How to Know if Drinking Water is Contaminated

The most common question that community residents ask is related to contamination of water and tests for its determination. Unfortunately, this basic question is not as easy to answer as you might think. First you should find out where your water comes from, whether the water is obtained from a private well or a public drinking water system. Then you can find out what kind monitoring and control inspections are available. Everyone is required to periodically check their water quality due to the possibility of dangerous bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other toxic chemicals.

Contaminated water can contain poisonous substances or pathogenic organisms that endanger the health of the population. You can test water for the presence of contamination by using a simple method of water testing.  It consists of collecting some water in a container put a little fine grit sand on top, if the sand floats the water is likely contaminated because it is denser than the pure water. If the sand sinks quickly are that the water is relatively clean. Now it depends if you are okay with the initial testing or if there is a need for further confirmatory tests for biological or chemical contamination.

Many toxic substances, for instance, lead, cannot be detected for contamination by a simple test. Lead in the water does not smell, cannot be seen, nor does it taste, so the only way to know the pollution index is a chemical test of water. If your home has lead pipes, that opaque gray material that is easy to grate or bend, or if you check the signs of corrosion when red water often comes out, the presence of this heavy metal is much more likely.

Types of water tests

Oximeter

It measures the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Microorganism requires increased oxygen consumption. A common fact is, the more dissolved oxygen there is, the less contaminated it is.

Color meter

The color meter is a sensitive device that, after adding certain reagents to the sample of water, detects very small variations in the transparency, thus indicating the level of concentration of certain components in the water.

pH

Water can be tested for its pH by using pH meter. The ideal is a pH close to neutral or seven. Variation in pH is an indication of contamination’s in water.

When it becomes necessary to test the quality of water and requires the detection of contamination by chemical and biological methods, the water experts from Rooter-Man can help you. The Rooter-Man team are trained in the areas of water sanitation, water treatment for human consumption, sewage networks, wastewater treatment and final disposal of liquid effluents, solid waste management, and the hygiene of water.