/2010/10/26/water-testing-approved-in-north-stamford-better-than-nothing/#respond Tue, 26 Oct 2010 13:03:23 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=2768

   
   WaterSafe City Water Test Kit

   Today we’d like to bring to your attention a situation in a part of Connecticut (Stamford) where the representative for a group of local residents publicly states that some water testing beats no water testing.

   While we think no area with doubts about water quality should have to settle for less testing than they’d like, we do want to mention that we agree with the man’s assessment that some testing beats none — and we encourage people to test their drinking water for the simple things that require only a basic water test kit.

   Variations in basic water parameters can sometimes indicate a much bigger problem or, at the very least, give well owners a reason to investigate further. As an example, elevated total dissolved solids (TDS) levels means water contains more broken down substances than usual… and a well owner might want to know WHAT substances have broken down and infiltrated his/her water supply.

   Residents of Stamford, CT hope that compiling water test results from across their region will help identify potential sources of well water contamination and although only a fraction of the requested testing will get done, as we mentioned before, some testing beats no testing each and every time.

   STAMFORD — The Board of Representatives unanimously approved funding for limited well testing Monday night, freeing nearly $18,700 for analysis of 50 city wells in North Stamford.

   “It’s not everything that we would have wanted,” said Jay Crutcher, a representative for North Stamford Concerned Citizens for the Environment, a residential group. “It’s 50 wells out of 5,000 across North Stamford, which is literally 1 percent. The statistical accuracy of it is definitely less than bulletproof, but it’s better than nothing.”

   …

   In addition to testing 50 wells, the city is also compiling data voluntarily submitted by North Stamford residents who have tested their wells at their own expense, Fountain said. So far, the city has received more than 70 submissions of data analysis from residents.

   “Any environmental results that the city gets are all public information,” Fountain said.

   The health department is creating a map that will identify contamination locations. The map will be posted on the city’s website and also on the Scofieldtown Task Force website when completed, Fountain said. ( source )

   So… what can the average person test for in their own drinking water? On a very basic level, and in addition to TDS testing, sudden changes in pH, total hardness and/or alkalinity can make water ‘aggressive’ and may result in the corrosion of metal surfaces which in turn adds dissolved metals to the water. Some metals, such as iron and copper, may not pose all that great a health risk (usually), but others like lead and arsenichave the ability to do a lot of sometimes irreparable damage to the human body.

   pH & Alkalinity Test

   Water Metals Test

   Lead in Water Test

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2010/10/26/water-testing-approved-in-north-stamford-better-than-nothing/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2010/05/06/water-quality-test-kit-for-homeowners/ http://watertestingblog.com/2010/05/06/water-quality-test-kit-for-homeowners/#respond Thu, 06 May 2010 15:21:11 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=1508

   We recently visited the Filter Water web site to see what new products they offered and discovered that they have LOWERED THE PRICE on the Water Quality Test Kit manufactured by SenSafe to $32 plus shipping.

   Why do we keep talking about this particular home water quality test kit? Simple: It offers homeowners the opportunity to easily and safely test 15 different water quality parameters in a matter of minutes — except for the bacteria test which must sit for a day or two.

   • Free Chlorine – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Total Chlorine – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Chloride – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • pH – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Total Alkalinity – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Total Hardness – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Nitrate – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Nitrite – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Iron – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Sulfate – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Hydrogen Sulfide – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Copper – 2 tests – more info on this test
   • Lead – 1 test – more info on this test
   • Pesticide – 1 test – more info on this test
   • Bacteria – 1 test – more info on this test

   Why Should You Test Your Own Drinking Water?

   We often get asked that question and our reply typically sounds like, “Have you paid any attention to the news lately? Areas all OVER the country have ‘issues’ with drinking water quality and we know other areas have problems, too, bu they just didn’t make the evening news.”

   Need proof? OK, below you will find excepts from RECENT news stories related to water quality issues and water quality testing:

   • According to WBZTV, the repairs on the massive pipe that burst over the weekend have been completed and water quality testing has begun. At least two tests have to be performed to determine if the water meets the Federal standards for drinking water.

     According to Boston Globe, State officials are expecting clean water to be available to greater Boston residents within the next 24-48 hours. Ria Convery, a spokeswoman for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority said “Whoo-hoo, the pipe held. We are back on the regular system and pending water tests, we expect to have (drinking water restored) within 24 to 48 hours.” For now though, the boil water order is still in effect. ( source )

   • Park Rapids is issuing the results of monitoring done on its drinking water for the period from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2009.

     …

     During the year, the city had a violation for Nitrate (as Nitrogen). The nitrate result that was over the MCL was collected from a well that is designated as an emergency back-up source. The system has an agreement with the MDH to use this source only in an emergency situation such as fire protection.

     The city’s system returned to compliance as of Aug. 25, 2009.

     Nitrate in drinking water at levels above 10 parts per million is a health risk for infants of less than 6 months of age. High nitrate levels in drinking water can cause blue baby syndrome. Nitrate levels may rise quickly for short periods of time because of rainfall or agricultural activity. ( source )

   • WASHINGTON – May 5 – A new testing method by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reveals that pollutants such as arsenic, antimony, chromium and selenium, can leach from coal ash at levels dozens and sometimes hundreds of times greater than the federal drinking water standard. This news comes on the heels of EPA’s proposal to regulate coal ash, in which the agency offered two options: a plan to regulate coal ash as hazardous waste and another to regulate it as non-hazardous. ( source )

   So you see, water testing takes place all the time. Some people do it because they have to, as in the case of municipal water systems, others do it because of a problem, as in the case of city workers after a water main break, and others do it because they want to put an end to some form of pollution… as in the case of the EPA looking to regulate coal ash because of its ability to leach arsenic and other dangerous metals into the public water supply.

   Culligan TK-2 Water Test Kit

   WaterSafe City Test Kit

   WaterSafe Well Water Test Kit

   Complete Home Water Test Kit

   Arsenic in Water Test Kit

   Well Drillers Test Kit

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2010/05/06/water-quality-test-kit-for-homeowners/feed/ 0 http://watertestingblog.com/2009/10/20/should-people-with-water-filters-test-their-water/ http://watertestingblog.com/2009/10/20/should-people-with-water-filters-test-their-water/#respond Tue, 20 Oct 2009 13:03:29 +0000 http://watertestingblog.com/?p=556 You tested your drinking water before you bought the filter to make sure you made the correct purchase. With the water filter system properly installed and functioning as it should you no longer have to worry about water quality, right?

   WRONG! While you certainly did the right thing by purchasing and installing the correct water filter system based upon the results of initial water testing, you will still need to perform periodic testing to make sure your water filter continues to operate as it should.

   Some water filter systems come with electronic warning lights or alarms to alert their owners when the catridge or filtration media needs flushing or changing but many do not — and some that do may not always work.

   If your filter stops filtering, and you don’t know about it, some of the stuff (contaminants) you meant for the filter to catch may work their way through your water filter… and wind up in your next glass of water.

   How Do I Check to See if My Water Filter Works?

   In most cases a person can use a simple, at-home water quality test kit such as the WaterSafe All-in-One or the SenSafe Water Quality Test Kit to check the purity of the water discharged by a water filtration system.

   SenSafe Water Quality Test Kit

   COMPLETE Water Quality Test Kit

   WaterSafe All-in-One Water Quality Test Kit

   ]]> http://watertestingblog.com/2009/10/20/should-people-with-water-filters-test-their-water/feed/ 0