Crucial Information On Water Testing Labs

By Judy Sullivan


There are various sources of contamination that result in the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi in most vast water-bodies. In the past, environmental watch groups have strongly criticized the waste disposal policy of most multi-national firms especially those that dispose untreated waste in water bodies. In the recent past, increased cases of contamination have resulted in the springing up of water testing labs in major urban and semi-urban areas.

There are various mineral elements found in the water-sources. These elements easily react with water and therefore a deposit of the minerals mix and contaminate the waters. Lead is common in many piping systems and therefore posing a health risk. Many tests have come out positive for the presence of lead. Regular monitoring procedures should always include lead tests.

The test results arrived at help the analysts to understand better the system as a whole unlike gaining knowledge on an individual household. Raw-water is not safe for human consumption and therefore one has to rely on the use of pitchers and faucets to filter off unwanted matter. The many counterfeit product in the market make it difficult for one to pinpoint the genuine filter.

Problems relating to quality can be easily detected. Among the factors one has to deeply look into include the color, any stains on clothes washed and odor emanating from the liquid. Health experts advise that wells should be located a safe distance from septic tanks to avoid contamination.

It is a statutory requirement that all laboratories make their findings known to the local federal, tribal or state agency. These agencies have a responsibility of ensuring that the water-resources are free of contamination and that they do not cause a health risk. Annual consumer confidence reports should be generated by the quality control engineers and proper filing procedure carried out to avoid mix up of information. The report usually contains the procedures carried out and the findings and recommendations of the technicians.

The engineers responsible for quality have to ensure that the records are constantly updated on any new findings. These makes it easier for any new technician to have some background understanding of the tests carried out so far and therefore lay the basis for future tests. Harmful bacteria such as total coliform bacteria have to be well tested for as any oversight on the part of the technicians can result in the spread of water-borne diseases.

Babies are always welcome and a moment of celebration for the family. There are precautions that have to be carried out. A nitrate test has to be carried out at various stages. The stages include during pregnancy, before the baby is brought home and in the first six months of the infants life. The best period to carry out the nitrate test is after the rainy season has come to an end.

Water testing labs should test for the presence of minerals salts such as chloride, manganese and iron which might have easily corroded into the system. These tests need to be repeated after every three years. Testing for volatile organic compounds can be very expensive and therefore such tests should be limited to only when necessary.




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