How to test water and what will it cost?

[lstvise]

I have well water and currently have a "big blue" filter. Better but still lousy. I need pro water testing to find out what I have and then we'll figure out what you can sell/install to make it better (hopefully a whole lot better!) Where and how do I find a pro lab to do independant testing on my water and give me the results along with specific recommendaitons as to what to filter out, how, and in what priority? If it should be determined that I need a whole house RO system and additional filters, the cost will be a killer. In that unlikely event I'd have to do the installation in stages to allow for the cash to flow in to pay for all the equipment. Hopefully it will be a simpler solution but my water is REALLY bad!

[waterfilters]

We have a professional test kit that you purchase from us, and then send to a WQA (Water Quality Association) laboratory. As of April 2008, it costs around $230. This may be more than you need. We have other test kits that you administer yourself, that will give very good readings. Check this page to see our test kits. Water test kits for water quality analysis and water testing to identify water treatment needs Once you have a reading on your water, we can help you find an economical solution.

Thank you,
WaterFilters.NET

[awc222]

Originally Posted by lstvise

I have well water and currently have a "big blue" filter. Better but still lousy. I need pro water testing to find out what I have and then we'll figure out what you can sell/install to make it better (hopefully a whole lot better!) Where and how do I find a pro lab to do independant testing on my water and give me the results along with specific recommendaitons as to what to filter out, how, and in what priority? If it should be determined that I need a whole house RO system and additional filters, the cost will be a killer. In that unlikely event I'd have to do the installation in stages to allow for the cash to flow in to pay for all the equipment. Hopefully it will be a simpler solution but my water is REALLY bad!

There are extremely few occassions where a whole house RO prove beneficial. Water tests can be done for free from a local water professional. These tests are for aesthetic qualities of water including iron, hardness, TDS, hydrogen sulfide, nitrate/nitrites, etc.

For health concerns, contact your local board of health and they will check for pathogens--generally for e. Coli and coliform. Other more complex tests can be done if requested but may cost much.

Before getting equipment, it is essential that you understand your water very well.

Andy Christensen, CWS-II

[Aquaman]

Although I mostly agree with Andy, the problem with certain name brand local water professionals is that they will do the test for free, and then sell the client overpriced equipment and also charge exorbitant labor charges. This is just one of the many reasons WaterFilters.NET is so successful. We offer our clients the professional advice they need without the expense they can't afford. We offer solutions, at very reasonable prices, and give our clients the liberty to find a plumber they trust, or do the work themselves, which is very often well within the capacity of the average handyman.

In addition to this, do you really want to trust your water test to the guy who makes money selling you the purification equipment. I know there are many honest people in the world, but I'm doing my own water quality testing.

[awc222]

And I agree with you. I have been in water treatment for about six years and have seen numerous examples of this 'backward honesty'. I am a cerified water specialist with WQA and take great care in helping people with their water issues.

The local water professional is not for everyone but on the other hand I have seen that 'Sunday plumber', aka handyman, really mess things up with cheap equipment, magnet water softeners, improper settings, and plumbing things in backwards. My hat's off to the quasi-professional for managing his family's water with care and skill. I have no battle with them and yet many have called on us to help when things run a muck.

Here is a DIYer's attempt to save money and utilize his talents at sweating copper...4 times. he did excellent work.

Most recent to original: A Morton cabinet model, two WaterBosses and his original home-made softener (under the steps).
CLICK to enlarge


This was in only 13 years and two water heaters later. We were able to take care of it properly.


The pie is quite large and there is enough for all.
Andy Christensen, CWS-II

[juliasmith]

Follow the following steps

1.Step1

Request a Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) from your water district. Municipalities are now required to send these to homeowners yearly. This report will tell you about the water that is coming to your house.

2.Step 2

Run some tap water into a clear glass and look closely at it in good lighting. Is it clear or discolored? Do you see sediment in the water? Smell the water; expect a faint smell of chlorine (like a swimming pool) if you are on a city water supply, but any other smell - particularly that of rotten eggs - indicates that your water should be tested. Check drains, fixtures and porcelain items such as toilets and tubs for red, green, blue or brown staining.

3.Step 3


Ask the local health department or Cooperative Extension Service (part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture) for the name of a reputable local water-quality testing facility. If you live in a municipality, your water will be of a consistent quality; you won't need to have it tested every year.

4.Step 4


Alternatively, buy a home water test from a hardware store. While less accurate than a lab test, it's a less expensive alternative.

5.Step 5

Be especially conscious of your water quality if you have a private water supply, such as a well. You alone are responsible for your water. Test well water for herbicides and insecticides when you first move in, and then at least twice that first year (early spring and late fall) for coliforms (bacteria) and nitrates, and once a year for lead, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). If you do any work on your well, notice chemical use on or near your property, or see any of the above-mentioned indicators, have your water checked.

6.Step 6


Have the water tested when you move into a new home so that you will have a baseline guide for future water testing. Check for coliforms, calcium, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, nitrates, pH, sodium, sulfate, zinc and TDS.
EHR | EMR Software