If you are a homeowner or landlord, testing your property’s water should be done semi-regularly. Why? Contaminated water sources can impact the health of those who drink it. Not testing your water can put your family at unnecessary risk.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that homeowners test their water source once a year. Additionally, residential water testing must be done immediately following a natural disaster with the potential to compromise plumbing, wells, and water sources (notably, homeowners must test their water quality after a flooding event).
What Types of Things Are Tested For?
A proper residential water test will look at many things that could be harmful. A lab will access nitrate and bacteria levels, total dissolved solids, and pH balance. Water is tested for hundreds of compounds—including toxic heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic (common poisons).
Why Should You Be Concerned About Contaminated Water?
Contaminated water can pose serious health risks for you, your family, and anyone else within the household who might be drinking water from your home’s taps. This is why it’s important to ensure that the water you are washing with, bathing in, and consuming is contaminant-free.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), infants, young children, pregnant women, aging adults, and the immuno-compromised are at higher risk for water-borne illnesses. From gastrointestinal issues to neurological disorders and even reproductive issues, contaminated water can lead to drastic health consequences.
Who Conducts Residential Water Testing?
State-certified laboratories follow guidelines set by the EPA and are skilled at testing water quality. These labs follow state and federal regulations and look for harmful contaminants. Hiring professionals to assess the quality of your water—whether on city or well water—will provide you and your family the peace of mind that your drinking water is safe.
Where Can I Find Residential Water Testing in Northern Virginia?
Are you searching for residential water testing in Northern Virginia and the greater DC area? Joiner Micro Labs (JML) is a Virginia-certified lab that can test your water. JML has been providing quality water testing services since 1991. Interested in learning more? Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.