What Causes Brown Water?

There are actually many different reasons your water could be brown. Some are harmless, while others could pose a serious health risk. That’s why it’s important to stop using your water until you are able to determine the problem.

Sediment

One of the most benign reasons your water could be brown is an accumulation of sediment or rust. Any kind of disruption to the water system could stir up these particles. This can turn clear water into a murky brew.  Nearby construction and water main breaks are the most likely causes of this type of brown water.  In these cases, the water usually clears up in a few hours. While the water might not look appealing, it would be safe to drink.

Rust

Similarly, issues with the plumbing in your home could also cause brown water.  If you have had issues with your pipes or recent plumbing repairs, this could dislodge rust from older pipes.  Likewise, if you have had to turn off the main water supply, the change in water pressure when the system is turned back on can also stir up rust.  Rust, which is oxidized iron, may make your water taste and look bad.  While rust itself isn’t harmful, it could indicate issues with your pipes which could compromise the quality of your water.

Minerals

Other minerals that can cause a disturbing color change in your water are iron and manganese.  Both of these minerals are naturally found in many of the foods we eat and are considered healthy.  Some people even seek out water that is high in these minerals as a natural supplement to their diet.

Water Heater

Maybe you only have brown water when you turn on the hot water. This might mean that the problem is with your water heater.  An anode rod that isn’t functioning properly can cause a change in water color.

Is Brown Water Safe to Drink?

The safety of brown water is hard to determine without knowing the cause.  Most of the common causes of brown water do not pose a health threat.  However, the brown water could be a sign that there is something else wrong with the water supply.  For example, old rusty pipes could be contributing to the off-color. While the rust itself is not harmful, the damaged pipes could allow the water to become contaminated by bacteria.  The best way to know if brown water is safe to drink is to test it.

TestAssured makes an easy to use testing kit with 10 different tests. The test kit will allow you to determine the quality of your water.  The test results might even help you to identify what is causing your water to turn brown.  Most of the tests will provide results within minutes, with the exception of the bacteria test, which takes two days to develop.

What Should You Do If You Have Brown Water?

The first thing you want to do is determine what is causing the color change in your water.  To find out if the problem is caused by the water supply, call your local utility company and ask if they are aware of any issues.  They typically will provide advanced notice if they will be doing any work that could disrupt the water quality and may advise boiling your water before using it.  If the problem isn’t coming from the main supply, the source could be in your home and may require an inspection by a plumber.

If you are unable to make changes to your water system to clear up the water, an easy solution is a water filter.  There are a number of filters available to fit every need and budget.  You can start with something as simple as a filtered water container to clean water for drinking and cooking or you can go for a full home filtration system.

While drinking brown water probably will not cause health problems, it is important to identify the source as a change in water color could be an indication of other issues.

The post What Does It Mean If I Have Brown Water? appeared first on .

Air Bubbles

One of the most likely causes of “white water” is the formation of air bubbles. Whether your water comes from a well or a municipal source, water bubbles are created during the pumping process. As the bubbles float to the top, they are eventually released into the air, and the water clears.

Pressure Differences

During cold weather, cloudiness can be caused by increased pressure in the water system or the well pump. Cold water holds more air.  As the water moves from the pipes to your glass, it warms up. The pressure changes and the warmer water releases excess air that is no longer soluble.  The change in pressure creates a slightly carbonated effect that makes the water look cloudy.  Again, this can be remedied by allowing the water to briefly settle.  As the air dissipates, the water will clear.

Particles

Sometimes cloudy water is caused by sediment that gets into the water system.  Small particles of sand and grit can make their way through filtration systems, giving your water an unpleasant look.  This is particularly common with water from poorly maintained wells.  While air bubbles will dissipate after a few minutes, particulate matter will generally sink to the bottom.  Sediment filters are helpful for removing these particles, but this could be an indication that there are bacteria present.

Methane Gas

One of the least common causes of cloudy water is methane gas.  Wells that are found in areas where there are gas and oil wells run the risk of methane contamination.  Methane is a concern because of its flammability and difficulty to detect.  It does not have an odor and will dissipate in a similar way as air bubbles.  If you are concerned about methane in your water, you can use an aerator that helps release the gas into the atmosphere.

What Should You Do?

The most common solution to fix cloudy water is to let the water settle.  After a few minutes, the air bubbles will float to the top, and the pressure will have equalized.  However, if your water doesn’t clear up, this could indicate some type of contamination or damage to the water system.

