Water Testing in Reading, PA
With a number homes around the Reading, PA area still using private wells, I get a lot of requests for water testing and people don't always know which water tests they need.
Most of my clients that are purchasing a home get a basic water test called an FHA/VA test. This is the test required by FHA for basic water potability. Included in this water testing package is analysis for total coliform, fecal coliform, nitrate, nitrite, and lead. We all know about lead, but what about these other contaminants?
Total coliform and fecal coliform are basically other names for bacteria. If either of these contaminants show up in the water test results, it indicates there may be contamination from an unsanitary condition such as septic waste or surface water entering the water supply. Drinking water contaminated with coliform bacteria can cause illnesses such as cryptosporidium, giardia lamblia and gastrointestinal illness.
The other two contaminants, nitrite and nitrate, typically come from the natural decay of organic matter and agricultural runoff. High levels of nitrate indicate possibly contamination from local agriculture and pesticide use. Nitrate causes decreased oxygen carrying capacity in infants and some adults and can cause "blue baby syndrome." Nitrite is similar to nitrate, however, it can cause decreases oxygen carrying capacity in anyone.
There are more comprehensive water tests that we offer as well that test for a number of additional contaminants. Although water testing isn't required, it's a good idea to have one done prior to purchasing a home and every year to make sure you are not drinking contaminated water. To find out more about the different water testing packages available, contact ARTI Home Inspections LLC at (610) 220-1907.
David Artigliere is a home inspector in the Reading, PA area and offers home inspections 7 days a week.
He can be reached anytime at (610) 220-1907.
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