Owning a private water well comes with serious responsibilities, not the least of which is annual testing. As a property owner in New York State, it’s your responsibility to test your well water every year and ensure it’s safe for consumption.
With that said, many well owners remain unclear on what, exactly, they’re supposed to be testing for.
Thankfully, that’s what professional well testing services are for. An experienced, licensed well contractor will know which specific contaminants to be on the lookout for based on your geographic location. This is especially important if there are known groundwater problems in your area or if you suspect water quality issues on your own property.
However, there is a handful of contaminants, organisms, and conditions that are universally tested for, regardless of location. These include, but are not limited to:
- Total coliforms — A high number of total coliforms is a strong indicator that your water likely contains harmful viruses, bacteria, and/or parasites (e.g. E. coli).
- Nitrates — Although nitrates are omnipresent in soil because they’re found in everything from animal waste to fertilizers to decaying plants, you don’t want too many in your drinking water, as they can cause illness. The EPA has strict standards regarding acceptable nitrate levels in drinking water.
- Total dissolved solids (TDS) — This is essentially the concentration of dissolved minerals in your water. They’re not necessarily hazardous to your health, but high enough levels could lead to foul odors and hard water, which are undesirable for most households.
- pH level — A neutral pH level is ideal. If it’s too high or too low, it could taste bad, damage your plumbing, and even make you sick.
If this all sounds a little intimidating, don’t worry. The team at Goold Wells & Pumps has been testing well water for local homeowners in Columbia County since 1928! Moreover, we’re extremely knowledgeable about water tables and groundwater conditions throughout the entire region, from the Capital District to the Berkshires.
In other words, when you want a local well testing specialist you can trust for thorough, detailed service, we’re the name to know. Call today!