We often get so busy in our everyday lives that we don’t stop to think about the little things we see, do, or encounter. Most of those ‘little things’ don’t make a large impact on us; however, what about the invisible threats that could affect us long-term? For example, something as simple as taking a few sips of water may seem harmless, but without proper water testing, you could be making yourself sick with potential pollutants!
Who’s Responsible For Well Water Testing?
If your home has a well, you may not receive the same help from city officials that you would with a standard water system. Homeowners with private wells are responsible for their well water testing, ensuring the quality and safety of the water they drink. Regular testing and maintenance fall on you as the homeowner, but luckily, kits and private labs are available to get the ball rolling!
Who’s Responsible For City Water Testing?
If you are on a public water system, such as housing developments or city housing, the procedure for water testing looks a little different. The Virginia Department of Health regulates and monitors public water, ensuring the health and safety of its citizens.
Testing Programs
The Virginia Household Water Quality Program is a partnership of Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Health. They assist with providing affordable water testing and education specifically for private well users, avoiding possible complications for them in the future. They also conduct drinking water clinics across Virginia, offering affordable testing/interpretation of results.
Personal Testing Kits
If you have animals or young children in your home, we completely understand being extra cautious about the water you drink! You can purchase water testing kits if you would like to personally test your water in between having it professionally or privately tested. The VAHWQP program also offers water testing kits for typically around $70, significantly less than private labs.
Private Lab Use
If you are not as confident in correctly testing your water on your own, you can enlist the help of a certified private lab. These labs are recommended for real estate sales, immediate turnaround needs, or if contaminants become a concern in your area. These tests are a little more expensive than testing kits but may provide you with the peace of mind that the water you drink is safe for all.
How Often Should I Test My Water?
The consistency of having your water tested can vary depending on your preference and schedule. Still, testing is recommended annually at the minimum for contaminants like bacteria and nitrites. After a well installation, all testing is at the discretion of the well user, and it is recommended that the well user regularly test for commonly found pollutants. Additionally, water testing of city water is usually part of a standard contract when buying or selling a home, though not always required by the lenders.
What Else Should I Know?
If you own property with a well, well completion reports for any constructed after 1990 are public records and available through your local health department. These tests determine the presence of nuisance impurities like iron, which can cause strange taste or odor problems. Some contaminants are hazardous (such as E. coli, lead, arsenic, and other chemicals), so regular water testing should not be taken lightly by any homeowner!
Getting Help Where You Can
If you are a go-getter who likes to plan, we recommend setting reminders and marking it off in your calendar when your water was tested last and when it’s time to test again! However, we know that life gets busy, and much like not thinking about those little things we see or do every day, we sometimes forget to take care of our home the way we do ourselves. Local companies like Detail View Home Improvement are qualified to provide water testing and answer any questions you have about the process.
