When you think of cities with the worst tap water, there is no doubt that Flint, Michigan comes to mind for most people.  The publicity that came with the Flint water crisis brought to light issues for other municipal water companies.  No longer can people take for granted the quality of water that is coming out of their taps.

Hidden Contaminants

One of the reasons that it is important to test your water is that many of the dangerous contaminants are hard to detect.  Occasionally an off-smell or a strange color may cause you to question the quality of your water, but most contaminants are colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Long before the Flint water crisis, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had been collecting information about violations related to water quality in the U.S.  The problem was that no one had ever analyzed the data until recently.

The data collected covered 17,900 community water systems and spanned a period of  34 years. It contained violations for lead levels, coliform bacteria, arsenic, nitrates, and other contaminants. Analysis of the data revealed that during the Flint water crisis of 2015, almost 21 million Americans, 6% of the population, were getting water from public sources that violated health standards.

Protecting Water Quality

In 1972, the government passed the Clean Water Act and then, in 1974, the Safe Drinking Water Act.  These laws were implemented to help regulate public water systems and provide clean water.  The acts give the EPA the power to set minimum standards for safe water and require public water companies to ensure that their water falls within these standards. While these laws serve to set standards for safe drinking water, recent news headlines prove that isn’t always the case.

The EPA has a weighted point system for tracking violations of its standards for contaminants and treatment. This system measures the number of violation points a public water system has per 1,000 residents served in each state. A majority of the public drinking water suppliers get a passing grade from both federal and state regulatory agencies. However, many of the regulated contaminants that are detected through standard testing are found at levels that may be legal but are above levels shown by scientific studies to pose health risks.

Worst Cities for Public Water

While rural areas are often in the news for contaminated water, major cities also struggled to enforce safe standards and upgrade aging pipes. Here are some of the cities with the worst tap water in the US, according to Business Insider.

What’s in Your Water

Even if your city didn’t make the list, there are many other cities struggling to replace aging pipes and enforce healthy water quality standards.  If you want to know what’s in your water, the best thing you can do is test it regularly.  Understanding and knowing which contaminants to test for is the first step to making sure your family’s drinking water is safe. TestAssured sells a variety of economic testing kits that let you test your water at home with instant results.  For more precise results, you can use our mail-in laboratory test kits for a detailed analysis of exactly what is in your water.

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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.

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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.

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Benefits of Water During Pregnancy

Everyone knows that drinking water is an important part of maintaining good health.  It’s even more important to drink enough water when you are pregnant.  Your body uses water to supply your cells, tissues, and organs with oxygen and nutrients.  It’s critical to maintain proper hydration when you are pregnant. This ensures that your body and your growing baby’s can get the essential nutrients that they need. Not only does plenty of water help maintain the level of amniotic fluid, it also keeps the kidney’s functioning properly.

Drinking water can help with some of the less pleasant parts of pregnancy, including the aches and pains.  You may be able to alleviate dizziness, cramping, and headaches caused by dehydration by increasing your water intake. Even morning sickness, heartburn, and constipation can be helped by sipping some extra water throughout the day.  Feeling a little bloated?  Even though it may seem counterintuitive, drinking water can reduce water retention that causes swelling.  During the third trimester, you’ll want to be especially careful to stay hydrated as dehydration can contribute to preterm labor.

How Much Water Do You Need When You Are Pregnant?

So, just how much water do you need now that you’re drinking for two, or more in some cases?  You need enough water to keep yourself hydrated and to keep your baby healthy. The Institute of Medicine suggests drinking ten 8-ounce cups of water or other fluids per day while you are pregnant.   Keep in mind that this is only a guideline. The amount of water you need depends on your body size and type, as well as how active you are.  A simple way to check your hydration levels is to look at the color of your urine – dark yellow means you need more water, pale yellow or colorless means you’re hydrated.  If you aren’t sure if you’re getting enough water, it’s best to check with your doctor.

Track Your Drinking

The easiest way to make sure you’re getting enough water throughout your pregnancy is to use a water bottle to help keep track of how much you’re drinking.  It’s best to drink small amounts throughout the day instead of trying to drink large amounts once or twice a day.  Sipping water throughout the day can be especially helpful if you’re having stomach issues.  There are some great water bottle options that are designed especially for pregnant women to help you keep track of exactly how much water you’re drinking during the day.

