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Water Testing in Reading, PA

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Home Inspector with Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia

Water Testing in Reading, PA

water in a bottle

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? 

coliform bacteria

 

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. 

cow

 

 

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.

 

reading home inspector

 

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. 

Posted by

david the home inspectorDavid Artigliere, owner of ARTI Home Inspections LLC, is a home inspector in Pottstown, Reading, Norristown, Royersford and surrounding areas. 

He is available 7 days a week and can be reached at 610-220-1907.

Comments (6)

Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Great information here..being a big city girl .I have no idea what tests to call for ..I have done a few sales that required water testing but not many ...I always rely on the professionals to let me know what tests need to be done ...

HelpfulHannah

May 07, 2012 03:03 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Very good advice for home buyers.  All should have water testing if a private well is the source of water.

May 07, 2012 03:06 AM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

David, this is wonderful and valuable information for those that have well water!    

May 07, 2012 04:22 AM
Jim Brooks
Highrises & Condos by The Brooks Team - Las Vegas, NV

David,

 This is great information! Definitely a worthy post and information that everyone should be aware of. Keep up the great posts.

May 07, 2012 05:21 AM
David Artigliere
Reading, Pottstown, Norristown, Philadelphia - Collegeville, PA
ARTI Home Inspections, ASHI Certified Home Inspect

Hannah- that sounds smart- concentrate on what you are good with since we can't possibly know it all!  That's what us home inspectors are here for!

Roy & Joan- I know I would want to know what I'm drinking!

Jim- thanks for reading!

May 08, 2012 02:16 AM
Anonymous
Russell Ehrgood

I live in an Apartment, the water taste like a handful of pennies were in it and stain the sink in the bathroom green. The Apartment owner has a well and was wondering if the water is safe to drink and what it cost to find this out.

Sep 21, 2015 05:38 AM
#6