Coliform
Bacteria indicates the possible presence of pathogenic microorganisms
that may be transmitted through feces of warm-blooded animals. Most
water contains some bacteria, many of which are considered benign. Bacterial
contamination of wells usually results from surface water infiltration,
septic system effluent, or from animal waste influence. It may also
result from work performed on your well or plumbing system that was
not followed by routine chlorination.
Chlorine
may be present if the well was recently sanitized or if chlorine is
added as a bactericide. Bacteria results may not be valid if chlorine
residual is detected.
Copper
at elevated levels can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Above
the level of 1 mg/l, its presence may give a bitter taste and slight
odor. Very soft or acidic water can cause copper to leach out of pipes
and fixtures and leave the characteristic blue-green stain.
Iron
occurs in some rock formations. Its presence can also result in high
color and turbidity readings in test results. Iron leaves a reddish-brown
stain on laundry and fixtures. It often occurs in combination with manganese.
Manganese
that is naturally occurring is of aesthetic concern since it imparts
objectionable and tenacious stains to laundry and plumbing fixtures.
Its presence influences color, turbidity and odor in test results.
An elevated reading
for Chloride in domestic water supplies
can indicate the presence of sodium chloride which results from road
salt run-off, septic system leaching or water softener discharge. High
chloride levels may indicate problems including elevated Sodium,
which could affect people with hypertension and heart conditions. It
may also reduce growth of plants being watered. Sodium is also found
in "softened" water.
Hardness
is the amount of calcium and magnesium dissolved in the water. These
minerals are considered beneficial to health, but can inhibit sudsing
by reacting with the soap to leave a film on bathtubs, dishes and clothes.
11ard water can coat heating elements and reduce boiler efficiency.
Water is considered moderately hard when it contains greater than 150
mg./l. Water softeners exchange hardness ions with sodium ions that
do not react with soap.
Sulfates
in water, if present in sufficient amounts, can cause diarrhea.
It is also a contributing factor to hydrogen sulfide which causes "rotten
eq4" odor Sulfate in water usually results from specific rock formations.
Ammonia
is converted into nitrite and nitrates in the nitrogen cycle presence
of ammonia may indicate any wastewater or septic influences to the water
supply. Levels above 0.1 ppm may be of concern.
Nitrate
can be considered a contaminant and is harmful at levels in excess of
10.0 mg./i. Nitrite readily derived
from nitrate can inhibit red blood cells ability to carry oxygen, causing
anemia especially in children Nitrates are typically found in shallow
supplies near agricultural areas.
Color
can result from iron, manganese, or sediments in the water supply. Its
presence can indicate these or other problems.
Total
Dissolved Solids is a measurement used to establish the degree
of mineralization in a water sample and potential for O corrosion. Hardness,
chlorides, sodium and sulfate contribute to TDS.
Odor
can be caused by the presence of both organic and inorganic chemicals.
Although mostly of aesthetic concern, it can O indicate the presence
of septic influence, fuel oil, hydrogen sulfide gas and many other contaminants.
pH
is a measure of your water's acidity/basicity. A level of pH 7.0 is
neutral. Numbers less than 7 are acidic, and numbers greater than 7
are basic. The average pH of "acid rain" in the northeast
is below 4.5 pH. As this water percolates through the soil and rock
minerals and compounds in the ground can neutralize it. The extent of
neutralization depends on the composition of the rocksoil and its contact
time with the water. In general, the more acidic the water, the more
corrosive it is. A pH level below 7 0 can cause blue-green stains due
to corrosion of copper pipes and may cause lead to leach from solder.
Turbidity
in water is caused by suspended matter, such as clay, silt, oxidized
iron, organic and inorganic matter. High turbidity levels can be a cause
elevated color.
Sample
Discussion of Results:
Coliform bacteria was present in your water sample as a precautionary
measure your water should be boiled at a rolling boil for at least 5
minutes before being used for drinking or cooking. Please disinfect
your well and plumbing system according to enclosed instructions. To
ensure that the bacteria has not reoccurred you should retest after
all chlorine odor is gone using a sterile sample bottle available from
our laboratory. If you have any questions in chlorinating your well
please feel to contact our office.