Watching how the bubbles clear can help you identify if there is a problem with your pipes.  If the bubbles clear from the bottom first, it means there could be trapped air in the pipes that needs to be flushed out.  If the air bubbles start to clear from the top, the pipes could be contaminated with sediment.   A plumber can help to resolve either of these issues.

Another simple test can be performed by running each cold-water source in your home for a few seconds and then filling a glass with water from each tap.  When the water from every tap is cloudy, the cause is most likely air in the municipal supply.  Cloudiness that is not happening at all taps could indicate that some of your aerators need to be cleaned.  If the water remains cloudy after 24 hours, you should call your water company.

Testing Cloudy Water

If you are concerned about the quality of your water, you can easily test for common contaminants using an at-home water testing kit.  TestAssured makes a complete water testing kit that will give  you most test results in under ten minutes.  The kit includes a bacteria test which takes 48 hours for the test to develop.

In most cases, the common causes of cloudy, or white water pose no health threats.  It is safe to cook with, bath in, and to drink.  If the cloudiness bothers you, simply let the water sit for a few minutes before drinking.

The post Is Cloudy Water Safe to Drink? appeared first on .

What Causes Contaminated Well Water?

Well water is naturally filtered as it makes its way through the ground into the aquifer.  One of the benefits of well water is that it does not contain fluoride, chlorine, or other chemicals that can be found in public water.  This lack of treatment also means that as a well owner, you need to be aware of what is in your water.

Well water can easily become contaminated. If your well was drilled too close to the surface it can become susceptible to microorganisms. Depending on the condition of the local soil, groundwater can pick up nitrates, nitrites, copper, and other impurities. The use of chemicals and fertilizers in areas surrounding a well can also easily pollute the water.

What Contaminants Can Get Into a Well?

Contaminated well water often doesn’t have easily noticeable signs to alert you of the potential hazard.  You may not be able to easily detect many of the contaminants that can be picked up by well water. This is because they are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  For this reason, the best way to detect these contaminants is with a well water test.

In addition to chemicals, and heavy metals, there are three types of microbial contaminants that you need to be aware of including bacteria, viruses, and cysts.

Contaminated water can cause serious health issues including gastrointestinal distress, nausea, fever, and long-term illness.  High levels of minerals and alkaline can also be harmful to pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances, causing scaling and damage.

Performing a Well Water Test

Understanding and knowing which contaminants to test for is the first step to keeping your well water safe.  TestAssured offers a Well Water Test Kit that you can use as a screening test to determine the safety of your well water. This testing kit includes tests for a complete water analysis.  You’ll be able to identify the presence of metals, chemicals, and even bacteria like E. coli.

The kit contains eight tests.  Each test is calibrated to EPA standards.  Although the bacteria test takes two days to develop, you will have the rest of the test results within ten minutes.

Once you collect your results, you can compare them to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality limits.  If your water tests positive for contamination, you may wish to do more intensive testing.  You should contact your local health department for more information.

How Often Should You Test Well Water?

The minimum recommended standard for testing well water is at least once every year.  For shallow wells that are less than 100 feet deep, the CDC recommends testing twice per year.  If your area has experienced land disturbances or flooding or if you know that there are problems with local wells, it may be necessary to test more frequently. You should perform additional tests any time a neighboring well has tested positive for contamination.

You may also wish to test more often if you begin having unexplained gastrointestinal issues or notice a change in the odor, taste, or appearance of your water.  Indications of a change in water quality include cloudiness, odor, and unusual taste.

The post How Often Should You Perform a Well Water Test? appeared first on .

What is TDS?

TDS refers to the Total Dissolved Solids that can be found in a liquid. The solids can be a variety of salts, minerals, metals, anions, and cations.  When they are dissolved in a liquid, their weight can be measured using a TDS meter.

Measuring TDS

The most accurate way to measure TDS is to evaporate the liquid and weigh the solid particles that remain.  This is not always practical, which is why a TDS meter is more commonly used to test for dissolved solids. A TDS meter provides a reading by measuring the conductivity of the dissolved ions in a solution.  Once the reading is taken, a formula is used to convert it into an estimation of the TDS.  The TDS reading can give you an indication of the quality of the water.

