Things To Learn About Water Testing Kits

By Judy Sullivan


Water testing kits are very crucial appliances that all households should probably own. These kits are utilized in testing different properties to avoid poisoning or other health/medical problems particularly to babies and pregnant ladies. They are low-cost and simply available from stores that stock related items. The low-end versions can be got for as low as ten US Dollars.

Public water suppliers are needed by most government authorities to have their waters tested for various pollutants and test results provided to customers annually. Private supplies however are primarily the responsibility of property owners and there are no rules that require individuals to have their wells assessed. Even with no rules demanding for assessment of private water sources, an individual must take the initiative to make sure that it is performed at least ones yearly or unless there is some pressing emergency for doing more than ones.

Materials that must be tested for in wells yearly include coliform bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrates. Others that must be tested for yearly are arsenic, pesticides, lead, and copper among others. Chlorides, manganese, corrosion, hardness, iron, and sulfates should be tested against after every 3 years. Failure to test can cause some very horrific effects on people who use or consume such waters.

Coliform is the bacteria that is known for living in the intestines of the human body. Its presence in the stomach results in severe recurrent intestinal illness. Therefore, any forms of stomach illnesses can be signs that the bacteria needs to be tested for its presence. If household plumbing contains lead or if the plumbing system was recently replaced, installed, or repaired, lead is the substance to test for.

Laundry might also be of some help in finding out if there is necessity for performing any assessment. Often the laundry stains when washed, which is an open sign that sulfate, manganese, chlorides, and iron compounds are available. Hardness may be shown by washing waters that need a lot of soap to get soapy for easy washing. Main elements responsible for hardness are magnesium and calcium chlorides.

Other main indicators are color and odor. The color may be observed by naked eyes while the smell may be smelled using the nostrils. Color problems are shown by the waters looking cloudy, frothy, or not clear. The smell depends on the kind of contaminant that is available at the source. Equipment for treatment that wear off so quickly could indicate that pH is not at the correct value.

Pregnant women and babies are the most susceptible for getting affected by contaminants particularly nitrates because of multiple reasons.Tap or well waters should be assessed for nitrates before babies are delivered, after delivery, and regularly until 6 months. If babies are exposed to nitrates, they cause methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder which affects hemoglobin. This disorder causes lowers the supply of oxygen in the blood to dangerously low levels.

Water testing kits appear in a broad variety to suit various environments. They appear in different colors and shapes for people to select according to their requirements. Most of them are inexpensive.




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