Defects ...
Environments Issues ...
Water Quality In more rural areas, most people rely on private water supplies such as
wells. It is important to test the quality of the water on a regular
basis, as many contaminants that can affect your health are colorless,
odorless, and tasteless.
Basic Water quality test packages include tests for coliform bacteria,
nitrates, pH, sodium, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, iron, manganese,
total dissolved solids, and hardness.
Additional testing should be done based on locally known
contaminants and the depth of your well.
For example, pesticides are more likely to contaminate water sources
that are closer to the surface in farming communities than in less rural
settings.
Generally, a reputable laboratory or testing service can assist
you in selecting the best tests to perform in your area.  Before selecting a laboratory to test your water, ask them about their
qualifications, quality control program, and costs to perform the
analysis.
Once the lab and test panel have been selected, the lab will send sample
bottles and sampling instructions identifying tests that require special
sampling and storage procedures.
For example, tests for colifom bacteria require that samples are shipped
at a cool temperature, and arrive at the lab within 24 hours of being
collected.
The quality of a water source may change over time, even suddenly.
Changes can go unnoticed as the water may look, smell, and taste the
same. In light of that, your NAHIPA home inspector urges homeowners
with well water to have their water quality tested on a regular basis.
This will help ensure that the water source is being properly protected from
potential contamination, and that appropriate treatment is selected and
operating properly. If the results show that a potential health hazard exists, stop using the
water immediately. This source should not be used until properly
treated, and additional tests confirm that a health hazard no longer
exists. For more information on water quality issues affecting us in Pennsylvania,
the Penn State Department
of Agriculture and Biological Engineering
publishes over 20 fact sheets on various aspects of water quality. Additional
Environmental Issues:
Asbestos |
Lead |
Mold |
Radon Related topics:
Common Defects |
Pest Control
Issues | 