How a TDS Meter Works

Because the dissolved solids have an electrical charge, the TDS meter can measure the electrical conductivity.  It does this by emitting a small electrical current that passes through the water.  The meter then captures electrical conductivity, or EC and converts it into a TDS number.  Some meters are designed to provide both the actual EC reading and the TDS value.

TDS Levels

The TDS levels found in water can indicate whether or not it contains contaminants.  This doesn’t necessarily mean the water is unsafe, but it could be an indicator that further testing is needed.  High TDS levels can be caused by hard water which is caused by a high mineral content. Low TDS levels are typically a result of filtration.  Extremely low TDS levels could be problematic, however, as they are associated with corrosion.

TDS levels often vary depending on the area of the country in which you live.  The higher levels of dissolved minerals in certain areas cause hard water, while other areas have lower levels. These lower levels can impact the pH, making the water more acidic and corrosive.

TDS in Drinking Water

The dissolved solids that are typically found in drinking water come from a number of sources.  Many are natural and seep into water through the soil, but some come from pipes, sewage, and chemical run-off.  The amount and type of solids in your water can affect the hardness and taste.

The EPA has labeled TDS as a secondary contaminant that has an aesthetic effect. These are contaminants that can cause the water to have an unpleasant look, taste, or smell, but they are not considered a health threat.  The EPA has set the maximum contaminant level for TDS in drinking water at 500 parts per million, or 500mg/L.  The noticeable effects when levels exceed that threshold include hardness, colored water, deposits, salty taste, and staining.

Using a TDS Meter

A TDS meter is the perfect tool to test drinking water, aquariums, pools, spas, and hydroponics. A home-use TDS meter is a small battery-operated, hand-held device, about one inch by six inches.  It has metal probes at one end that are covered by a protective cap when not in use.  It’s best to test water that is at room temperature.  To perform the test, remove the cap from the probes.  Turn it on, dip it in the water, and wait until you get a reading.  Compare your readings to the chart below:

Level ot TDS (milligrams per liter)	Rating
Less than 300	Excellent
300 - 600	Good
600-900	Fair
900 - 1,200	Poor
Above 1,200	Unacceptable

As you can see, the TDS levels give you an indication as to the quality of your water.  This can be useful for maximizing the lifespan of water filters for drinking water, aquariums, and pools. Filters come with an estimation for replacement, but the TDS meter can show you exactly when they need to be changed.

What to Do About TDS

A high TDS reading simply means that there are particles in your water that could be affecting its smell and taste.  The easiest solution to correct high TDS is to invest in a water filter.  There are a variety of filters available from inexpensive, individual bottle filters, too much more expensive whole house systems.  Remember, high TDS levels do not mean that your water is unsafe to drink, but investing in a TDS meter is an easy way to regularly monitor your water quality.

If you really want to know what is causing high TDS level, you can purchase a water testing kit that is designed to test for particular contaminants.  This will give you more detailed information as to what is in your water and at what levels.

The post How to Use a TDS Meter appeared first on .

Private Water Statistics

As a well owner, you are accountable for making sure that your drinking water is safe.  Many of the pollutants found in well water are colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making them hard to detect.  Contaminants that occur naturally in the soil can seep into the water that supplies your well.  Chemicals and fertilizers that are used in areas surrounding a well can also easily pollute the water.  Here are some surprising statistics about private water from the Center for Disease Control.

Maintaining Your Well

In the past, requirements for wells were not as strict, so older wells are more susceptible to contamination. Newer wells are now required to include features such as grout seals, sanitary well caps, and extended casings to help protect against pollutants.  Despite these extra precautions, new wells are still at risk for deterioration and should be inspected regularly to check for damage.

No matter how old your well is, part of responsible well ownership is performing regular maintenance.  This will help to ensure that your well is operating properly and that the quality of your water has not been compromised. Regular well inspections for mechanical problems, cleanliness, and the presence of contaminants, will not only protect your water but it will also prolong the life of your well system.

Testing Well Water

You should test well water at least once a year.  If you have a shallow well, less than 100 feet deep, it is recommended that you test at least twice a year. However, you may want to test more often if you have gastrointestinal issues or notice a change in odor, taste, or appearance of your water.

TestAssured makes a kit that is specifically designed to test well water.  The Well Water Testing Kit includes eight tests for a complete water analysis.  You’ll be able to identify the presence of chemicals, metals, and even bacteria like E. coli.

