FAQ’s

• Odd taste, coloration or smell can indicate the presence of contaminants.
• Homes built before 1986 are more likely to have lead plumbing and fixtures that can leach into tap water.
• Because private well water is not monitored by testing at a treatment facility, the EPA recommends testing twice a year.
• Stains in sinks and around fixtures can indicate the presence of iron, copper and other minerals.
• Monitor news reports and TBD websites to learn of contamination outbreaks in your area.
• Water quality is constantly changing. Regular retesting recommended.

Not necessarily. While some contaminants, like iron and copper, will produce discoloration, an unpleasant taste, or leave a mineral residue around sinks and fixtures, dangerous contaminants, like lead, bacteria and pesticides can be invisible, odorless and colorless and can only be detected through testing.

Contaminants can enter the water supply from many sources, including:

• Naturally-occurring contaminants in soil and ground water.
• Pipes and plumbing fixtures within the home.
• Industrial waste from factories, mining operations and oil drilling.
• Agricultural pesticides and fertilizers from farms, parks or lawns.

Again, not necessarily. In some cases, drinking contaminated water will produce immediate symptoms, like stomach cramps, diarrhea and nausea. In other cases, such as lead poisoning, the toxin builds up in the body over time, and ill effects can take months or years to become apparent. This is particularly true with pregnant women, where lead can cause birth defects and young children, who can suffer from developmental problems such as stunted growth and lower IQ.

Hardness is not a health concern, but it can have other undesirable consequences, such as preventing soap from lathering, scaling pots and pans and damaging water heaters.

Most countries have their own drinking water regulator.

For private water supplies in the UK: All private water supplies must be registered with the local council so that monitoring can take place. Most councils have a website which provides information on processes and requirements. The national regulations are enforced through the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2016, with the  Private Water Supplies (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2018. The Water Industry Act 1991 defines the powers and responsibilities of local authorities in relation to private water supply. Details about the Private Supply Regulation can be found on the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) website. The guidelines determine the different types of private water supply (ie. single private dwelling, small domestic supplies etc), the sampling frequency and risk assessment as well as recommended actions in the event of a failure

In the USA, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates the allowable levels of over 90 drinking water contaminants in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Watersafe water test kits test water to the standards set by EPA.

UK maximum contaminant levels or guideline standards for some key contaminants (to be measured at consumers’ taps):

Most countries have standards or guidelines regarding the maximum contaminant levels in drinking water. Globally, there is an overall agreement on the science behind the setting of these standards. Mostly, they are guided by worldwide research and the standards set by the World Health Organisation. The UK government has also published a set of water quality standards for key contaminants.

All private water supplies must be registered with the local council so that monitoring can take place. Most councils have a website which provides information on processes and requirements. The national regulations are enforced through the Private Water Supplies Regulations 2016, with the  Private Water Supplies (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2018. The Water Industry Act 1991 defines the powers and responsibilities of local authorities in relation to private water supply. Details about the Private Supply Regulation can be found on the Drinking Water Inspectorate (DWI) website. The guidelines determine the different types of private water supply (ie. single private dwelling, small domestic supplies etc), the sampling frequency and risk assessment as well as recommended actions in the event of a failure.

Bottom line: You can’t assume that your water is free of contaminants unless you test it.

There are many reasons why you may want to test the water supply in your home or business. Water can be made up of a wide range of substances or organisms. They are not necessarily harmful, but may become a contaminant or a nuisance at higher levels. Most contaminants in water cannot be detected by smell, taste or sight.

That depends on several factors, including the contaminant, the source, and the concentration. Some options include:

• If the source is outside the home, contact your local drinking water supplier and regulator.
• Identify the source of the contamination.
• Use bottled water for drinking, cooking and brushing until the contamination is removed.
• Install a filtration system certified to remove your specific contaminant.
• If the source is within the home, consider replacing affected pipes and fixtures.