Water quality is vital to health. For this reason, it is important for homeowners to monitor the water quality in their homes.
While there are some events that might warrant a water quality assessment on the spot, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend that residents have their water assessed yearly.
Why Well Owners Must Test Their Water Regularly
The number one reason to get your water evaluated is to make sure that it is not contaminated. For well owners without city treatment, there is no way to know what your water contains without doing a water quality test.
Well owners can be particularly susceptible to bacterial or chemical contamination which makes it crucial to test for total coliform bacteria and nitrates. This responsibility falls on the well owner since wells are off-grid and do not pass through local water treatment facilities.
Cases Where You Should Immediately Test Your Water
There are a few instances where the yearly testing cadence gets thrown out the window completely. If you have experienced a major disaster, such as a serious earthquake or flooding event, you will want to avoid drinking any water directly from your taps until you have had your water tested for potability; do not assume that your water is potable after any type of natural disaster. A good example of this is the recent flash flooding in Asheville, North Carolina.
Additionally, if you or any of your family members are having chronic, unexplained health problems, or prolonged bouts of sickness, ruling out water as the cause is a smart idea. This is especially the case for households in which infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals reside.
Contaminated Water Can Cause Serious Health Issues
Why should you be concerned about your water quality? The short answer: because you can become dangerously ill. If there is any chance of sewage contamination, getting your water tested can save you a lot of trouble. Infectious diseases like cholera and dysentery (think Oregon Trail) can derail a healthy child and heavy metals can cause severe developmental and neurological issues.
Testing your water will provide some peace of mind when it comes to the health and wellbeing of you and yours.
Looking for Water Testing in Fauquier, Virginia?
Are you a new or existing homeowner in Fauquier, Virginia wondering how to get your water tested? Joiner Micro Labs has been locally owned and operated since 1991 and is a state-certified water testing laboratory.
Are you interested in learning more about our water testing services along with what we test for and why? Visit our website to learn more and contact us.