The tests are easy to perform, and you will have results within 10 minutes, with the exception of the bacteria test which must develop for 48 hours.  Everything you need to perform the tests comes with the kit.  There are no chemicals to mix and no samples to send to a lab.

Chlorine, Copper, Nitrates, and Nitrates

The first test you’ll perform with the TestAssured kit is for chlorine, copper, nitrates, and nitrates.  Simply fill the large vial almost to the top with the water from your tap. Remove the test strip labeled CL/CO/NA/NI and swirl it in the water three times, then hold it level for two seconds.  Align the strip with the corresponding color-coded chart to read your results.

Alkalinity, pH, and Hardness

Using the same water sample, the next test in the kit allows you to test well water for alkalinity, pH, and hardness. Take the strip marked AKL/pH/Hard and dip it in the vial for one second. Hold the strip level for ten seconds and then place it on the chart to read the color-coded results.

Iron Test

With the same sample, you can also test well water for iron.  Add the iron reagent tablet to the vial, secure the cap, and shake until the tablet has completely dissolved.  Dip the iron test strip into the vial for two seconds.  Remove the strip and shake once to remove excess water.  Wait 60 seconds and place on the color chart for results.

Bacteria Test

You will need another sample from your tap to test well water for bacteria.  Unwrap the remaining sample vial and stand it upright on a level surface. Carefully twist off the cap without spilling the bacterial growth powder it contains. Fill the vial to the 5ml line, about a ½ inch below the top.  Secure the cap and shake the sample for 20 seconds.  Place the vial upright in a warm area (between 70-90°F) where it will not be disturbed. Wait 48 hours and then check the color of the liquid which indicates the results.

Test Results

Each test is calibrated to the EPA standards.  Once you have your results, compare them to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality. If you have any concerns about the safety of your water, contact your local health department immediately.

The post How to Test Well Water at Home appeared first on .

What Is Hard Water?

When people talk about water quality, one of the factors that is often mentioned is hardness.  As water travels through the ground, it picks up small amounts of sediment from soil and rocks.  Two of the most common minerals that easily dissolve to form hard water are calcium and magnesium.  These are the minerals that are responsible for the hardness of water.  The higher the content of calcium and magnesium, the harder the water.

The hardness of your water often depends on your location.  Between 75-85% of Americans have hard water in their homes.  Homes in the central United States have some of the hardest water.  Coastal states have some of the softest water. Water hardness is measured in grains per gallon (GPG).

Hard Water Causes Film and Soap Scum

Typically, you cannot tell if your water is hard by looking at it or smelling it.  However, you may notice that it interferes with your daily cleaning.  The minerals in hard water affect how soaps and detergents work, making it harder to clean dishes, clothes, sinks, tubs, and even your hair.

When soap mixes with hard water, it makes the water softer by removing the minerals from the water. This mixture creates a film that is hard to remove.  It also reduces the suds created by the soap, making it less effective.  Dishes cleaned with hard water dry to a dull or spotty finish.  Sinks and tubs often have a hard-to-remove film making them look dirty.  Cloths lose their brightness and softness.  Hair feels sticky or greasy after washing.

Costly Effects of Hard Water

Hard water can also affect your pipes, faucets, and appliances.  As the calcium and magnesium accumulate, they can leave an unsightly crust around fixtures.  This buildup can clog pipes, reducing water flow and eventually requiring pipes to be replaced.  Over time, hard water also causes costly damage to water-using appliances.

Testing for Hard Water

If your water comes from a public source, you can contact your water company and request the results of their water tests to find out hardness levels. For those who have private wells, you may wish to contact your local health department for information about testing.   If they do not have a testing laboratory, they should be able to direct you to a facility that tests water samples for private citizens. Most comprehensive water test results include the level of hardness of your water.

It is also possible to perform an at-home test to determine the hardness of your water.  This is an inexpensive option that can provide results in a matter of minutes. TestAssured offers a hard water test kit that is easy to use and will show you the hardness level of your water from 0 grains up to 24 grains.  All you have to do is dip the test strip into your water sample for one second.  Let the strip develop for 10 seconds and then place it on the results color chart to determine the hardness level.

Is Hard Water a Health Hazard?

