Testing your water is a must for any household that draws well water. This ensures that the water is safe for drinking, cooking, and bathing. Here’s what you should know about water testing so that your family remains protected and healthy.
Regular Well Water Testing is Essential
Water testing isn’t a one-and-done job. It’s something that you need to do at least once a year to make sure your water is safe to use. Some common contaminants that impact the quality and safety of your water include:
- Bacteria
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Nitrates
- Iron
- Manganese
- Hydrogen sulfide
- Volatile organic compounds
- Industrial solvents
Testing more frequently might be important in certain places. If your property is near farming, mining, or manufacturing locations, for example, you may want to test more often since there’s a greater potential for water contamination from these sites.
Regular testing also means that you have a record of how your water looks over time. You’ll be able to spot any gradual shifts that impact your water supply. You’ll also have reference points in case there are pertinent changes that you need to track.
Not All Contaminants Are Apparent
Even if you think your water is fine, test it! It’s better to be safe than sorry, as the saying goes.
Sometimes, a contaminant will impact the color, taste, or odor of your water and it’s clear that there’s a problem. While it’s not good that the water is tainted, at least you know there’s an issue.
Other times, though, contamination can sneak in without being noticed. The contaminant level might be low enough that it doesn’t overtly change the water, or it might not show up at all without specific tests.
Just because we can’t see it, though, doesn’t mean that it’s not there. Regular testing is the only way to know for sure.
Professional Testing Trumps Testing Kits
It’s great to go the DIY route on a lot of things, but not well water testing. While testing kits might alert you to some issues, they’re just not going to catch everything.
A professional water testing service, on the other hand, has the equipment and know-how to:
- Sample water from different parts of your well system
- Screen for a wide range of contaminants
- Culture water samples to assess bacterial growth
Some well contractors provide water testing services. If not, they can point you to a water testing company they trust. Your well contractor can also answer any general questions you have so that you can go into the testing process with confidence.
For well water testing in Albany, Valatie, or the surrounding area, call the pros at Goold Wells & Pumps today! Our team has over 90 years of experience serving well owners in the Berkshires and beyond. We’re a family-owned company dedicated to providing the very best service, products, and workmanship possible. We offer weekday appointments, weekend service calls, and free estimates for your convenience and peace of mind. Goold Wells & Pumps—Trusted Name Since 1928.