headertest

Third-Generation Family-Owned Business, US Water Systems

US Water Systems

Water Testing

The question of whether or not to have your water tested is a serious one that concerns the health of you and your family.

Your water should be safe to drink and acceptable for all other household uses. In addition to illness, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symptoms of water quality problems. Even water that appears problem-free may not necessarily be safe or acceptable.

Water Supplies - Public VS Private

Many homeowners get water simply by turning on the faucet and making a monthly payment to a municipal water system. others provide their own water. Your water supply is either public (you and others are connected to the same water system) or private (you supply your own water). Public water systems draw water from rivers, reservoirs, springs or ground water wells. Most private drinking water comes from wells or ponds (lakes)..

If your water comes from a public or municipal water system your water is regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards, such as pathogens, radioactive elements and certain toxic chemicals. However, some public water supplies may have water quality problems caused by inadequate municipal water treatment facilities or distribution systems. Some rural water supply districts do not have enough money to hire trained specialists or to immediately comply with expanding government requirements. In addition, corrosive water or deteriorating pipes in the house may add contaminants to municipal drinking water after it enters your home.

If you obtain drinking water from your own well, you alone are responsible, for assuring that it is safe. For this reason, routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure water supply. regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality. This record can be helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply.

When To Test Your WaterRust Water, US Water Systems

Schedule Free Water Testing

While it looks disgusting, the water in the photograph at the right was colored from rust.

Rust in water can be a problem, for example if it is at high levels it may stain laundry or even contain enough iron to be a health concern for some people. It might also indicate that the water supply is particularly corrosive or "aggressive."

Whether you have a public or private water supply, you should have your water tested if the following situations arise:

  • If family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness: Test for coliform bacteria, nitrate and sulfate.
  • If household plumbing contains lead pipes, fittings, or solder joints: Test for pH, \corrosion index, lead, copper, cadmium and zinc.
  • If you are buying a home and wish to assess the safety and quality of the existing water supply: Test for coliform bacteria, nitrate, lead, iron, hardness, pH, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS), corrosion index and other parameters depending on proximity to potential sources of contamination.
  • If a water softener is needed to treat hard water: Test for Iron and manganese, which decrease the efficiency of action exchange softeners, before purchase and installation.
  • If you wish to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment: Test for the specific water problem being treated upon installation, at regular intervals after installation, and if water quality changes.
  • If water stains plumbing fixtures and laundry: Test for iron, manganate and copper.
  • If water has an objectionable taste or smell; Test for hydrogen sulfide, pH, corrosion index, copper, lead, iron, zinc, sodium, chloride and TDS.
  • If water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored: Test for color, turbidity and detergents.
  • If pipes or plumbing show signs of corrosion: Test for corrosion index, PS, lead, iron, manganese. copper and zinc.
  • If water leaves scaly residues and soap scum, and decreases the cleaning action of soaps and detergents: Test for hardness.
  • If water supply equipment (pump, chlorinators, etc.) wear: rapidly: Test for pH, corrosion index.

Free Water Testing at US Water Systems

FREE Water Testing from US Water Systems

We specialize in treating all types of water. For us to be able to recommend a solution, we will need to test your water. Call today or complete our online form to schedule a free water test appointment. For contact information, click here.

Well Water Fast Facts

  • Over 15 million U.S. households rely on private, household wells for drinking water.
  • All private wells use ground water.
  • If polluted ground water is consumed, it could cause illness. Ground water pollution can be caused by seepage through landfills, failed septic tanks, underground fuel tanks, fertilizers and pesticides, and runoff from urban areas.
  • It is important that private ground water wells are checked regularly to ensure that the water is safe for drinking.

Future of Tap Water

Man shaving from tap water.

Although the United States has one of the safest drinking water supplies in the world, new challenges require us to continue to work to protect our water supply. A primary concern is the fact that our drinking water infrastructure, which includes the pipes that bring water to our homes, is aging (up to 100 years old in some cases!) and needs to be upgraded or replaced. Cracked pipes, water main breaks, and other age-related infrastructure issues increase the risk for water contamination.

MOst Common Household Water Treatment

  • Filtration Systems
    A water filter is a device which removes impurities from water by means of a physical barrier, chemical, and/or biological process.
  • Water Softeners
    A water softener is a device that reduces the hardness of the water. A water softener typically uses sodium or potassium ions to replace calcium and magnesium ions, the ions that create "hardness."
  • Distillation Systems
    Distillation is a process in which impure water is boiled and the steam is collected and condensed in a separate container, leaving many of the solid contaminants behind.
  • Disinfection
    Disinfection is a physical or chemical process in which pathogenic microorganisms are deactivated or killed. Examples of chemical disinfectants are chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and ozone. Examples of physical disinfectants include ultraviolet light, electronic radiation, and heat.