Sunday, January 19, 2014

Procedures In The Water Testing Labs

By Judy Sullivan


Contamination is rife in many water-bodies around the world. This has resulted in the presence of fungi, viruses and bacteria which can be harmful and therefore a health hazard. Partly, contamination can be blamed on international firms which carelessly dump their waste in the waters so as to avoid the cost that comes along with the treatment of such waste and the correct disposal procedures. Many environmental groups have cried foul and demanded for the streamlining of the policies touching on industrial waste disposal. To arrest the spread of water-borne diseases, various authorities have established water testing labs.

Old household plumbing equipment can easily react with the mineral elements found in water and their associated service lines. This corrosion results in lead been deposited into the piping system and therefore can easily find its way into the storage tanks. Lead is harmful to ones health and therefore its presence should be regularly tested.

The test results arrived at help the analysts to understand better the system as a whole unlike gaining knowledge on an individual household. Raw-water is not safe for human consumption and therefore one has to rely on the use of pitchers and faucets to filter off unwanted matter. The many counterfeit product in the market make it difficult for one to pinpoint the genuine filter.

one of the easiest processes in quality control is the detection of problems that relate to quality. Experts advise that one should look at the presence of stains, the odor and color f this liquid. The PH level contributes to some extent the hardness or softness of this commodity. Contamination can easily result from nearby septic tanks hence wells should not be dug near septic tanks.

Many state counties and other authorities that have jurisdiction over certain areas require the testing laboratories to report their findings whenever they carry out tests. In the spirit of adhering to ISO standards, the experts are supposed to disclose the various minerals and organisms found and recommend more efficient procedures of purifying the commodity. The consumer confidence report acts as a benchmark and guides technicians while carrying out future tests.

The quality record has to be regularly updated as it may come in handy in solving any future problems and in claiming compensation if any damages occur to your system. The tests should be carried out at least once per year. Detailed testing should be conducted on the presence of total coliform bacteria, dissolved solids, nitrates and the PH levels especially if the well was recently dug or there has been a major overhaul of the plumbing system.

Excess nitrates are harmful to both a new born kid or the expectant mother. Expectant ladies should make sure that the waters are tested and that they contain acceptable nitrate levels otherwise they pose a health risk. For accuracy of results, tests should be conducted after a rainy period.

Mineral salts like manganese, chloride and iron are some of the elements the water testing labs should test for. They are solvent and can therefore easily corrode into the system. Tests ought to be repeated at least once in three years. Volatile organic compounds are dangerous and therefore harmful to once health. These tests are expensive hence are carried out only when necessary.




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