Home Water Testing in Sterling VA

Home Water Testing in Sterling VA: When, How, and Why?

Water is necessary for life—every living thing on Earth needs water to survive. If you have ever done

Water is necessary for life—every living thing on Earth needs water to survive. If you have ever done any type of backcountry camping, you probably have some basic knowledge about the types of water contamination that can impact untreated, natural water sources. Experienced backpackers and hikers alike will use water filters or iodine and boiling methods to protect against contaminants like Giardia.

Most homeowners and renters may not know that the water coming out of the faucets in our home can become contaminated with harmful bacteria and other potential harmful contaminants that can threaten our health and wellbeing. That is why water testing is important; testing, and testing regularly, is the only way to ensure that the water inside the home is safe for consumption. 

When You Should Test Your Water

There are a few instances where it is important to get your water assessed. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend homeowners test their water yearly, as well as any time the system is opened (to replace pumps, faucets, fixtures, etc). Wells are designed to be a closed system, and anytime that system is opened up, there is the potential for bacterial or other contamination getting into the well. Having your water tested for potability and/or other potential concerns will be the only way to verify that no contaminants were introduced into the well while the system was open . While you might think that water quality is more of a concern for those who draw their water from wells, even residents that are on public water should get their water quality tested.

In the event of a flood, it is important to get a water quality test done and send your samples into a state accredited laboratory for analysis. Similarly, if the members of your household are impacted by chronic health issues (especially those who may be immunocompromised), it is a smart idea to have your water tested to rule out harmful and potentially-harmful contaminants.

How Do You Go About Getting Your Water Tested?

Having your water analyzed by a reputable, accredited laboratory is of vital importance to the validity and integrity of your results. If you are living in Sterling, Virginia, you will want to find a water testing lab accredited by the state of Virginia. This means that they follow state regulations and uphold recognized standards. We recommended doing a little leg work and choosing a laboratory with positive reviews and a high rate of customer satisfaction when searching for home water testing in Sterling, VA.

Finding a local laboratory for your water testing would be the preferable route, as they are familiar with local water sources. Labs that have operated in your area for years are also aware of the trends and common issues and tend to be more invested and enthusiastic about local water quality for the communities in which they are a part of. Joiner Micro Labs is a fitting example of a longstanding, reputable, accredited lab owned and operated in Northern Virginia with a high customer satisfaction rate.

Why Water Testing is Important

The short answer is that water testing is important not only for the health and well-being of your family, but also for public health. Water testing will identify any harmful contaminants that are present in the water that you drink, bathe in, cook and wash with. Testing can also provide invaluable data about diseases and viruses that are prevalent in your community (which is important for public health officials to know so that they can address the issue post-haste).

Water testing establishes a record of local water quality and will provide early indications of issues so that public health officials can address them more quickly and effectively. This paper trail allows officials to track the quality of water in a region over time and will point to any issues in local water treatment facilities.

If you are living in Sterling Virginia and looking to get your water quality tested, contact Joiner Micro Labs. Owned and operated locally, Joiner Micro Labs has been serving the community since 1996. Fast, accurate results will provide peace of mind quickly.

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