How Often And When Should Water Be Tested?
Historically drinking water has been tested only when a new well or new plumbing has been installed, upon the sale of a property, or if there was a serious water quality problem that affected people's health. Modern trends have led to increases in developing, septic system installation, well drilling and hydrofracking, as well as, road cuts. This puts groundwater aquifers at greater risk of contamination due to increased connectivity and sources of contamination. Consequently people have begun to test their water on a regular basis.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that:
- Residential drinking water wells be tested for bacteria twice a year.
- Recreational (swimming) waters be tested on a weekly basis during their seasonal use. Contamination is much more likely to occur after rainfall as surface waters concentrate bacteria and other pollutants carrying them into wells, lakes, and ponds. This makes the day or two following a rainstorm or heavy snowmelt an opportune time to sample.
- Drinking water should also be tested for bacteria upon any modifications to the water system such as the addition or replacement of pipes, filters, pumps, etc.
Test water when the greatest likelihood of bacterial or other contamination is expected yields the earliest detection. Thus subjecting the user to the shortest amount of exposure before the problem is remedied.
Procedure For Getting Your Water Tested:
EAI Analytical Labs will provide you with your free Sampling Submission Kits containing:
- Collection Sample Bottles*
- Detailed sampling instructions and a tracking form
*Samples bottles are distributed pre-sterilized and contain all the necessary preservatives. Kits are available for pickup at our Keene facility or they may be mailed to you.
If you are interested or have any questions regarding the analysis of your water, please contact us or give one of our representatives a call at: (800) 760-4246
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EAI Analytical Labs performs private well testing and commercial well testing, and analysis, for the following New Hampshire counties: Cheshire, Hillsboro, Merrimack, Sullivan, Rockingham, Strafford, Belknap, Grafton, Carroll, & Coos. Vermont counties: Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, & Windsor. Massachusetts counties of: Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Nantucket, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, & Worcester.