Although there are many contaminants that make water unsafe to drink, calcium and magnesium do not pose any known health risks.  In fact, there are people who feel that these minerals offer certain health benefits because the additional calcium and magnesium are part of a healthy diet.  There are even some studies that show a link between drinking hard water and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

How to Treat Hard Water

Although hard water does not pose a health risk, it is often considered a nuisance.  There are a number of ways you can treat your water to make it softer.  This will increase the lifespan of your water-using appliances and the plumbing in your home.

Many people opt to use chemical-based water softeners to control water hardness. There are two different kinds of softeners, precipitating and non-precipitating.  Precipitating water softeners use washing soda and borax, while non-precipitating water softeners are made up of complex phosphates.  As water moves into the softener tank, the calcium and magnesium ions are removed through a process called ion exchange. This leaves behind water with a slightly higher salt content, but minus the calcium and magnesium.

If you don’t want to invest in a water softener, but you don’t like the taste of hard water, an inexpensive solution is a water filter.  You can improve the taste of hard water with a filtration pitcher or a faucet water filter.  Both are available in an assortment of styles and sizes with different filters and features.  Basic models start around $20 and will filter out the hard water minerals as well as chlorine and other contaminants.

Determining If You have Hard Water

Hard water is not dangerous to drink, but it can be a costly nuisance.  The hardness of your water will vary depending on your water source and where you live.  TestAssured’s Water Hardness Test strips are a simple and affordable way to find out just how hard your water is.

The post How Do I Know If I Have Hard Water? appeared first on .

What is Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning occurs when there is a continual source of lead being ingested.  Over time, the lead builds up in the body, causing serious health concerns. For people with developing and compromised immune systems, even small amounts of lead are cause for concern. Children under six years old are especially vulnerable to lead poisoning because their bodies are still developing. At very high levels, lead poisoning can be fatal.

How Does Lead Get into Water?

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) work together to set and enforce allowable limits of lead in our water.  Because public water sources are regularly tested, you may think you don’t need to worry about lead poisoning.  Despite these measures, lead poisoning from water is still a risk.

Even if water tests free of lead at the source, it still must travel through an extensive system of pipes to get to your home.  Along the way, it can pick up lead from older pipes, plumbing systems, and water taps.  Lead can even be found in brass plumbing fixtures and copper pipes that have been soldered with lead.  As water travels and sits in these pipes, lead leaches from the pipes and into the water.

Symptoms of Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is very hard to detect, especially at low levels.  Lead is absorbed by the body and accumulates over time.  Symptoms of poisoning may not appear until dangerous levels of lead have built up in the blood and organs.  Sometimes even people with very high levels of lead in their blood may not show any signs of illness.

Children are very susceptible to lead poisoning because of their small size and developing bodies. Some of the symptoms you should be aware of include:

• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Sluggishness and fatigue
• Irritability
• Constipation
• Seizures
• Hearing loss
• Developmental delay
• Learning difficulties

Although children are at higher risk, adults are at risk as well.  Pregnant and nursing mothers should be especially cautious not to drink water contaminated with lead because some of the lead will be passed to the baby.  The elderly and people in poor health should also be concerned about their water quality due to compromised immunity.  Symptoms of lead poisoning in adults include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• High blood pressure
• Memory loss
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches
• Abdominal pain
• Mood disorders
• Reduced sperm count and abnormal sperm
• Miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth in pregnant women

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you or someone in your family is suffering from lead poisoning, you should seek medical attention.  If you live in an older home or are unsure what type of pipes were used in your home, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that your child be tested for lead during the first few years after birth.  Screening is also recommended for older children who have never been tested.

Lead poisoning can be diagnosed through a simple blood test.  Only a small sample of blood is needed, typically from a finger prick.  The levels of lead are then measured in micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).  While there are no safe levels of lead, a measurement above 5 mcg/dL indicates a potentially unsafe level for both children and adults.

Treatment

If you do test positive for lead poisoning, the first step is to identify the source of lead so exposure can be eliminated.  If caught early enough, blood levels may return to normal without treatment.  For severe cases, treatment is chelation therapy. This involves taking a medication that binds with the lead so that it can be excreted in urine.

Prevention

There are some simple measures you can take to prevent the risk of lead poisoning from your drinking water.  If you have an older home, you should have a plumber examine your pipes to determine if they are made of lead or have lead fittings.  It may be necessary to consider replacing the plumbing if it contains lead. This can be costly, but you should check with your local health department to see if there is any funding available to help offset the cost.

