The Importance of Quality Check Procedures on Well Test Analysis

Clean water is imperative for a healthy body.

Unlike publicly supplied water systems, well water is owned by the landowner, or a group of community owners. Periodic testing of the quality of the well water, as well as following the correct procedures, is crucial for overall health.

Function

Well water testing involves taking water samples from the supply; the samples are taken to a laboratory where they are analyzed for specific concentrations of elements from fluoride to iron.

Considerations

The inspector must be trained in quality check procedures to keep the integrity of the well water as it was found. The samples should be kept and covered in tightly sealed containers so that no foreign matter can enter the water to cause a false analysis.

Significance

Quality procedures are extremely important; if the water is not handled correctly, an incorrect reading of a contaminate can cause illness or even death. Bacteria, like E. Coli, must be detected even in small amounts with careful analysis, as the presence of such bacteria in the sample necessitates a complete disinfection of the entire water supply and well.

References

• Suffolk County Department Of Health Services Division Of Environmental Quality: Test Well Procedures
• Water Systems Council: Understanding Drinking Water Test Results