Brian Barton
Water pollution is a serious issue that can have a detrimental impact on the environment and human health. It is therefore essential that water is regularly tested to ensure it is safe. Water testing can be carried out on-site using simple equipment, such as a calibrated thermometer to check the temperature, or lateral flow tests to check for bacteria. However, for a more accurate measure, water samples are usually taken to a laboratory for analysis. This can include testing for bacteria, chemicals, and physical and metal parameters. There are also standardised methodologies for testing water quality, which ensure that all testing is robust and accurate. It is important to test water regularly, particularly if there are any concerns about contamination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water testing | Water testing is an integral part of any water treatment programme and is essential for keeping building occupants safe. |
| Testing methods | Testing can be done on-site using simple equipment, such as a calibrated thermometer or lateral flow testing. Laboratory analysis is usually seen as the most accurate measure. |
| Testing frequency | Water should be tested at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. |
| Parameters | Water should be tested for TVC, Legionella, Pseudomonas, chemical make-up, physical and metal parameters, as well as corrosion, scale, and contaminants. |
| Real-time monitoring | Real-time water quality monitoring is needed to provide an accurate picture of water quality. |
| Standardised methodology | A standardised methodology ensures that all testing is robust and accurate. |
What You'll Learn
Testing for corrosion, scale and contaminants
On-site testing can also be used to check for some bacteria using lateral flow testing. It is important to test for corrosion, scale and contaminants to ensure the safety of building occupants, even if the water supply looks clean. This testing can reveal water quality, underlying system parameters and safety.
There are also some specific guidelines for testing well water. It is recommended to check your well every spring to ensure there are no mechanical problems and to test your well water at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. If you suspect your well is contaminated with other harmful germs or chemicals, it is important to test for those as well. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can be harmful, and it is important to test for VOCs depending on your location. Some specific VOCs to test for include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethylene and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
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Real-time water quality monitoring
Water pollution can be checked through water testing, which is an integral part of any water treatment programme. Water testing can be done on-site using simple equipment, such as a calibrated thermometer or lateral flow tests. However, for more accurate results, water samples are usually taken to a laboratory for analysis. Laboratory analysis can test for a range of contaminants, including bacteria, chemicals, and metal parameters.
To address this issue, organisations such as Surfers Against Sewage and The Rivers Trust are advocating for improved water quality monitoring. The Rivers Trust has formed the Catchment Monitoring Cooperative, which provides support and resources for anyone interested in monitoring their local river's water quality. This includes guidance on setting up monitoring and applying for bathing water status, which would create a legal obligation for polluters and regulators to clean up the waterway.
In addition to checking for sewage pollution, real-time water quality monitoring should also test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can be harmful to human health. The specific VOCs to test for depend on the location, but some common ones include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, and toluene. Well water, in particular, should be tested at least annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels.
Overall, real-time water quality monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of those who come into contact with the water. By implementing standardised methodologies and removing loopholes in testing regimes, we can obtain a true picture of water quality and take appropriate action to address any pollution issues.
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Testing for volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can make you sick. VOCs can be found in well water, and the specific VOCs to test for depend on where you live. Some common VOCs to test for include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethylene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
It is recommended that you check your well at least once a year for VOCs, as well as for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect that your well is contaminated with other harmful germs or chemicals, it is important to test for those as well.
Testing for VOCs can be done through laboratory analysis, which is typically considered the most accurate measure. This involves removing water from the site, following a specific method statement, and transporting the water sample in a specific receptacle to a laboratory within a specified timescale.
On-site testing for VOCs may also be possible using simple equipment, although this may not be as accurate as laboratory analysis. Some bacteria, for example, can be checked using on-site lateral flow testing.
It is important to note that real-time water quality monitoring is needed to give a true picture of the water we are using for various activities. There are standardised methodologies for water quality testing that ensure all testing is robust and accurate.
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Testing for bacteria
Water testing is an integral part of any water treatment programme and is essential for keeping building occupants safe. Even if the water supply looks clean, testing may still be required to demonstrate that the water treatment programme is appropriate.
When testing for bacteria, it is important to test for total coliform bacteria, which can indicate the presence of other harmful bacteria. Other bacteria that may be tested for include Legionella and Pseudomonas.
In addition to bacteria, it is also important to test for other contaminants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can be harmful to human health. Specific VOCs to test for include benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethylene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE).
It is recommended to test well water at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If there is any concern about contamination with other harmful germs or chemicals, additional testing should be conducted.
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Testing for underlying system parameters
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can make you sick. Which VOCs to test for depends on where you live. Some VOCs to ask about testing for are benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, trichloroethylene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). At a minimum, check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems. Test your well water at least once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you ever think your well is contaminated with other harmful germs or chemicals, test for those as well.
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Frequently asked questions
Water testing is an integral part of any water treatment programme and is essential for keeping building occupants safe. Testing can be done on-site using simple equipment, such as a calibrated thermometer, or water can be taken to a laboratory for analysis.
You can test for bacteria, such as Legionella, or for chemical make-up, physical and metal parameters, as well as corrosion, scale and contaminants. You can also test for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are industrial and fuel-related chemicals that can make you sick.
If you have a well, you should test your water at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. You should also check your well every spring to make sure there are no mechanical problems.
You can get involved with monitoring your local river for water quality through organisations such as The Rivers Trust and Surfers Against Sewage. These organisations provide resources and guidance on how to set up monitoring.