Another simple tip is to avoid using hot tap water for drinking, cooking, or making infant formula. Hot water should not be used for consumption because lead dissolves more easily in hot water.  For drinking and cooking, be sure to run the cold water for at least a minute before using.

Test Your Water

If you want to know for sure if your water is contaminated with lead, the simplest thing to do is test it yourself.  TestAssured’s Lead in Drinking Water Test Kit allows you to test for lead in water from both municipal sources and wells.   The kit includes all the instructions and supplies you need to quickly test your drinking water for the presence of lead in only 10 minutes. If your tap water has lead levels exceeding 15ppb, you should take action immediately to minimize your exposure.

The post Symptoms of Lead Poisoning from Water appeared first on .

Water from Natural Aquifers

Well water comes from natural aquifers that store water underground.  There is almost 30 percent more water stored underground than in all streams, lakes, and rivers combined.  This plentiful source of water can be accessed by drilling deep into the ground through the bedrock layer.  The amount of water available depends on the depth of the well and the size and shape of the aquifer.  In order for the aquifer to be replenished, it must continually absorb precipitation that filters through the soil and down into the bedrock.  It is possible for a well to run dry when more water is used than can be absorbed back into the aquifer.  When this happens, it may be possible to drill further down to reach another aquifer or a new well may need to be drilled in another location.

Well Construction

A properly constructed and maintained well can reduce the risk of contaminated water. The location of the well should encourage rainwater to flow away from it. This prevents pools of water from seeping through the soil and picking up pollutants that may ruin the quality of the water.

There are three common types of wells built for drinking water.  Dug wells are 10 to 30 feet deep holes dug in the ground and lined with bricks or other materials for structural support. Because they are so shallow, these wells have the highest contamination risk. Driven wells are mechanically hammered into the ground and pull water from the water-saturated zone. Although slightly deeper than a dug well at depths up to 50 feet, they sill have a moderate risk of contamination. Drilled wells can reach anywhere from 100 to 400 feet and use metal or plastic casings to protect the water. While drilled wells have the lowest risk of contamination, no well can be guaranteed to always provide safe water.

Sources of Contamination

Groundwater can become contaminated from a number of sources, both above ground and below the surface.  Heavy rains, melting snow, and flooding can carry with it harmful organisms and particulate.  A well that is too close to the surface can become contaminated with microorganisms.  Depending on the local area, groundwater may contain copper, nitrates, nitrites, and other contaminants.

Many of the pollutants that are cause for concern can easily go undetected. They are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.  Contaminated well water can cause a variety of health symptoms including gastrointestinal issues, fever, nausea, and long-term illness.  High levels of minerals and alkaline can cause scaling and damage to pipes, fixtures, and water-using appliances.

Older wells are at a greater risk for contamination from surface water because past requirements were not as strict.  Newer wells are built to include better protection from pollutants with such features as sanitary well caps, grout seals, and extended casings.  Despite the improved design, even new wells deteriorate and should be regularly assessed for damage.

Testing Your Well Water

The EPA is responsible for protecting public water supplies, but there are no regulations that govern private wells.  As a well owner, it is your responsibility to make sure that your drinking water is safe.

There are many options for testing well water to assure that it is safe to drink.  Private companies can collect samples, or you can mail samples to a lab for analysis.  This can be costly depending on the number of times a year you need to test, and it may take up to several weeks for results.  Another alternative is to first test with a home testing kit and follow up with laboratory tests for more specific analysis if the initial tests reveal a cause for concern. The TestAssured Well Water Test Kit is perfect for homeowners who rely on groundwater and well water for their drinking and irrigation needs.  The kit includes everything you need to test for chlorine, copper, nitrates, nitrites, iron, alkalinity, pH, hardness, and bacteria.

How Often Should You Test Your Well Water?

If your drinking water comes from a private well, the CDC recommends that you should perform water quality tests at least once a year.  If you have a shallow well that is less than 100 feet deep, it is good practice to test more often. Additional testing is recommended after excessive flooding or disturbances to the soil near your well.  Tests should also be performed any time a neighboring well has tested positive for contamination.  A change in taste, color, and smell are also an indication that the water should be tested.

Be sure to compare your test results to the EPA recommendations and guidelines for water quality limits.  If you are concerned about contamination levels revealed by the tests, further testing may be necessary. Consult your local health department for advice.

