| Water
Testing ... Do you know what's in your
water?
See
also:
Do it yourself Bacteriological Test
| How
to Have Your Water Tested by Our Lab
|
Water is a universal
solvent and to a degree, most compounds including those
found in underground saturated rock formations are
soluble in water. Therefore, groundwater
frequently assumes the characteristics of the geological
formations it passes through on its way to your
well. Drilled or Deep wells draw their water from
aquifers that exist below and within the bedrock.
This water usually has different characteristics from
that which is provided by Shallow or Bored wells which
are supplied by surface waters. Water quality,
while usually consistent, may vary due to environmental
forces such as wet or dry spells, geological shifting
and settling, local and heavy construction, consumption
habits, and the aquifer's general condition to name a
few.
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Groundwater that passes
through iron and manganese (natural elemental metals)
bearing rock formations can impact the water supply by
discoloring the water and/or causing yellow, orange,
red, brown or black stains on plumbing fixtures over
time. A non health threatening but annoying
bacteria ... Iron Bacteria may also show itself as a growth
that compromises the water system. Also,
groundwater passing through rock void of limestone
(probably the most common condition) will generally have
a low pH causing an acidic, corrosive condition.
This condition is indicated by plumbing integrity
problems such as pinhole leaks and blue/green fixture
stains as it reacts to copper plumbing systems and
causes premature water heater failures. When
limestone is present, hardness crusts and
scale deposits from the water are the natural
by-products that also increase soap consumption,
shortens fabric life and dries skin and hair. It
too shortens water heater's life. Sulfates
naturally present in most groundwater can make itself
known when numerous variables of the water system allow
its conversion to hydrogen sulfide the obnoxious
sulfur/rotten egg odor.
Whether you have been in
your home for a number of years or you have recently
moved in to a new well please note: The Virginia
Department of Health requires private water supplies be
tested for the presence of E. Coli and coliform
bacteria in order to obtain an occupancy permit and well
certification. E. Coli is an organism that specifically
comes from animal waste and causes dysentery in
humans. The test is usually done after the well
has been shocked with a chlorine based
disinfectant. According to Virginia Health
Officials, your private water source is deemed
"safe" if no sign of this organism is present
in this one time "snap-shot" test. It
does not, however, ensure that the water will remain
"safe" after the chlorine has dissipated and
the well has replenished itself with new groundwater.
As offensive as some of
these conditions sound, these and other conditions not
mentioned are usually very treatable. Treatment
makes very good sense when considering the importance of
good water needed to keep up health, not having to rely
on inconvenient, costly yet only partially regulated
bottled water and surely to protect the investment and
integrity of the plumbing and piping system of your
home.
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