The following information briefly describes analyses which are relevant to home owners serviced by a public water supply or a private well. A price list is also included for the analyses mentioned. If you have any questions or would like a more detailed explanation of the services we can provide please call us.
Public Water Supplies
If you are on a municipal water supply you can receive certain information
about the chemistry of your water from your provider. Problems with high
concentrations of metals can be found which are independent of the source
of your water. Certain types of piping and solder can leach contaminants
into your system. Of particular concern is lead, which even at low levels
can be dangerous. Also, some people are known to have sensitivities to
such things as chlorine and fluoride, which are present in varying amounts
in a public water supply.
Please refer to the description of chemistry tests below for
guidelines on what information you may which to learn form your municipal
water supplier. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about
what this information means.
Private Wells
Private water supply owners are not required to test their wells by
any agency of State Government. Consequently, the quality of the water in
a private well is almost always unknown. The Vermont Department of Health
recommends several water quality tests, especially in rural areas where
on-site septic systems operate near water supplies.
Most banks and mortgage institutions require a potable water test to
protect their interests at closing. At present, this is only a total
coliform bacteria test. This test is used to indicate the possible
presence of pathogenic bacteria in the water, but says nothing further
about the chemistry of the water.
Following are answers to frequently asked questions about bacterial contamination of drinking water:
Q: My water is contaminated. Why hasn’t
it made me sick?
A: Coliform or other bacteria will
not necessarily make you ill. However, since these organisms have been
able to enter your water system other disease-causing organisms (bacteria,
viruses, and protozoa) could enter as well. To prevent illness, we advise
that you boil your water for five minutes before drinking.
Q: Can water tests pinpoint the exact
source of contamination?
A: No. Water test show that coliform
bacteria have entered your water system, either at the source or between
the source and the faucet. The tests don’t identify the source.
Q: What should I do if my drinking water
is contaminated?
A: Boil for five minutes all water
used for drinking; making ice, juice or baby formula; and for washing
fruits and vegetables. Look at the location and construction of your water
source and try to identify and eliminate the source of contamination.
Location: Wells and springs should be isolated, preferably
uphill from septic systems and other potential contamination sources, such
as barnyards and pastures.
Construction: Dug wells and springs should be made of
concrete and have tight-fitting, lipped covers and sealed joints. Drilled
wells should have casings that extend 18 inches above ground, surrounded
by mounded clay to prevent surface water from entering.
Q: I disinfected my well and had the
water tested, but my water is still contaminated. What should I do now?
A: You may need to hire an
environmental engineer or hydrogeologist to find the problem. Lists of
water system consultants and water treatment options are available from
the Department of Health or the Yellow Pages.
Chemistry Tests
In addition to the coliform test, the Vermont Department of Health
recommends a set of tests referred to as a "Kit C". This list
includes nitrate, chloride, arsenic, copper, iron, manganese, lead and
sodium. Analyzing for nitrate and lead is a must for households with
pregnant women or small children. Sodium content can affect people with
hypertension and high blood pressure. The remaining constituents may be
the cause of nuisance problems, such as buildup of scale, staining and
odor or taste problems.
Evaluating the quality of your water before you consider buying a
water treatment system for your home gives a very good idea of what you
may or may not need for treatment equipment before talking to a salesman
from a water treatment company.
Special Problems
The tests described above are only for common chemical constituents
of water. If you suspect contamination form industrial pollution or
hazardous waste, you may wish to test for heavy metals and volatile
organic compounds. Reasons to suspect a problem include:
· Recent application of pesticides
or herbicides in the area, or ongoing agricultural land use nearby.
· A dump site, landfill, industrial
park, or gas station in your area.
How to disinfect your water system
Use chlorine bleach solution to disinfect your water supply after
construction or repair work (including replacing the pump), or when a
water test shows contamination.
Before you begin, disconnect or remove any water treatment devices,
such as activated carbon filters water softeners or reverse osmosis units.
For a dug or drilled well, add one gallon of household bleach for every
525 gallons of water. This means using one gallon for every 10 feet of dug
well. Whenever possible, run chlorinated water through a garden hose back
into the well for an hour so the chlorinated water washed down the inside
of the casing. Scrub the sides of dug well or spring with a clean brush
and bleach solution. After you recap the well, open one faucet at a time
throughout the house. Run the water until you smell a strong chlorine
odor, then turn off the tap. After 12 hours, connect a hose to a outside
faucet and drain the chlorinated water to a safe, outdoor location. Do not
drain water onto a lawn, garden or back into the septic system. Continue
flushing until the chlorine odor is gone. Re-sample the water for bacteria
two or three days after the chlorine odor has disappeared.