Testing and Interpretation

Testing private water supplies is up to the property owner; however, it’s an important step for maintaining safe drinking water. In this section, find information and resources on private drinking and residential water testing and treatment. Advice is also available on septic system failure dye tests, on-lot site evaluation, and on-lot filtration.

Home Water Treatment Systems

Home water treatment systems are specially designed to help resolve an array of domestic water problems. Treatments are often used to battle pollutants such as hydrogen sulfide, corrosive water, bacteria, lead, and fluoride.

The most popular drinking water treatment in Pennsylvania is the whole-house sediment filter. By removing particulates from the water, this filter works to improve water clarity. It further enhances effectiveness and reduces maintenance for any following water treatment systems. Other common water treatment processes include chlorination, acid neutralization, distillation, aeration, and UV light.

Before buying any water treatment equipment, it’s essential to determine the specific treatment needed. Most issues can be identified through water quality testing. Alternative solutions to explore before purchasing equipment include developing an alternate source of water or connecting to a nearby public water supply.

Adequate maintenance is crucial for the longevity and effectiveness of the water treatment system. Valuable resources to consider include the safe drinking water clinic workshop, as well as the drinking water treatment processes webinar.

Water Softening

Water softening is an ion exchange treatment system, commonly used when hard water causes gray or white deposits when heated. Ion exchange systems work by filtering the water through an exchange media (resin). As a result, the water loses its ability to form scale buildup in pipes and on appliances.

The majority of water softeners on the market can be categorized as either timed or demand-control units. All models, however, need to be properly maintained. Common maintenance problems include periodic clogging, bacterial mat formation in the resin, and iron fouling.

Drinking and Residential Water Testing

Having private water tested is important for ensuring it is safe to drink. Water testing provides essential information, including pollutants that can only be detected through a laboratory test.

Private supplies should be routinely tested for bacteria, pH, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Land uses occurring near the household – such as road deicing, gas stations, homes with septic, and agriculture – require additional drinking water testing. Common pollutants associated with land use in Pennsylvania include aluminum, chloride, petroleum products, nitrates, pesticides, as well as iron and manganese.

Water testing for arsenic should be considered, as well. As arsenic can have serious health effects, it has a federal and state drinking water standard of 0.01 mg/L. Private water supplies are not regulated and between 2% - 6% of those located in PA contain heightened arsenic levels.

All tests should be carried out by an accredited lab. Water quality testing kits can be obtained through an Extension county office or directly from the Agricultural Analytical Services Lab. In this section find information on using the Penn State water test kit, testing for lead and other pollutants, as well as understanding and interpreting test results.