The post The Importance of Well Water Testing appeared first on .

We decided to put this theory to the test by analyzing samples gathered at different times during the day.  To do this, we used TestAssured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs. This set includes 4 test kits and can be used by children in grades three through twelve to perform simple science experiments like this one.

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Tap water
• Paper towels

Preparation

Before you start testing, you’ll need to gather your water samples.  We collected four different samples throughout the day, noting the time each was collected. It is recommended that your sample be at least ½ cup in order to have enough liquid to perform the TDS test. Collect your samples in a mug or glass and set aside to complete the TDS test before pouring samples into the vials.

 Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment before transferring your samples to the vials.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water and pat dry between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Fill each vial to within a ¼” of the top.  Be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. You may notice that some of the samples are cloudy or contain particles.  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Record your results in the results notebook

 Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

 Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Was there a significant difference in quality among the samples?
• Could you determine if there was a best time of day to drink your tap water?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are using this as a science fair project, you can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results.  You may even want to create some graphs or charts from your results.

The post Does the Time of Day Change What Is in Your Water? appeared first on .

We decided to see how effective this was by conducting a simple experiment.  We used  Test Assured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs to test water samples that had been collected after flushing the pipes for varying amounts of time.  This test set includes 4 test kits and can be used by children in grades three through twelve to perform water tests that can be used for school science experiments.

Supplies

The first thing you need to do is gather your supplies:

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Tap water
• Paper towels

Preparation

Before you start testing, you’ll need to prepare your water samples.  For this experiment, you will create four samples:

1. ½ cup tap water collected immediately after faucet is turned on – this is the control sample
2. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 1 minute
3. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 3 minutes
4. ½ cup tap water collected after faucet has been flushed for 5 minutes

Collect your samples in a mug or glass and set aside to complete the TDS test before pouring samples into the vials.

Feel free allow the water to run for any length of time.  You can even use a second testing kit to test more samples.  No matter how long you let the water run, don’t forget to label your vials and write down the corresponding sample information in the results notebook.

Testing

The first test you want to start with is for total dissolved solids, using the TDS meter.  The meter will not fit in the test vials, so it is easier to complete this part of the experiment before transferring your samples to the vials.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water and pat dry between each test. Record your results in the results notebook.

After completing the TDS test, you will need to pour your samples into the vials you labeled.  Fill each vial to within a ¼” of the top.  Be sure to wipe up any spills, so you don’t contaminate the test strips.

Before you get started with the tests, now is a good time to make some visual observations. You may notice that some of the samples are cloudy or contain particles.  These observations can be written in the “Notes” on the last page of the results notebook.

Now you’re ready to get started with the rest of the tests. Follow these instructions to complete the remaining tests.

Alkalinity/pH/Hardness Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “ALK/pH/Hard”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample for one second and remove
4. Hold the test strip level and wait 10 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for alkalinity, pH, and hardness
6. Next, record your results in the results notebook

 Total Chlorine/Copper/Nitrate/Nitrite Test

1. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “CL/CO/NA/NI”
2. Pick up the strip on the end with no pads
3. Dip the strip in the sample three times and remove – DO NOT SHAKE OFF EXCESS WATER
4. Hold the test strip level for 2 seconds
5. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for chlorine and copper
6. Wait 45 seconds before reading the results for nitrate and nitrite
7. Next, record your results in the results notebook

Iron Test (Complete this test last)

1. Remove one iron reagent tablet from the foil packet and place in test vial (the reagent could alter the results of other tests which is why the iron test is completed last)
2. Place the cap on the test vial and shake for approximately one minute, until the tablet is completely dissolved
3. Remove the test strip from the packet labeled, “Iron Test”
4. Dip the strip in the sample for 2 seconds
5. Shake the strip once and wait 60 seconds
6. Place the strip as shown in the picture and compare to the color chart for iron
7. Record your results in the results notebook

 Repeat all three tests for each of your samples.

Results

Now that you have completed each of the four tests on your samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Did flushing the pipes change the appearance of any of the samples?
• Did flushing the pipes affect the test results for any of the samples?
• Was there an optimal time to flush the pipes that improved water quality?
• Based on your results, do you think flushing pipes is an effective way to make water safer to drink?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  If you are using this as a science fair project, you can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results.

The post Flushing Pipes – Does it Work? A Simple Science Experiment appeared first on .