Water Testing Kits

Know what is in your water

There are several kinds of testing kits on the market that will indicate the contaminants present in your water. Here are some things to consider as you look at water testing kits:

• All-in-one water testing kits are designed to test for a variety of common contaminants in your water. These kits test for contaminants such as E. coli bacteria, lead, pesticides and chlorine. They also test the hardness of your water.
• Instant results are not always better. Many water testing kits offer fast results. Fast might seem convenient but you will get better, more accurate results through the use of lab analysis.
• Look for kits which provide a basic water information booklet with the kit. This will not only help you better understand steps involved in the kit but it will also provide you with other valuable knowledge regarding contaminants in your water.
• If you feel that there are specific issues concerning your local drinking water, a topical test may be in order. For example, if you fear pesticides in your water, you can buy kits that will test specifically for pesticides such as atrazine and simazine. A kit like this can be found online for well under $10.

Test Your Water Accurately
Here are some important steps to take as you test your water:

• Your water testing kit (or your state certified lab) will provide you with a sterile bottle which will be used to hold the water sample. Be sure to keep this sterile.
• Take a sample from a faucet that you commonly use - either on the outside of inside of the house. A lesser used faucet may not give you an accurate reading.
• Remove any filters, aerators or other tools which may affect the sample.
• Some labs require a sample when water first starts running and a sample after the water has been running for at least 7-10 minutes. This is to distinguish whether or not the contaminants are always present or if they are only present when water has been sitting. Pay attention to the requirements indicated on the test label.
• After the sample is taken, it’s best to deliver it to the lab as quickly as possible. Label the bottle with the date and time on which the sample was taken.

Your water analysis should be performed by a state-certified company which abides by EPA approved methods. Some cities will test your water for free while others charge a small fee for their services. Check out our testing labs page for a list of labs near you.