should you test your water?

The question of whether or not to have your water tested is one that includes many concerns for your family. Your water should be safe to drink and acceptable for all other household uses. In addition to illness, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are symptoms of water quality problems. Even water that appears problem-free may not necessarily be safe or acceptable.

This following provides a few guidelines for deciding whether or not to have your water tested, and if so, what tests would be appropriate for your situation. Whether you have a public or private water supply, you should have your water tested if the following situations arise:

• If you are buying a home and wish to assess the quality of the existing water supply: Test for, nitrate, lead, iron, hardness, pH, sulfate, and total dissolved solids (TDS),
• If household plumbing contains lead pipes, fittings, or solder joints: Test for pH, lead, copper, and zinc.
• If a water softener is needed to treat hard water: Test for Iron and manganese.
• If you wish to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment: Test for the specific water problem being treated.
• If water stains plumbing fixtures and laundry: Test for iron, manganese and copper.
• If water has an objectionable taste or smell: Test for hydrogen sulfide, pH, copper, lead, iron, zinc, sodium, chloride and total dissolved solids (TDS).
• If water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored: Test for color, turbidity and detergents.
• If pipes or plumbing show signs of corrosion: Test for lead, iron, manganese, copper and zinc.
• If water leaves scaly residues and soap scum, and decreases the cleaning action of soaps and detergents: Test for hardness.
• Routine Tests. The testing frequencies in this fact sheet are general guidelines. Test more often if you suspect there is a problem with the quality of your drinking water.
• If a new baby is expected in the household it is a good idea to test for nitrate in the early months of a pregnancy, before bringing an infant home, and again during the first 6 months of the baby's life.

Contact your Local Culligan Water Specialist can offer you further assistance and information by providing you with a free water test and system check, valued at $100.00!