The Five Best Water Bottle When You’re Pregnant

1. BellyBottle Pregnancy Gifts Water Bottle Intake Tracker – These cute 96-ounce bottles are made of BPA-free Tritan plastic and come in either pink or blue.  On one side, it is clearly marked with times so you can see exactly how much you are drinking throughout the day.  On the other side, it has a grid where you can place milestone stickers to celebrate each week of your pregnancy.
2. AQUANEÜ babyneü Pregnancy Time Marked Water Bottle – This 30-ounce bottle is perfect for when you are on the go.  It’s made from BPA-free plastic, is decorated with a motivational quote, and has a built-in straw.  The daily water tracking timeline on the side of the bottle will help you keep track of how much water you drink.  It also comes with stickers to mark your weekly milestones.
3. Leboha 32 oz Wide Mouth Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Water Bottle Tracker – The slim design of this water bottle ensures that it will fit in your car’s cup holder. Designed for pregnant and nursing moms, simply refill this bottle three times. By the end of the day, you will have had your recommended amount of water.
4. LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw – While this bottle isn’t specifically designed for pregnancy, we like the built-in water filter and handy carabiner.  The 2-stage activated carbon filter removes contaminants and can help improve the taste of your water.
5. Water Bottle with Charcoal Filter – This unique water bottle uses a piece of charcoal to purify the water.  The replaceable charcoal filter helps to remove impurities and balance the pH. The BPA-free plastic bottle makes for a chic accessory with its cork top and blue carrying handle.

The Importance of Clean Water

No matter what bottle you choose to help make drinking your 80 ounces of water more fun, it’s important to make sure you are drinking clean, safe water.  Whether your water comes from a public water supply or a private well, you should test the quality on a regular basis.  TestAssured offers a variety of testing kits and test strips so you can know exactly what you’re drinking.  The Complete Water Analysis Kit is our most inclusive kit, that allows you to test for a variety of contaminants.  Whether you’re pregnant or nursing, you’re drinking for two.  Use our water testing supplies to make sure your water is safe.

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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.

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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.

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Still Versus Sparkling

The most basic option between water starts with still, or flat, versus sparkling.  Still water is what you naturally get from the tap.  Most of the water that is labeled “sparkling” is made by adding carbon dioxide to ordinary still water to make it carbonated and bubbly.  Sparkling water is a healthy, calorie-free alternative to soda.  People with digestive issues may want to avoid sparkling water because the carbonation can cause gas and bloating.

Water Sources

The next consideration is the source, which is where the water comes from.  Drinking water comes from sources either above ground or below ground.  Surface water sources include streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, and reservoirs.  Although these are continually replenished by precipitation, low water levels are exasperated by evaporation and seepage into the ground. The EPA estimates that 68% of community water comes from a surface water source.  Groundwater comes from natural aquifers that store water underground.  There is almost 30% 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.

Filtration Methods

Whether you’re buying bottled water or drinking tap water, water filtration can help remove some of the impurities and improve the taste.  Water manufacturers usually filter their water before bottling it.  If you are drinking tap water, there are a number of different filter systems you can use depending on what type of contaminants you are trying to remove.  There are filters that attach to your faucet, and there are also pitchers that contain filtration systems.  The goal of the filters is to remove chlorine, zinc, copper, mercury, and cadmium, which are common contaminants often found in tap water.  Not only can this help make the water safer to drink, but it also makes it taste better.

Distillation

Distillation is another method of removing contaminants from water.  The process of distillation works by heating water into steam, leaving behind the impurities.  There are some pollutants that have a lower boiling point than water, which means that if all of the vapor produced is captured in the same chamber, there could still be some contamination in the final product.  While distillation does eliminate a significant amount of pollutants, a secondary purification method is recommended.  You can either purchase water that is already distilled or you can use a home distillation system to treat your water.

Alkaline Water

Some manufacturers sell alkaline water which has a modified pH level that is higher than regular drinking water. Water from your tap typically has a neutral pH of 7, while alkaline water has a pH closer to 8 or 9.  Advocates of alkaline water claim that it offers health benefits because it neutralizes the acid in your body. They say that it can slow the aging process and prevent chronic diseases.  However, there is no scientific evidence that fully verifies these claims.

Water Additives

One of the most popular reasons that people give for not drinking enough water is that they don’t like the taste.  With the advances in flavor science, today you can find water in flavors from strawberry to bacon and even chocolate mint. You’ll also find water with added vitamins, electrolytes, and chia seeds.

Know That Your Water is Safe

No matter which water you choose, you want to know that the water you’re drinking is safe. The best way to do this is to test it.  This is easily done with an at-home testing kit.  TestAssured makes a number of products that you can use to test your water for different contaminants.  Their most comprehensive testing kit includes tests for lead, bacteria, pesticides, iron, copper, nitrates, nitrites, chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and hardness.  These tests work for all water sources, filtered water, treated water, and bottled water.

Which Is the Best Water?

