Regular testing of your tap water is vital to early detection of issues. Contaminated drinking water can pose serious health risks to household members, which is why the Center for Disease Control (CDC) urges Americans to evaluate their water supply.
For well water drinkers, the CDC recommends water testing once a year, but those on city water should also consider water testing if there are unexplained illnesses that are stumping physicians, the water being consumed tastes off, after your property is impacted by a flooding event, and for peace of mind that the water coming out of your facets is safe to drink.
What Process Should You Follow?
If this is your first time searching for water testing in Prince William, you might be wondering how it works, who to go to, and what to include in your sample. Fortunately, we will cover those bases for you, so look no further! Step one is to contact a reputable local water testing laboratory—they will tell you what their process is and what they need from you. Different labs may have their own way of doing things, so it is best to know what their process is ahead of time.
The lab will ask you to provide a sterile sample of your tap water in a properly labelled bottle. The reason for this request is that the lab wants to make sure that your test is accurate and to ensure that it isn’t confused with another sample. If the sample is contaminated by something after the water leaves your tap, then it is not a good representation of the actual quality of your water. You will want to keep your sample cool (packed in ice or with ice packs in a cooler) and within a reasonable time (typically 24-30 hours so the sample isn’t sitting for too long).
Tips on How to Properly Obtain a Sterile Sample
The tap you choose to take your sample from matter. You will want to use a tap in your home that does not have a screen (dirty with debris and outside contaminants). Make sure to disinfect the faucet you pull the water sample from (use an alcohol swab or well-diluted bleach).
It is imperative that the bottle you use is sterile. Do not clean it first and do not send your water sample in used a bottle that has previously had something else in it, and do not wash the bottle. Run your water for between two and five minutes before filling the sterile bottle (be sure to use cold water). You will want to fill the bottle with a stream that is about the width of a pencil and avoid backsplash and overflow. Once you’ve collected the sample, be sure to cap it immediately.
Why Choose a Virginia Accredited Water Testing Facility?
It’s that you recommended to choose a water testing laboratory that is accredited in the state of Virginia. These labs have demonstrated lofty standards and provide accurate, quality results. These labs have proven themselves capable and competent. Most labs will instruct you on how to properly label your sample and the paperwork that you should provide when you send it in. When taking a sample, you should send it in as soon as possible.
Searching for a reputable water testing facility local to Prince William? Joiner Micro Labs is a Virginia accredited water testing facility. We provide fast and reliable testing results. Contact us today for more information or to set up water testing today. You can visit our website for a list of full services.