Frequently Asked Questions
Where does my drinking water come from?
Drinking water can come from either ground water sources (via wells) or surface water sources (such as rivers, lakes, and streams). Nationally, most water systems use a ground water source (80%), but most people (66%) are served by a water system that uses surface water. This is because large metropolitan areas tend to rely on surface water, whereas small and rural areas tend to rely on ground water. In addition, 10-20% of people have their own private well for drinking water. To find the source of your drinking water, check your annual water quality report.

How can I get my water tested?
If your home is served by a water system, get a copy of your annual water quality report before you test your water. This report will tell you what contaminants have been found in your drinking water and at what level. After you've read this report, you may wish to test for specific contaminants (such as lead) that can vary from house to house, or any other contaminant you're concerned about. A water test can cost from $15 to hundreds of dollars.

What is a drinking water standard?
Under the authority of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA), the EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water.For each of these contaminants, the EPA sets a legal limit, called a maximum contaminant level, or requires a certain treatment. Water suppliers may not provide water that doesn't meet these standards.

Water that meets these standards is safe to drink, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs..

I don't like the taste/smell/appearance of my tap water. What's wrong with it?
Even when water meets EPA's standards, you may still object to its taste, smell, or appearance. EPA sets secondary standards based on these aesthetic characteristics (not health effects) which water systems and states can choose to adopt.

What about bottled water?
Bottled water is not necessarily safer than your tap water. The EPA sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on the EPA's tap water standards.

Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs.

Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water costs much more than tap water on a per gallon basis. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations (such as floods and earthquakes), and high quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems.

Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read its label to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste, or a certain method of treatment.

Well Water

When should I test my well water?

Well water originates from rain and snow that naturally filters its way through the ground to the well. Most of the contaminants are filltered, but some contaminants are naturally occuring in the surrounding bedrock. Normally the quality is generally stable, changes normally occur over long periods of time. However, it is necessary to test the quality of your water if any of the following situations occur:

  • New purchase of property that services any water source through the use of a well.
  • New or increased development of surrounding areas.
  • Recent well construction or repair in surrounding areas.
  • Contaminant concentrations above recommended levels in earlier testing.
  • Noticeable change in water quality: taste, appearance, etc.
Water Quality Tests

Standard Analysis includes tests for the most common contaminants which may pose health and aesthetic related concerns. Test is recommended yearly if bacteria or nitrates are found.

Arsenic
Bacteria
Chlorida
Copper
Florida

Hardness
Iron
Lead
Manganese
Nitrate/Nitrite

pH
Sodium
Radon

 


Gross Alpha Screen

Test whether radioactive minerals, such as radium and uranium may be dissolved in well water.

Volatile Organic Compounds is a test for Gasoline compounds and industrial solvents.

Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Filtration

 
 
 
 
   
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