Water Testing Services:
The State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) both offer extensive information and guidelines with regard to environmental contaminants.
Water quality, and testing water for impurities, contaminants and toxins, is of increasing importance, especially with respect to drinking water from private sources (well water).
Water sampling and testing may be requested and provided by Home Tech as part of a Home Inspection, or as a standalone item.
We use a local laboratory, Aquatek Labs, for our water testing and analysis.
The most common water analysis is the Basic Profile Test.
WATER QUALITY & ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS:
AQUATEK LABS - THE BASIC PROFILE TEST
OVERVIEW
Aquatek Labs Basic Profile is the standard test for drinking water. The Basic Profile was designed to provide a standard water analysis that can quickly and accurately determine the general quality of the water you drink. It is composed of 14 test parameters including bacteria, physical properties and chemical constituents. It meets the needs of both homeowners and professionals and is used anywhere that a general water screening is required. Test results are generally available in 2-3 business days and include a comprehensive easy to read report.
WHEN TO TEST?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that all home owners have their well water tested annually. Many contaminants can only be detected through laboratory analysis. The basic profile meets the minimum requirements specified by CT state statutes. Additional tests should be considered if there is reason to believe that other contaminates are present.
WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF CONTAMINANTS IN THE BASIC PROFILE?
Health effects vary by contaminant. Some analytes such as bacteria, nitrates and nitrites are dangerous when present at levels exceeding their maximum contaminant levels (MCL's). On the other hand, parameters such as turbidity, color and odor are of aesthetic significance but do not have health implications. Metals can impart a bad taste to drinking water and leave colored stains on sinks and faucets. Acidic water will promote leaching of metals from pipes and fixtures causing stains on sinks, tubs, toilets, appliances and laundry and eventual destruction of the plumbing system. Excessively hard water will cause scaling throughout the plumbing and water heating system leading to decreased flow and heating efficiency. Hard water is also aesthetically unpleasant due to its ability to deter soap from lathering.
The above information is Copyright 2017 Aquatek Lab Inc.
WATER TESTING:
Water quality, and testing water for impurities, contaminants and toxins, is of increasing importance, especially with respect to drinking water from private sources (well water).
Water sampling and testing may be requested as part of a Home Inspection. We use a local lab, Aquatek Labs, for analysis.
The most common test is the Basic Profile. Additional tests, as noted below, may also be requested.
Please request sampling by Hometech Inspections, or contact Aquatek Labs directly.
FROM THE UNITED STATES EPA WEBSITE:
About 2.3 million people (about 20% of the total population) in New England obtain water from their own private well.
Recent studies in New England identified contamination of some private wells from methyl-tertiary-butyl ether (MtBE), radon and arsenic. But, many homeowners are not aware of this risk to their drinking water.
If you have a private well, regular water quality testing is important. Many contaminants cannot be identified by taste or odor, making it difficult for homeowners to know if the water quality of their well has changed. EPA does not regulate private wells and many states and towns do not require periodic sampling of private wells after they are initially installed. This makes it the responsibility of homeowners to periodically test their well for contamination.
Read the state specific pdf version of EPA New England's Private Well brochure: Connecticut (PDF)
AQUATEK LABS - ADDITIONAL TESTS:
URANIUM ARSENIC
(Copyright Aquatek Labs)
PESTICIDES BACTERIA
(Copyright Aquatek Labs)
LEAD V.O.C.
(Copyright Aquatek Labs)
Q & A BASIC PROFILE
(Copyright Aquatek Labs)
The following fact sheets and brochures, from the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) website, provide information on various drinking water topics:
