By Judy Sullivan


There are various sources of contamination that result in the presence of harmful bacteria, viruses or fungi in most vast water-bodies. In the past, environmental watch groups have strongly criticized the waste disposal policy of most multi-national firms especially those that dispose untreated waste in water bodies. In the recent past, increased cases of contamination have resulted in the springing up of water testing labs in major urban and semi-urban areas.

Many are the times when the minerals found in water react with the household plumbing materials and service lines therefore resulting in the corrosion of the piping system. As a consequence, lead which is harmful and therefore poses a health hazard is deposited in the storage facilities alongside the water. Just as a precautionary measure, most laboratories test for the presence of lead as part of regular monitoring procedures.

Test results help on to obtain an analysis of the system as a whole. Inference to a certain household cannot be made from the results obtained. Safety of the commodity for human consumption can be ensured through the use of filters such as the faucet and pitcher filters. Its important to buy them from approved dealers to avoid purchasing counterfeit ones.

one of the easiest processes in quality control is the detection of problems that relate to quality. Experts advise that one should look at the presence of stains, the odor and color f this liquid. The PH level contributes to some extent the hardness or softness of this commodity. Contamination can easily result from nearby septic tanks hence wells should not be dug near septic tanks.

After carrying out the tests, many laboratories have to file their findings with the federal, state or tribal water agencies that are responsible for monitoring public water systems. They have a requirement to report any contaminants found and recommend best ways of ensuring safety of this commodity. The quality engineers have to generate an annual consumer confidence report that is distributed to all stakeholders. Its key contents include the technician findings and the possible health effects.

Updating the database that contains the findings of various tests carried out should be done on an ongoing basis so as to ensure that no information is left out. This is helpful as it forms the basis on solving future problems. Total coliform bacteria is known to be harmful and thus the need to conduct thorough tests so as to ascertain its absence.

If the family is expecting a new baby, tests for presence of nitrates should be carried out during pregnancy, before the infant is brought home from the hospital and during the first half year of the young ones life. The test is most effective if carried out during summer or spring that is after a rainy period.

Water testing labs should test for the presence of minerals salts such as chloride, manganese and iron which might have easily corroded into the system. These tests need to be repeated after every three years. Testing for volatile organic compounds can be very expensive and therefore such tests should be limited to only when necessary.




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