Should I Get My Water Tested?

SHOULD I GET MY WATER TESTED?

If you get your drinking water form a private well, spring or domestic water license, you should get your water tested to see if it is safe to drink and suitable for use in your home.

The parameters listed below represent a general test for drinking water quality

PARAMETERS

E.coli group and Total Coliform

• The e.coli and total coliform tests look for fecal contamination in the water that can make you sick.

Turbidity

• A test for Turbidity looks for cloudiness in drinking water caused by suspended particles. Bacteria, viruses and parasites can attach themselves to these particles. Health risks increase as turbidity rises.

Metals and Chemicals

• Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Chromium, Cyanide, Fluoride, Lead, Mercury, Nitrates, Selenium, Uranium.
  These tests look for metals and chemicals that can cause illness at low concentrations.
• Alkalinity, Calcium, Chlorides, Colour, Conductance, Copper, Hardness, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, PH, Sodium, Sulphate, Total Dissolved Solids, Zinc.
  These tests are for items that can affect consumer acceptance and suitability for household uses like bathing, washing, and laundry. At elevated concentrations, these parameters can become health concerns.

LABORATORIES

The laboratory you choose should be accredited by the Canadian Association for Environmental Analytical Laboratories.