FAQs About Water Testing

What are some common misconceptions about water testing?

There is no one "magic" test that can tell you everything about the safety of drinking water. Generally, clients should specify the parameters which they are concerned about, or are needed for specific reasons. Usually, the more information wanted, the more expensive and involved the testing becomes.

Companies that offer free water analysis or include a test with the purchase of filtering equipment are providing the consumer with a test that could be as worthless as the price; that is, nothing. Real laboratory testing does not come free, because the cost of starting and operating a laboratory is high.

How often should I have my water tested?

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), in some publications, seems to indicate yearly for private well water, for public systems it will depend on your own preference. Perhaps the best answer is what you as a consumer feel comfortable with.

What should I test for?

This is the most frequently asked question. Basically, you should test for any parameters that are of concern to you and may affect your health. There are many things that can be in water that are health related and testing for all of them can be very expensive. This is why we have developed the Priority Water Test and the Priority Premium Water Test. We believe that they are an excellent over all water quality screen, testing for parameters that are most often causes for concern. To order either of the Priority  Water Tests click here.

I Have public water, why do I need to have my water tested?

Public water supplies are compelled by law to perform certain tests at specific intervals. The USEPA has set certain standards for all public water supplies to adhere to. However, it is possible that many customers of these supplies are not aware of potential problems that the supplier may have in meeting those standards. Additionally, water coming into a home from the distribution system can be different from the water that leaves the treatment plant. We have tested some public water supplies and occasionally find a variety of contaminants that did not meet state or federal standards.

I have public water and am thinking of buying a home with a well. I have been told not to because well water Is not as good. Is this true?

Many public water supplies and private well waters come from the same source, namely underground aquifers. The question then becomes, "Who does a more effective job of maintaining the quality of the water supply?" Obviously, public water is treated daily to maintain a certain level of water quality. Well owners can also treat their supply by installing equipment in their homes. Many people who prefer private wells may not want public water and often litigation occurs when municipalities build water systems within areas that contain residences utilizing private wells . The bottom line is that water sources need to be maintained by both public water suppliers and individual homeowners to assure quality water.

I have been offered free water testing In conjunction with the purchase of filtration equipment. Why should I pay to have my water tested?

All we can say is beware of free water tests!

e-WaterTest.com has spent a large amount of money to purchase laboratory equipment and train qualified staff to be able to test drinking water in accordance with USEPA testing methodologies. Obviously, this has to cost something. There are many water testing offers on the internet that are being less than honest about the way they perform their analysis, e-WaterTest.com performs a full range of in-house testing using state of the art instrumentation and equipment.