A.W. Research Laboratories, Inc.

General Water Testing

If you suspect you may have a problem with your water or you just moved into a new home or had a new well put in, we recommend testing for coliform bacteria and nitrates. There are also several other parameters commonly tested for.

Coliform Bacteria and Nitrates

Coliform bacteria causes health symptoms related to drinking or swallowing water contaminated with bacteria. The symptoms generally range from no ill effects to cramps and diarrhea (gastrointestinal distress). In very rare cases, Coliform Bacteria can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious kidney condition. If you live within the city limits and have municipal drinking water you can call your local water supplier (the number is right on your water bill) and request a copy of the city water test results.

High nitrate levels in drinking water pose a risk to infants because they may cause methemologlobinemi, a condition known as “blue baby syndrome.” High nitrate levels interrupt the normal body processes of some infants. Nitrate becomes toxic when it is transformed to nitrite, a process that can occur in the stomach as well as in the saliva. Infants are especially susceptible because their stomach juices are less acidic and therefore are conducive to the growth of nitrate-reducing bacteria. (Adults can consume large quantities of nitrates in drinking water or food with no known ill effects; their stomachs produce strong acids that do not promote the growth of bacteria that convert nitrate to nitrite.) Nitrite in the blood combines with hemoglobin to form met-hemoglobin, which reduces the capability of the blood to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. This results in the “blue” condition of the baby’s skin. The infant is being asphyxiated because oxygen cannot be transported by the blood. Prompt medical attention normally results in quick recovery of the infant.

· There is no allowable limit for bacteria in drinking water.

· The Public Health Limit for Nitrate is 10mg/L.

Lead

Although lead has long been recognized as poisonous at high dosages, recent studies have shown it is damaging at lower levels than previously believed. Excess lead in the human body can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, red blood cells, low birth weights, and mental impairment in fetuses, infants, and children. Young children, infants and fetuses are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. Any amount of lead, which would have little effect on an adult can greatly effect a child. Also, growing children rapidly absorb any lead that is consumed. A child's mental and physical development can be irreversibly stunted by lead.

Lead solder could legally be used to join plumbing pipes until 1986, but lead is a concern even if you live in a brand-new home. Faucets are still allowed to contain as much as 8 percent lead and these faucets have been shown to leach the metal in significant amounts.

· The Public Health limit for lead cannot exceed 15 ppb (parts per billion)

Copper

Copper is a common and essential element used by humans and animals, is found in rocks, soil, water, and air. It is mined extensively in the U.S. and is used in the manufacture of wire, sheet metal, pipe (sometimes used in private water systems), and other metal products. Also, copper is used in the treatment of plant diseases, water treatment, and as a preservative for wood, leather, and fabrics. High intakes of copper can cause liver damage and gastrointestinal irritation.

· The Public Health Limit for copper cannot exceed 1300 µg/L

Arsenic

Is Arsenic in drinking water a problem in Minnesota? Yes, it is, in some places. An on-going study by the Minnesota Department of Health has found that the west-central counties have higher levels of arsenic in wells than other places in Minnesota. Most Minnesota communities have arsenic levels below 10 ppb.

Although a very high dose (60,000 micrograms) of arsenic can be lethal, the amount of arsenic in drinking water is very small and any health effects are the result of prolonged exposure over a period of years. This long-term low-level exposure to arsenic has been linked to cancer of the skin, bladder, and nervous system, along with possible circulatory problems, and may promote an increased risk of getting cancer. This is a new area of research and these are preliminary findings. More research must be done to determine the connections between level of arsenic, duration of exposure, and health effects.

· The Public Health Limit for arsenic cannot exceed 10µg/L

Iron and Hardness

Iron is not considered hazardous to health. In fact, iron is essential for good health because it transports oxygen in your blood. In the United States, most tap water probably supplies less than 5 percent of the dietary requirement for iron.

Hardness in water is not a health hazard. In fact, the National Research Council (National Academy of Sciences) states that hard drinking water generally contributes a small amount toward total calcium and magnesium human dietary needs.

· The recommended level is less than 0.3mg/L

· The range of hardness is between 0- over 300. (300 being very hard)

Page Up

general water testing