Water Testing
The EPA and PADEP regulates public water systems. They do not have the authority to regulate private drinking water wells. Approximately 15 percent of Americans rely on their own private drinking water supplies, and these supplies are not subject to EPA standards, although some state and local governments do set rules to protect users of these wells. Unlike public drinking water systems serving many people, private wells do not have experts regularly checking the water’s source and its quality before it is sent to the tap. These households must take special precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their drinking water supplies.
Why Test Your Water?
Monitoring water from a private well on a regular basis over regular intervals of time is the best way to ensure that your drinking water is safe. Man made and natural changes in the areas surrounding your well can result in contamination of your drinking water in different ways at any time. Private, individual wells are the responsibility of the homeowner. To help protect your well, here are some steps you can take:- Have your water tested periodically. It is recommended that water be tested every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels.
- If you suspect other contaminants, test for those.
- Always use a state certified laboratory that conducts drinking water tests. Since these can be expensive, spend some time identifying potential problems.
- someone in your household is pregnant or nursing
- there are unexplained illnesses in the family
- your neighbors find a dangerous contaminant in their water
- you note a change in water taste, odor, color or clarity
- there is a spill of chemicals or fuels into or near your well
- when you replace or repair any part of your well system
Types Of Water Tests
Local water labs offer various home or real estate water testing packages of which the most commonly available include:- Total Coliform (Presence/Absence)
- Chester County Health Dept. New Well Series Including analyses for: Nitrate, Chloride, Detergents, pH, Iron, Manganese, Color, Odor, Turbidity and Total Coliform (Presence/Absence)
- Domestic Chemical Series Including analyses for: Nitrate, Detergents, pH, Iron, Total Dissolved Solids and Total Coliform (Presence/Absence)
- FHA/VA Mortgage Series Including analyses for: Nitrate, Nitrite, Detergents, pH, Iron, Total Dissolved Solids, low level Lead and Total Coliform (Presence/Absence)