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Water Quality and Water Testing

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Over 80,000 inspections performed since 1968

Many buildings in the greater New York area receive their water through municipal water systems.  Municipal water systems draw their water from reservoirs or community wells.  For example, New York City and Lower Westchester County rely on upstate reservoirs for water.  Most of Nassau County and the more populated parts of Suffolk County rely on municipal wells.  Rockland County and parts of New Jersey have either municipal wells or reservoir water.  Less populated areas like parts of eastern Long Island, Connecticut, upper Westchester, and Putnam rely on private wells.

Water testing is expensive.  Each contaminant that you test for requires specific laboratory protocols.  In addition, some buildings have conditions that indicate specialized tests such as lead in water.  The more contaminants that you test for, the greater the cost of analysis.

You should perform a water test if the home or building uses well water.  Many banks require that well water be tested before they will grant a mortgage.  For more information on water and water testing, visit the EPA water information web site .  Contact an appropriate testing laboratory to arrange for a water test.

Municipal Water

Municipal water is generally monitored according to standards set by the EPA .  Check with your local water supplier for information on how the water supplied to your building is monitored.  In many instances, you can obtain the results of the water supplier’s most recent water test.  Often, the water is not contaminated when it leaves the water supplier’s facility.  Note that the water can pick up contaminants as it travels through the pipes to your home or building.  A clean test from the local water authority is not a guarantee there is no contamination in your home or building.

Lead in Water

One risk in some water systems is lead in the water.  Lead often enters the water via the water main.  Lead can also enter the water as it passes over lead-based solder used on some copper pipes.  The amount of lead entering the water depends on factors such as water chemistry and temperature.  Over time, the amount of lead entering the water may decrease due to the buildup of corrosion and sediment in the pipes.

Water can be tested for lead content, and you should arrange for such testing with an appropriate water testing laboratory.  When testing for lead content, it is desirable to test water that has been stagnant in the pipes overnight.  This is typically the highest lead reading.  If elevated levels of lead are found, appropriate steps should be taken to reduce the lead level in the water.

Well Water

If your building draws its water from a private well, then the water quality should be tested.  Water drawn from a well may have contaminants such as bacteria, fertilizers, and road salts.  Many banks require that the water be tested for potability before they will grant a mortgage on a building with a private well.  Because each item tested has a different lab protocol, there are varying turn-around times for receiving test results.  This, combined with other delays in lab testing, means you may not be able to get the results immediately.  Have the water potability tested as soon as possible to avoid delays in your home purchase.

Call 800.640.8090, or click here to contact Heimer Engineering 24/7.

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This page was last reviewed on February 26, 2008.
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