How do I choose the right water test? We explain common problems with your water, the likely causes of your water problems and we suggest the type of water test you should perform for any given situation. See Table Below.
Water Quality Testing and Water Treatment Recommendations
We at SimpleWater prepared this easy guideline to help you determine how to best interpret your drinking water test results. Many customers come to us with questions about their existing water tests performed by other water testing services. We can help translate your results anytime, call us at +1 888 34 MY WATER or read below.
We explain common problems with your water, the likely causes of your water problems and of course we suggest the type of water test you should perform for any given situation.
What To Test For
|
Problems with Your Water |
Probable Causes |
Recommended Water Tests |
|
Corrosive Water: Drinking water with a pH measurement less than 6.0 |
Corrosive source water Low hardness Low alkalinity |
Hardness, Alkalinity, Sulfate, Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Zinc |
|
Lime Scale Buildup: Off-white chalky solids on hot water plumbing, fixtures, kettles. Reduced soap lathering. |
Your water is hard Exceeding 150 mg/L |
Hardness |
|
Blue or Reddish Stains: On drains, plumbing, fixtures, laundry. |
Corrosive Plumbing Corrosive Source Water Low pH |
Hardness Alkalinity, Sulfate, Lead, Copper, Cadmium, Zinc |
|
Rust-Colored Water: Foul odor, reddish stains on clothing, drains, plumbing, fixtures, toilet tank. |
Elevated Iron Elevated Manganese |
Iron, Manganese |
|
Bad Odor: Rotten egg or musty or swampy odor, tarnished copper and silverware, yellow or black stains on plumbing fixtures. |
Hydrogen sulfide gas High sulfates, Sulfur bacteria, Iron/manganese bacteria, Coliform bacteria |
Hydrogen Sulfide, Sulfate, Coliform Bacteria, Iron, Manganese |
|
Dirty Water: Cloudy, Turbid, Muddy Water |
Silt, Sediment, microorganisms |
Turbidity, Coliform Bacteria |
|
Bad Odor: Chemical, fuel or fruity odor |
Leaking fuel tank, Gas station spill, Chemical spill, Road runoff |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) |
|
High Nitrates: Exceeding 10 mg/L High Nitrites: Exceeding 1 mg/L |
Fertilizer runoff Septic System Failure |
Pesticides, Coliform Bacteria |
|
Recurrent stomach aches: |
Human or animal waste, Cracked well casing, Flooded well, Failing septic system |
Coliform Bacteria, Nitrates, Nitrites |
|
Bad Taste: Bitter, metallic taste |
Corrosive water Low pH |
pH Lead Copper |
|
Bad Taste: Salty, brackish taste |
Road salt runoff, Well near salt water Malfunctioning water softener |
Chloride, Sodium, Total Dissolved Solids |
|
Near Farming: Well within 1/4 mile of current or former orchard or farmland. |
Agriculture Arsenic Pesticides. |
Arsenic, Nitrates, Pesticides |
|
Near Industrial Area: Well within 1/4 mile of commercial or industrial area |
Gasoline & Oil Solvents leaked or spilled |
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) |
|
Water Flooding: Well flooding, ponding around well. |
Heavy rains, Poor drainage |
Basic Indicators |
|
Termites: House foundation treated for termites before 1990 |
Termite pesticides leaching |
Pesticides, Dieldrin, Chlordane |
|
Changing Water Quality: Noticeable change in taste, color, odor, or clarity of your water. |
Unknown Could be anything |
Contact Local Water Authority or Order a SimpleWater Test |
Water Tests and Environmental Laboratories
A note from the caring folks at SimpleWater — We are a water testing, analysis and health data company intent on providing the best water testing, analysis and reporting service ever created.
We serve homes, families and businesses asking: “what’s in my water, what does it mean, and how do I ensure the safety of what I’m drinking?”
SimpleWater’s national team of certified laboratory scientists, engineers, health experts and designers provide each customer with a personalized Tap Score Water Quality Report. SimpleWater’s Tap Score is the Nation’s First Smart Water Testing Service for affordable and informative contaminant screening and personalized treatment recommendations. Call Anytime :: 888 34 MY WATER (+1-888-346-9928)