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Basement well (C) Daniel FriedmanChoosing a Water Test - FAQs
Q&A on when & how to decide which water tests to order?

Drinking water test choices and cost questions & answers.

This article series explains how to decide what drinking water contamination tests you should order: this article describes the types of water testing available, outlines common water test fees, describes the details of what parameters are included in various water test options, and gives advice to assist you in deciding what tests to order.

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Q&A on Drinking Water Test Types, Parameters & Test Selection Advice

Photograph of  this antiquated laundry sink with several unsanitary plumbing violations in view. at COLIFORM STANDARDS for DRINKING WATER we explain that virtually all standards, world wide, for water potability require that the level of both total coliform and E-coli in drinking water be at 0 per 100 ml of water.

These questions and answers about choosing a well water or drinking water test were posted originally at WATER QUALITY TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES - be sure to review that article.

On 2018-02-24 by (mod) - e how much will it cost to test the water?

Marsha

The WATER QUALITY TEST CHOICES & WATER TEST FEES article lists some typical water testing fees for various common water tests that people perform.

What it will cost to test your particular water depends on what tests are ordered. The choice of what tests that should be ordered, in turn, should probably be based on what local water testing Labs can tell you about common contaminants in the area of the building involved, combined with information that you might obtain from your home inspector.

On 2018-02-24 by marsha

looking to a house how much will it cost to test the water

On 2018-01-17 20:37:34.205466 by (mod) -

Of course, Dan, contact any water test lab and obtain a sterile bottle and sampling instructions from them.

On 2018-01-17 06:34:19.082542 by Dan

There is some concern where I work about the drinking water provided from the fountain and faucets.

The building was converted into an office after being a decommissioned sweatshop in a small city in Los Angeles County. Is it possible to have a sample of the water analyzed by an independent lab to see if anything is really there, or to show that the concern is unjustified?

This would be outside the normal channels of asking the company's Environmental Healh and Safety Officer to conduct this test, since this individual reports to management. How would one contact a lab that would accept this job?

On 2018-01-07 01:41:26.950234 by (mod) -

Vernon,

You can find a forensic lab (online search for water test lab) who can look at your sediment, but first discuss your concerns with the lab to be sure your question is within their area of expertise.

On 2018-01-04 11:37:26.683249 by Vernon moat

I tested my water with an electrolyte rods & I got 5mm of sediment which looked like rust or tar. I tested spring water which was clear. The water company checked my water & said it passed all tests.
Can I get this sediment tested online?

On 2017-07-21 15:59:59.796162 by (mod) -

Carol

Please see your question and our reply at https://inspectapedia.com/water/Well_Water_Quantity_Limits.php#FAQ

help me out by avoiding doubling our workload by posting a question just once - thanks

On 2017-07-21 12:35:38.156377 by Carol Reese

Not sure which test is best for phthalates

On 2017-05-10 20:57:36.342875 by (mod) -

Besides bacteria, you want advice from your doctor, as there may be specific exposures related to specific contaminants. Also ask your local water test labs what has been found in wells in your area. A history of your specific building might also reveal lead hazards, radon, pesticides.

On 2017-05-10 17:40:24.954759 by RTW

What kind of tests recommended for heath issues

On 2016-03-17 17:38:56.146778 by (mod) -

Thank you Martin, we work hard to provide un-biased, accurate, useful information to our readers and I'm thrilled when you report finding it so. We also welcome questions, content suggestions, criticism, as working together makes us smarter.

Daniel

On 2016-03-09 16:46:59.716818 by Martin

Most excellent and useful info, thank you.

Question:

(Mar 31, 2015) vigo said:
how long does it take to get results after a water analysis has been performed?

Reply:

Vigo

The time to obtain water test results depends:

1. on the type of test. A P/A test for bacteria is typically available after 24 hours but in some cases the lab may want 3 days - depending on water chemistry and test results

2. other tests require longer culture times or time for microscopic examination of cultured media

3. still other tests are performed by assay equipment, for example identifying certain chemicals or minerals, and can be obtained in hours


...

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