So, which water is the best water for drinking?  They all vary a little, but it comes down to personal preference.  While the composition of the water may change its taste, it doesn’t necessarily add benefits. The minerals and flavorings that change the taste of water generally do not affect its nutritional value.  The bottom line is that best water to drink the water is the one you like the best. Water is an important a healthy diet, so whichever water makes you want to drink more, is the best water.

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What Is Distillation?

Historical accounts of water distillation go back to about AD 200 when people distilled drinking water from seawater.  Distillation is a simple process where water is boiled to produce steam.  The steam is then cooled and condensed into water.  Because the contaminants and minerals are not affected by the temperature it takes to boil water, they are left behind.

You can purchase distilled water, but it is also possible to distill water in your home.  A single-unit distiller is a popular choice for home distillation. It works by heating water in a chamber to produce steam.  The steam then moves from the chamber where it cools and condenses back into water.  Any contaminants remain in the chamber.

Mass produced distilled water is typically made in a multiple-effect vapor compression distiller.  These industrial distillers can convert millions of gallons of water in a single day. They use large-scale boiling chambers, connected by tubes, to turn the water into steam. The next phase is a compressor that condenses the steam back to water and releases it into storage chambers.

Uses for Distilled Water

While distillation can purify water for drinking, it also has a number of other specific uses.

• Scientists prefer working with distilled water for its exceptional purity.
• Distilled water lacks ions making it a good choice to fill cooling systems and the lead-acid batteries used in cars.
• Without trace minerals, distilled water works best in model steam engine boilers and other model engines. The lack of minerals improves efficiency and prevents what is known as boiler scale.
• Distilled water is used in aquariums because the chemical disinfectants common in tap water have been removed.
• Cigar aficionados use distilled water in their humidors to prevent mineral buildup and improve effectiveness.
• Homebrewers choose distilled water for its purity. This ensures that brews do not take on unusual flavor characteristics imparted by water impurities.
• CPAP users should use distilled water because it does not leave residue when the device’s humidifier evaporates water.

How Pure is Distilled Water?

The process of distillation heats water into steam, leaving behind much of the particulate matter that is considered contamination.  There are some pollutants that have a lower boiling point than water. During distillation, the process pushes these vapors into the same chamber as the water vapor. The final product that is in the chamber could still contain some contamination.  While distillation does remove impurities, experts recommend a secondary purification method to compliment the distillation.

One way to measure water purity is by determining how much electricity it can conduct.  Electrical conductivity, or resistance, is measured as it passes through two points in the water. Here are some resistance comparisons measured in ohms:

Benefits of Distilled Water

The biggest benefit you can gain from drinking distilled water is that it is cleaner and purer than tap water. Keep in mind that depending on the type of distillation, it may not remove all contaminants.  If testing showed that the original water source was safe for drinking, then distilling will improve the quality, and it will still be safe for drinking.  However, distillation of non-potable water may not produce water that is safe to drink.  The distillation process may not remove certain chemical compounds such as those found in pesticides.

Should You Distill Your Water?

If your tap water comes from a municipal source, workers regularly test it to ensure that it is safe to drink.  Municipalities do not test water from private water sources.  People with private water, such as wells, are responsible for testing their water source.  No matter where your water comes from, the surest way to know what is in it is to test it.  TestAssured offers a variety of testing kits that will show you exactly what is in your water.  If your water is high in minerals or heavy metals, home distillation may be an option to purify your water.

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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.

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Testing different brands of bottled water is a simple science project that can be completed using  TestAssured’s 4 Test Kit Set for Schools and Science Fairs. This set includes 4 test kits and can be used by school students in third grade and above to complete a variety of science projects like this one.

Supplies

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

• Test Assured 4 Test Kit Set with TD Meter
• Four cups
• Tap water
• 3 different brands of bottled water
• Paper towels

Preparation

To prepare for the tests, you’ll need to gather your water samples.  We used three popular brands of bottled water and tap water for the control.  You’ll need to pour your water samples into cups for the first test.  Now is a good time to label your vials and write your water sources 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 while your samples are still in cups.  To perform the TDS test, simply turn on the meter and submerge the prongs in the samples. Rinse the meter with clean water 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.  Do this over a sink and 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. Take notes about how clear or cloudy your samples look.  Are there any visible particles floating in any of the samples?  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. It’s easiest to work with one sample at a time.  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 tests on your four samples, it’s time to look at your results.  Ask yourself these questions:

• Did the tap water contain more contaminants than the bottled water?
• Was there a difference in the results among the assorted brands of bottled water?
• Is it worth paying more for bottled water than tap water?
• What results did you find the most surprising?

Record your answers on the “Notes” page.  You can use clear tape to fix the test sticks to the color charts to display your results for your science fair project.

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