About water quality testing

Almost any chemical can be tested for in water. It can be challenging to know where to begin with regards to choosing which chemical to test for. The most common chemical in the public water that is tested for is lead. Based on the scientific literature, lead is a toxicant to humans, especially for children due to their smaller body mass and developing bodies. Lead pipes may have been removed from the house and outside of the house to the pubic tap; however, there are older homes with lead-based pipes, pipes that have been connected together with lead, and pipes that are underground that can’t be seen. Testing the drinking water is an effective way to determine lead content in the drinking water. If results are high based on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards, corrective action is recommended. Beyond lead, water testing may inform a homeowner if water treatments such as conditioning and filtration may be of use, and if so, what types of devices to consider.

Private water resources such as a water well is not as common in the Pittsburgh area; however, there are some homes in the area that are equipped with private wells for domestic water use. Private wells can be contaminated by both naturally occurring sources and by human activities. Private well owners are responsible for the safety of their water. It is recommended that private water sampling be conducted at least annually. To understand the quality of the water supply, water collection and laboratory analysis provide the results needed to determine if the well is suitable for current water use or if modifications need to be made. The most common sample group is called the Potability Water Sample. If there is a quality problem, water conditioning units are available for impurities found in the water. Most financial lenders require the potability water sample for private water sources. Beyond basic potability samples, other chemicals of concern can be tested.  Depending on the home-owner’s geographical area and associated local industry and land use, certain contaminants may be more relevant to test for than others. For example, if living in an agricultural-rich area, testing for nitrates/nitrites and certain pesticides may be of significance.

Click the button to learn more from the EPA about potential well water contaminants and their impacts.