If your home's water tastes or smells bad, you should determine whether it contains dangerous contaminants. Potential problems include bacteria, viruses and parasites, though these are unlikely if your home receives water from a public water supply, which undergoes routine testing. Other possible problems include lead, iron or manganese contamination. Other water quality issues might arise due to your home's plumbing system. Testing your water may help safeguard your health and that of your family.
Public Water Reports
The federal government regulates the testing of public water supplies. If you receive your water from a public water supply, you can receive a free report about the levels of contaminants. It is called a Consumer Confidence Report. Contact your water utility and request a copy, or wait for the annual report to be mailed to you in July in line with federal regulations. The report tells you the exact levels of various contaminants in your home's water. In the event that a contaminant rises to dangerous levels, the federal government requires water utilities to notify the public. Note that your utility's water quality report may not reveal all contaminants. For example, it is possible that contaminants can enter your water through your home's plumbing system, which might contain materials that are dangerous for human consumption, such as lead. If you have questions, contact your county's health department, which may be able to help you test for bacteria or nitrates, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Laboratory Testing
If you want to test your home's water, you can collect a sample and have a laboratory analyze it for a fee. Typically, you will have to put some water in a sample container, which the laboratory provides. You then mail the sample container to the laboratory, where it performs water quality tests. The laboratory then mails the results back to you. Use a certified, reputable laboratory. Ask your local health department for a list of state-certified laboratories, or call the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at 800-426-4791. Another option is to visit the EPA's website, which offers a list of state certification resources that you can contact for more information.
Do-It-Yourself Kits
Although Consumer Confidence Reports and laboratory tests are the best ways to discover if your home's water is contaminated, in some situations you might wish to test your water with a do-it-yourself kit. Many retail hardware and building-supply stores sell kits that you can use to detect common contaminants. Note that many kits tell you whether a substance is present but not how much of the substance is present, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. The department advises consumers to check the expiration date of the kit and to research its sensitivity and effectiveness. Also, the department suggests following up a do-it-yourself water test with a laboratory test, just to be safe.
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