How Much is Water Quality Testing Cost?
How much you’ll pay for water testing depends on the number of contaminants you want to check, the type of test you need, and where you live. In general, the more tests you need, the higher the cost. However, there are some water test kits that cost less than $100 and are well worth the investment if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on testing.
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Whether you need to test your water for health purposes or for insurance, regular water quality testing is essential. Drinking contaminated water can cause serious illnesses such as diarrhea, cholera, and dysentery and may damage the structural integrity of your water system. Having test results can also serve as evidence in case you need to sue for damages in the future.
You can test for germs and chemicals in your drinking water with a simple home kit or by having your water tested at an accredited lab. For example, the Agricultural Analytical Service Laboratory at Penn State University offers a wide range of water testing services including microbial, hardness, coliform, and radon tests. You can use their website to find a local AASL lab and schedule your test.
The EPA recommends that you test your home’s water for harmful germs and chemicals as a way to ensure that your home’s drinking water is safe. It’s a good idea to have at least one test done on each type of water source, such as the tap or your private well. You can use the EPA’s contaminant tables to check your results against acceptable standards for safe drinking water.
Some home water testing kits are designed for one-time use and include color disks to test for specific contaminant levels. You can buy these from local stores or from online retailers like Amazon. Some kits are more accurate than others, so be sure to compare prices before purchasing one.
Depending on the contaminant level you’re trying to check, a small digital or electronic water tester can cost $10-$75 or more. These testers are useful for measuring total dissolved solids to determine when it’s time to replace the filter in a water purifier or softener.
You can also purchase a water testing kit that includes multiple tests for the most common contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury, lead, radium, and pesticides. These kits are available at most hardware stores, or you can contact your local government’s health department for guidance on the best home water testing kit to purchase.
In addition to water testing, there are also a number of other ways to help you ensure your water is safe. For instance, some communities require testing for all water sources on their property, and many utility companies test their waters each year to provide Consumer Confidence Reports.
Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner, or an environmental activist, knowing how to test your water is important. It can also save you money in the long run by helping you avoid drinking contaminated water and keeping your drinking water system functioning properly.