What is Water Testing

Water is a very vital resource for survival of the human and other organisms. The water are prone to contamination due to various reasons, the water contamination can happen due to various reasons, the contamination could be organic or inorganic. The Organic contamination is like presence of virus, Bacteria, and other micro organisms in the water. The inorganic contamination can be due to presence of hazardous chemical substance in water.

Who needs "Water Testing?"

Household Water Testing:
Household need to get the water testing done to ensure that the water is safe for human consumption.

Industrial Water Testing:
Industry need to test the available water to test if it is suitable for industry. And the testing is done also after the recycle of the water to measure the safety level to release he water to river or sea.

Sea Water Testing
Sea water is highly contaminated due to the industrialization and modern fishing methods. Sea water testing is done for environmental reason. Contaminated see water has taken many sea creature to the brink of extinction.

Agriculture Water Testing
Water Testing is necessary for fishery and other water related agricultures. Contaminated water can also leave trace of hazardous metal and compound in the agricultural products which will be ultimately be consumed by human being.

Water testing methods

You can have your water tested for a wide range of substances, however, these tests can be very expensive, and in most cases, are not necessary. It is important to identify which substances you should test for if it cannot be detected using the more common water test kits. To safeguard against the most common and serious health concerns, environmental health professionals suggest that at a minimum you test your water well for coliform bacteria, nitrates and pH annually.

Bacteriological Analysis detects different types of coliform bacteria in your well water. Aside from the annual test, this should be done whenever (1) there is a noticeable change in the odor, color or taste of your well water, (2) flooding has occurred near your well, (3) a household member or animal experiences unexplained gasto-intestinal illnesses, or (4) maintenance has been carried out on the water supply.

Parital Chemical Analysis detects some commonly occurring inorganic compounds such as nitrates, iron, sodium and chlorine. Water Testing for nitrates should be carried out especially if (1) livestock facilities, fertilizer storage or handling sites, septic system or other nitrogen sources are in the area of the water supply, (2) manure or municipal sludge is spread in the area of the water supply or on land nearby, or (3) fertilizer is applied on or near the water supply. Because high levels of nitrates can cause methemoglobinemia ("blue baby syndrome"), you should test your well more often if someone in your household is pregnant or lactating or if there is an infant. When ingested, nitrates are transformed into nitrites. Nitrites convert hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying component of blood, into methemoglobin, a more inefficient oxygen carrier. Left untreated, methemoglobinemia can lead to brain damage or even death. Young infants are the most vulnerable.

pH Test: Water with a pH of less than 6.5 or greater than 8.0 can corrode your plumbing and introduce dissolved metals into your drinking water. These metals may pose a serious health hazard.
Because nitrates enter groundwater through the same pathways as other contaminants, the detection of nitrates in your drinking water may indicate the presence of pesticides and other substances in your aquifer. If nitrates are detected, further tests are recommended to identify the contaminants that might be present. A specific chemical analysis detects one of a few specific chemicals. To determine which chemicals to test for, consult your local environmental health sanitarian or your county extension agent and consider present and past land-uses on and around your water supply area. Even if you find that your drinking water is safe, Water Testing your water annually is a good way to establish a water quality record.