What Happens In Water Testing Labs

By Judy Sullivan


Contamination of water-bodies has resulted in speedy multiplication of viruses, fungi and harmful bacteria. Lack of environmental concern among the various multinational firms has resulted in increased environmental pollution as the companies dump both toxic and non-toxic waste in water-bodies. Environmental watch groups have blamed the governments for lack of strict laws that should curb this vice. One of the solutions to ensuring safety is the establishment of water testing labs.

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.

Test results help on to obtain an analysis of the system as a whole. Inference to a certain household cannot be made from the results obtained. Safety of the commodity for human consumption can be ensured through the use of filters such as the faucet and pitcher filters. Its important to buy them from approved dealers to avoid purchasing counterfeit ones.

Detecting quality problems is an easy process. Factors to look out for include the color, odor and whether any stains occur on clothes washed using this commodity. Contamination easily occurs if the well is too near a septic system. If this is the case, one has to carry out regular checks on the septic systems so as to ensure they are not leaking.

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.

Excess nitrates are harmful to both a new born kid or the expectant mother. Expectant ladies should make sure that the waters are tested and that they contain acceptable nitrate levels otherwise they pose a health risk. For accuracy of results, tests should be conducted 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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