Water Quality and Water Testing
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
County, and Putnam County rely on private wells.
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 The United States 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. 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. 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.
To
setup an appointment with Heimer Engineering PC for a home inspection, building inspection, condominium inspection,
coop inspection, or Professional Engineering consultation, to find out about other
Professional Engineering
services offered, or for more information, call us anytime at 718.544.3000,
212.563.4777, 516.487.2100, 631.858.5500, 914.576.6100, 845.638.4900, or 800.605.1500
or you can click here to contact us 24/7
using the online form.
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