Procedures In The 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.

one of the easiest processes in quality control is the detection of problems that relate to quality. Experts advise that one should look at the presence of stains, the odor and color f this liquid. The PH level contributes to some extent the hardness or softness of this commodity. Contamination can easily result from nearby septic tanks hence wells should not be dug near septic tanks.

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.

Updating the database that contains the findings of various tests carried out should be done on an ongoing basis so as to ensure that no information is left out. This is helpful as it forms the basis on solving future problems. Total coliform bacteria is known to be harmful and thus the need to conduct thorough tests so as to ascertain its absence.

If the family is expecting a new baby, tests for presence of nitrates should be carried out during pregnancy, before the infant is brought home from the hospital and during the first half year of the young ones life. The test is most effective if carried out during summer or spring that is after a rainy period.

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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