INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

The Department of Public Health uses a combination of standards and advisory levels to help consumers interpret their water test results. Exceeding standards or advisory levels does not necessarily mean that the water is harmful, but it might indicate that the source of the problem be found and corrected.

COLIFORM BACTERIA AND E COLI: Coliform bacteria are a group of thirty bacterial species that are sometimes found in drinking water. e-coli are a specific type of Coliform that strongly suggest the presence of human or animal waste. The limit for both Coliform and e-coli are ZERO (absent). Treatment: chlorination or ultra violet filtration.

CHLORINE: The most widely used disinfectant for drinking water, chlorine is also important for sanitizing swimming pools.

COLOR: This condition can be caused by dissolved organic material, decaying vegetation and/or certain inorganic material such as iron or manganese. Treatment: iron filter or softener.

ODOR: Sulfur and iron bacteria, petroleum and organic matter can cause odor in water. Treatment: If bacteria are present, chlorination. If no bacteria are present, aeration or filtration.

IRON: High iron levels can discolor fixtures and laundry or impart a metallic taste to water. Iron is frequently present in water due to the high amounts present in soil. Corrosive water will also pick up iron from pipes. Treatment: water softener or iron filter.

MANGANESE: High levels may produce brownish black stains in laundry and on fixtures, and may impart an objectionable odor and taste. Treatment: water softener or iron filter.

SODIUM: Persons with high blood pressure, hypertension or on a low salt diet should consult a physician before consuming water with a high sodium level. Most waters that contain high levels of sodium are due to water softeners containing sodium chloride. Treatment: reverse osmosis or softener containing potassium chloride.

CHLORIDE: Found in nearly all natural waters. A salty taste is detected when high concentrations of chloride are present. A very high chloride level can lead to corrosiveness of water on pipes and heating equipment. Treatment: reverse osmosis or softener containing potassium chloride.

HARDNESS: Calcium and magnesium cause hardness. Very hard water scales pipes and increases soap consumption. Treatment: water softener

NITRATE-NITRITE NITROGEN: Even though plants, animals and most microorganisms require some form of combined nitrogen for growth and reproduction, concentrations above certain levels can present problems. Water with excess levels of nitrate - nitrite can interfere with the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood and should not be used in infant feeding or by nursing mothers. Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange.

pH: pH is a measure of acid or alkaline contents of water. Acidic water corrodes copper pipes and lead solder causing a blue-green stain. Treatment: acid neutralizer or soda ash.

SULFATE: Mine drainage waste may contribute to large amounts of sulfate through oxidation. High concentrations of sulfates in water act as cathartics. Treatment: reverse osmosis.

TURBIDITY: This condition is usually caused by the presence of suspended material such as clay, silt, finely divided organic material and other inorganic materials. Treatment: iron filter or small cartridge filter.