Information about water sampling for both new and existing water systems

Water-Sampling

Water Sampling According to the Groundwater Foundation, testing your private water system quality on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining a safe and reliable source. The test results allow you to properly address the specific problems of a water supply. This will help ensure that the water source is being properly protected from potential contamination, and that appropriate treatment is selected and operating properly. The only way to tell if your drinking water is safe is by having it tested at a certified laboratory. Harmful bacteria, parasites, and viruses are invisible to the naked eye, so water which looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink. These microbes can exist in surface and groundwater supplies, and can cause immediate sickness in humans if not properly treated.

Certain chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in a water source can cause long term health problems that take years to develop. Frequent water testing will identify unsafe water and ensure that the treatment system is treating the water to a satisfactory level.

The Hocking County Health Department offers water sampling for all water systems whether new or existing including bacteria, nitrates, inorganics, pesticides, VOC’s, and heavy metals such as lead and arsenic. For a full list of tests or to schedule a water sample, contact the Health Department at 740-385-3030 ext. 2 and ask to speak with a sanitarian. There is a fee for this service and the cost depends on the type and number of tests. For more information on water sampling including testing recommendations, visit the Groundwater Foundation at www.groundwater.org/get-informed/basics/testing.html