By Judy Sullivan


Water testing kits are very vital appliances that each household should probably possess. This kit is utilized in the testing of different properties to stop possible poisoning or other medical problems especially to pregnant women and babies. They are inexpensive and easily available from stores and shops that stock related commodities. The low-end makes can go for as low as 10 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 should be tested for yearly in wells and other sources include coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids. Others that should be tested for on a yearly basis are arsenic, pesticides, copper, and lead among others. Chlorides, sulfates, manganese, corrosion, hardness, and iron should be tested for after every three years. Failure to have the tests done can cause some very bad effects on people who consume or use such waters.

Coliform is a bacteria that lives in the human intestines. Its presence in stomachs results in serious recurrent intestinal illnesses. Therefore, any kinds of stomach illnesses may be signs that the coliform bacteria has to be analyzed for its presence. In case household plumbing contains traces of lead or if plumbing system was lately replaced, repaired, or installed lead is the material 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.

Babies and pregnant ladies are the most vulnerable for being affected by contaminants especially nitrates because of several reasons. Well or tap waters should be analyzed for nitrates before the baby is delivered, after birth, and regularly until six months are over. Exposure to nitrates by babies causes methemoglobinemia, which is the blood disorder that affects hemoglobin. The disorder causes supply of oxygen in blood to reduce 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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