Learn the warning signs of polluted drinking water, how to get your water tested, and where to go to help you interpret your results

Extension, USU

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DigitalCommons@USU

Water is Life:  Quality Matters If your drinking water comes from a     private well, it is up to you to assure that your water is safe.     Learn the warning signs of polluted    drinking water, how to get your water tested, and where to go to help you         interpret your results. Testing Your Well Water  Keep copies of ALL results to track changes in your drinking water quality over time.  Contact USU Water Quality Extension at (435) 797-2580 to obtain a Well Water Records folder. For Help with Interpretation…   Compare your results with the drinking wa-ter standards on the lab report.  For more complete information, use the USU Water Quality Extension Water Testing  Toolkit:  http://extension.usu.edu/waterquality /htm/wqtool.    This easy-to-use site provides detailed infor-mation to help you interpret all your test re-sults, and provides links for more informa-tion. For more information on:    Identifying the risk to your well from differ-ent contaminant sources  Techniques to protect your well water from contaminants  Common drinking water pollutants in Utah  Contact USU Extension’s water quality program (435-797-2580) or visit our web page:    www.extension.usu.edu/waterquality   If any values exceed the standards,         DO NOT DRINK THE WATER!      If you suspect contamination, identify and remove the source of pollutants.     Retest to make sure your water is safe! Utah State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.  NR/WQ/2011-6 When to test your well water  New Wells or New Homes:   Test for bacteria   Routine water chemistry analysis         Existing wells:     Every year:  Test for bacteria, pH, nitrate and total dis-solved solids (TDS).  Also, test for any constituents that were at or near the drinking water standard in previous tests.  Every five years:  Routine water chemistry analysis.  Suggested tests when you think you have a problem How do I take a water sample?  Contact the lab BEFORE taking the samples to make sure you use proper containers and procedures.  The lab you contact will provide bottles and instructions for each type of test.     A poorly collected sample is worse than no sample at all, because you don’t get reliable results and you waste your money! Contact your Local Health Departments for cer-tified labs in your area:  http://www. drinking water.utah.gov/partners.htm  Check USU Extension’s web page for a list of drinking water certified labs throughout Utah.   http://extension.usu.edu/waterquality/htm/homeownerswater Illness or special health needs  Test For: Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria You are pregnant, are planning a pregnancy, or have an in-fant less than six months old Nitrates, lead Member of household has compromised immune system Cryptosporidium & other microbial contaminants Drinking water has taste, odor or appearance problems   Test For: Rotten egg smell or metallic taste Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals Water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored Color, detergents Odor of gasoline or fuel oil Volatile organic compounds Salty taste Chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium Possible contamination within your home  Test For: Household plumbing contains lead Lead, copper, pH Radon in indoor air or region is radon rich Radon Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese Scaly residues, soaps don't lather Hardness Rapid wear of water treatment equipment Corrosion, pH  Water softener needed to treat hardness Manganese, iron Possible outside contamination of your well  Test For: Your well does not meet construction codes Coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids, nitrates The area around the wellhead has been flooded or sub-merged Coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids Back-siphoning has occurred Coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids, nitrates You have mixed or used pesticides near the well, or have spilled pesticides or fuel near the well Pesticides, volatile organic compounds You have a heating oil tank or underground fuel tank near the well that you know has leaked Volatile organic compounds Your septic system absorption field, or your neighbor's, is close to the well (within 100 feet) Coliform bacteria Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria Coal or other mining operations nearby Metals, pH, corrosion Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium Landfill, factory, or gas station nearby Volatile organic compounds, total dissolved solids, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals Seawater or a heavily salted roadway nearby Chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium 

Testing Your Well Water

https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2240&context=extension_curall

Testing Your Well Water

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