Water Testing and Standards

As mentioned before, it is up to you to make sure your water is safe to drink. Private well water should be tested routinely to ensure it is free of certain contaminants such as total coliform bacteria, nitrates, and total dissolved solids, in addition to having the pH tested. For more information on private water well testing, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals (DHH) and the US EPA put together very informative flyers:

What should I test my water for?

If you suspect there is a problem with your drinking water, the following chart can give you an good idea of what to test for based on specific circumstances or potential associated symptoms. If you suspect there is lead in your water, jump to the next section: LEAD and your drinking water.

Conditions or Nearby Activities Test For:
Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria
Household plumbing contains lead pH, lead, copper
Radon in indoor air or region is radon rich Radon
Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead
Nearby areas of extensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria
Coal or other mining operations nearby Metals, pH, corrosion
Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium
Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas station, or dry-cleaning operation nearby Volatile organic compounds, total dissolved solids, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals
Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and near gas station or buried fuel tanks Volatile organic compounds
Objectionable taste or smell Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals
Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese
Salty taste and seawater, or a heavily salted roadway nearby Chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium
Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather Hardness
Rapid wear of water treatment equipment pH, corrosion
Water softener needed to treat hardness Manganese, Iron
Water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored Color, detergents
https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2015-11/documents/2005_09_14_faq_fs_homewatertesting.pdf

Who Can Test My Water?

Make sure to use a certified lab to test your water. Whether you are testing for chemical or microbial contaminants, you can find a certified lab here.

Chemical Testing
Microbial Testing

What are the water standards for different contaminants?

Once your well is tested, you can compare the results to the drinking water standards below.

Primary Standards
Secondary Standards
Community Water Systems
LEAD and your drinking water