What is wastewater testing, why is it important, who tests the water, what are they looking for, and is wastewater testing costly? These are some of the questions that might pop up when you decide to get your water tested.
There are many reasons that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) encourages wastewater testing. Early detection of outbreaks, monitoring variants, assessment of public health interventions, and resource allocation are a few of the main reasons that make wastewater testing a vital part of enhancing public health surveillance, response, and decision-making at both the local and national levels. Self-reporting by individuals can save lives by helping to identify the illnesses that might be prevalent in a community. This type of self-reporting helps local public health officials make informed decisions about prevention, testing, and guidelines.
What is Wastewater Testing, and What Are We Testing For?
Wastewater refers to your sewage. Wastewater testing is a way to monitor the presence of diseases, bacteria, viruses, chemical pollutants, and other harmful biological and non-organic contaminants through lab analysis. The professionals that collect the samples send them to a certified laboratory for testing for these harmful elements. By analyzing these parameters and substances in wastewater, laboratories can assess water quality, identify pollution sources, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and protect public health and the environment.
Who Tests Your Wastewater?
Wastewater poses a significant risk to human health and samples should only be collected and transported to the lab by a licensed operator. Samples of your wastewater will be brought to the lab and analyzed by certified technicians. Prior to testing, lab technicians will assess the condition of the sample, sample container, temperature, as well as other physical factors for quality control. Once the sample is accepted, certified technicians will begin the testing process for the sample and complete a thorough analysis following certified EPA testing methods. All findings and pertinent information to the sample will be reported and the results will be sent back to you in a timely manner. Legitimate wastewater testing laboratories are state-certified and strictly adhere to pre-defined regulations.
Why is it Important to Test Your Wastewater?
Early identification of prominent diseases cycling through your community and the role of early detection when it comes to potential public health concerns cannot be overstated; it can save lives. Wastewater testing is a reliable way to identify pathogens ahead of a severe community epidemic. It can also shed light on what diseases are running rampant and unchecked in your community. Wastewater analysis is a critical action that community members should take in the interest of the health of their families, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and the local community at large. Maintaining consistency with wastewater testing is a functional and highly effective way for community members to be proactive in protecting public health.
How Much Does Wastewater Testing Cost?
The prices for wastewater testing can vary from lab to lab. As a baseline, comprehensive testing in the state of Virginia can run upwards of a few hundred dollars. Most homeowners consider this a small price to pay for peace of mind.
Are you searching for wastewater testing services in Northern Virginia, or do you have questions? Joiner Micro Labs is a state-certified water testing lab owned and operated in Northern Virginia. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do and for a breakdown of the services we offer.