How to test the water quality in your home?
Introduction
It is important to note that if you are concerned about the quality of your water or merely interested in the subject matter, there are both low-tech, low budget and higher-tech more costly ways of testing for contaminants.
The low tech at home testing options outlined in this article have pros and cons, it is important to note that the vast majority of tests are best performed in a laboratory given the current technologies available and their accuracy.
Test strips
Overview
Although there are different strips available to test for different parameters including Chlorine, Nitrate and Nitrite, Hardness, Alkalinity, Chloride, Ammonia etc. However, the testing capabilities are limited when compared to other options.
To use:
Simply dip the strip in the water sample, and compare the colour on the strip with the colour printed on the bottle to get the result.
Pro
Portable, simple to understand and use, and low cost if only testing water for specific parameters.
Con
A strip can only be used to test for specific parameters, if testing for a wider range of parameters it is costly. Is not as accurate as laboratory testing and can not test for all contaminants.
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Colour disk kits
Overview
The colour disk kits utilize a colour-matching method and have the ability to test for a wider range of parameters when compared to test strips.
To use:
Add reagents to the sample, and turn the wheel until the sample matches a reference colour - concentration is displayed in a window.
Pro
Portable, relatively simple to understand and use, available for a wider range of parameters and more accurate than test strips, low cost if only testing water for specific parameters.
Con
More steps are involved and more complicated to use than a test strip, longer wait time for results, more costly than a test strip. As with test strips if testing for a wider range of parameters it is costly. Is not as accurate as laboratory testing and can not test for all contaminants.
Hand-held digital instruments
Overview
Lightweight and portable digital meters, colourimeters, and photometers are available for testing water for a broad range of parameters and are geared towards technicians actively working within the water filtration industry.
To use:
Differs depending on whether it is a digital meter, colourimeter or photometer being used, follow the instructions in the user manual.
Pro
Portable, offers the potential to test for a greater array of parameters when compared to the strip and colour disk options, whilst providing more accurate results.
Con
There is a greater learning curve involved with use, more expensive and delicate than low-tech home options, require batteries and calibration, and are a helpful aid for field technicians but unlikely suitable for the average homeowner due to the aforementioned reasons
Laboratory testing
Overview
Water is tested in a laboratory by qualified water testing analysts offering the ability to test for the greatest array of parameters with the most accurate results available when compared to other options.
To use:
Pay the fee online for the test, receive the sample bottle from the laboratory by post, fill the sample bottle, return in person or by post depending on your preference, and receive cert of analysis via email.
Pro
Most accurate results
Con
More steps are involved in the testing process, takes longer to receive results, more expensive than other options, and regular testing is unsuitable for the average homeowner due to the expense associated with such.
In conclusion
Testing the water quality in your home can be done in several ways, from low-tech and low-cost options such as test strips and colour disk kits, to more advanced and expensive options such as hand-held digital instruments and laboratory testing.
While low-tech options may provide a quick and affordable way to test for specific parameters, they are not as accurate as laboratory testing and cannot test for all contaminants. On the other hand, laboratory testing offers the most accurate results and the ability to test for the widest range of parameters, but it is also a more expensive and time-consuming option.
Ultimately, the testing method you choose will depend on your budget, the contaminants you want to test for, and your overall concern for water quality.
It is important to note that preventative measures related to contaminants in water such as an at-home water filtration system are better than testing for contaminants because they can help avoid potential health risks before they occur. Testing for contaminants can identify the presence of harmful substances in the water, but it cannot guarantee that the water is safe to drink or use. Preventative measures, help ensure that the water remains clean and safe for use. By taking proactive steps to prevent contamination, we can minimize the need for costly and time-consuming testing and reduce the potential risks associated with contaminated water.