Water Testing Services

pH

A measure of how acidic or basic your water is. Water has a neutral pH of 7, which indicates that it is neither acidic or basic. The scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very basic).

Turbidity

Turbidity is the Clarity of your water. Caused by particles suspended in water that scatter light making the water appear cloudy or murky.

Total Coliform and E. Coli Presence/Absence (Bacteria)

The presence of coliform bacteria, or E. coli (a type of coliform bacteria), in drinking water suggests the water may contain pathogens.

Total Coliform and E. Coli Presence/Absence Most probable number (MPN)

A statistical estimate of the number of coliform-group organisms per unit volume of sample water. Expressed as a density or population of organisms per 100 mL of sample water.

Iron

Excessive iron tends to add a rusty, reddish-brown color to water, and can cause staining to plumbing fixtures or laundry. Iron Can also Cause an odd taste and odor. Dissolved iron can come from corrosion in the plumbing, or minerals in the soil.

Sand (Settleable Solids)

Sand is a measure of the amount of sediment coming up from the well. Excess sand can cause blockages in the plumbing.

Hardness

Hard water is caused by high mineral content, primarily calcium and magnesium. Water with elevated hardness can cause soap scum building, form deposits that cause plumbing problems, and scaling on glassware and appliances.

Chlorides

Chlorides come from salts, often from road de-icing salt. Excess chlorides can cause corrosion in metal plumbing and appliances.

V.O.C (Volatile organic compounds)

VOCs are a broad class of organic compounds capable of traveling through groundwater. They can come from sources such as spilled fuel and pesticides.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive noble gas that can be found in groundwater. It can contribute to overall radon air levels caused by radon gas seeping through the foundation. The EPA has determined that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. Not all drinking water contains radon. If your drinking water comes from a surface water source, such as a river, lake, or reservoir, most radon that might be in the water will be released into the air before reaching your water supplier or home. Radon is only a concern if your drinking water comes from underground, such as a well that pumps water from an aquifer, though not all water from underground sources contains radon.

Nitrates

Nitrates can come from natural sources such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, or can be introduced by humans from fertilizer, animal waste, and septic tank runoff. Excess amounts pose a health hazard especially in young children The EPA has set the maximum contamination levels in drinking water as 10 mg/L

Nitrites

Nitrites can come from natural sources such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, or can be introduced by humans from fertilizer, animal waste, and septic tank runoff. Excess amounts pose a health hazard especially in young children The EPA has set the maximum contamination levels in drinking water as 1 mg/L nitrite.

Sodium

Sodium is a common element found in seawater, groundwater, rocks, and many kinds of food. It is one of the components of table salt (sodium chloride), and very high sodium levels give water a salty taste. In moderation, sodium is an essential nutrient for human health. In excess, sodium can be harmful for people with high blood-pressure or kidney dysfunction; consult your doctor for your recommended daily intake.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element sometimes found in groundwater. Human-made substances can also contain arsenic, such as pesticides and treated lumber. Arsenic is a known human carcinogen The EPA has set a maximum contamination level in drinking water for arsenic as 10 parts per billion (ug/L).

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that are widely used. There are thousands of PFAS chemicals found in many different consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Their very slow breakdown makes them very persistent in the environment and studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans.

Potability Package

Potability is the most common test to look for any impurities. The test includes:

• pH
• Turbidity
• Nitrates
• Nitrites
• Total Coliform and E. Coli (Bacteria)

FDA/USDA Loan Package

Tests Includes:

• Potability
• Nitrites
• Lead

VA Loan Package

Tests Includes:

• Potability
• Nitrites
• Lead
• Iron

Use and Occupancy/New Well Package

Test Includes:

• pH
• Turbidity
• Nitrates
• Total Coliform and E. Coli (Bacteria)
• Sand

AND second collection for

• Total Coliform and E. Coli (Bacteria)