Quality Testing of Drinking Water

The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend well owners test their water at least annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. Home mortgage companies often require well water testing to show the household water supply is in compliance with New York State Health Dept. drinking water standards. FHA, VA, and USDA home loans typically require testing for coliform bacteria, lead, nitrates, and nitrites. Radon gas can also enter a house from contaminated groundwater and radon testing of water may be required. John Taylor Home Inspector will have your water tested by a certified laboratory and he will supply you with a formal lab report of testing results. More frequent testing should be considered if:

• There is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap, inundation by floodwaters, or a new contamination source
• The well has a history of bacterial contamination
• The water source is a natural spring
• The on-site septic system or a close-by neighboring system has recently malfunctioned
• Family members or house guests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness
• An infant is living in the home, or
• To monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.

Total coliform is the most commonly used indicator of bacterial contamination. The presence of coliform bacteria is an “indicator” of a well’s possible contamination from human or animal wastes. The Total Coliform Range is a broad category of bacteria, most of which pose no threat to humans. Some benign bacteria occurs naturally in soils, vegetation, insects, etc. Unoccupied homes or vacation homes that are used intermittently are prone to having bacteria form in the well. The presence of coliform bacteria in well water can indicate the need to sanitize the well and plumbing system with chlorine. If the water sample shows bacteria present in the Total Coliform Range, more specific tests for presence of hazardous fecal E. Coli bacteria will be performed. Presence of E. Coli bacteria indicates groundwater contamination from faulty septic systems or agricultural run-off. Installation of an ultraviolet light filter system is the best long-term solution for eliminating E. Coli and other coliform bacteria from drinking water. Only water with no bacteria present will meet drinking water standards.

Spring water sources are very likely to have bacteria contamination. E. Coli is commonly found in spring water due to the ease of surface contamination entering the spring water and unsanitary water collection/holding systems being contaminated by local wildlife activity.

Common sources of nitrates to well water are fertilizers, septic systems, animal manure, and leaking sewer lines. Nitrates also occurs naturally from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in soil and rocks. High levels of nitrates in well water present a health concern and can also indicate the presence of other contaminants, such as bacteria and pesticides. Drinking large amounts of water with nitrates is particularly threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula).

Lead contamination in drinking water is a known health hazard. Lead can be present in the soil or may enter the water from lead plumbing pipes or lead solder that was used in older copper pipe plumbing.

In addition, testing your drinking water for radon contamination may be recommended or required if the home has high levels of radon gas present. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless hazardous gas that comes from natural radioactive breakdown of uranium in the ground. Radon can enter a house through air that seeps into the foundation or by being released from the well water. EPA considers long-term exposure to radon gas to be the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

Additional tests for pH, hardness, iron, manganese, sulfur, and other water contaminants that cause problems with plumbing, staining, water appearance, and odor are also available.