Water is essential to our everyday life, but it’s also a resource that’s often taken for granted. All you have to do is turn on the faucet and there’s a seemingly endless supply. With this ease of use, have you ever stopped to consider what might be in your water? Water bacteria testing is an important part of any home inspection that gives you insight into the exact elements your water contains.
What is Water Bacteria Testing?
Water bacteria testing assesses a home’s water supply for contaminants and pollutants. This could include everything from iron, chlorine and lead to coliform bacteria and E. coli. Testing can also reveal an imbalance of the pH level, which determines how acidic your water is. If pH levels are too high it can cause damage to your pipes, releasing heavy metals into the water which can eventually make you sick. Whether you’re a homeowner or a real estate professional, water bacteria testing is essential to ensuring a home’s water is drinkable and safe for everyday use.
Why Should I Consider Testing the Water Quality at My Home?
Mortgage lenders often require water quality testing for properties with private wells. Though testing may not be required for those on a public water supply, impurities are present in any water source. No matter where you draw water from, it may be affected by:
- Elevated levels of nitrates, including fertilizers that leach into groundwater
- Recent issues such as flooding or land disturbances near the water supply
- Heavy metal contamination, including lead
- Dangerous levels of bacteria
- Mineral contaminants such as arsenic and iron in the water
- Fluoride levels
There are also many indicators that can be warning signs of possible water issues. These would include unusual odors, flavors or colors in the water. You should also watch for stains on clothes or fixtures such as faucets and pipes. If you’re seeing any of these signs, setting up a water test is an easy, stress-free process. In fact, in most cases a home inspector can serve as an independent water tester as well.
The AmeriSpec Water Quality & Water Bacteria Testing Process
The expert inspectors at AmeriSpec are highly qualified to help you with water bacteria testing, and can perform this service during standard home inspections without much added time or the need for heavy or complex equipment.
To test your water an inspector will take a sample after running the water from the faucet or other fixture for several minutes. This sample is collected in a special sterile container to ensure there is no outside contamination. After the water sample has been collected it will be sent to a lab for testing. Turnaround time depends on the lab, but in most cases it will only take three to five days to receive your water analysis.
Once the analysis is complete, the lab will send a detailed report in an easy-to-read format so you can understand exactly what you’re looking at. You can also choose to have the report sent to your inspector so they can help interpret the results and review them with you.
Find the Certified Water Quality Inspector Near You
AmeriSpec offers numerous specialty inspection services. With more than 300 locations throughout the United States, it’s easy to find a certified AmeriSpec inspector near you to take a water sample and serve as an independent tester.
If you would like to know more about what’s in your water, don’t hesitate to reach out today. We’re here to answer any questions you have about water bacteria testing.