Understanding Your Water Test Results: A Homeowner’s Guide to Reading Laboratory Reports

Don’t Let Your Water Test Results Leave You Confused – Here’s How to Read Them Like a Pro

When you receive your laboratory water test report, it can feel like deciphering a foreign language. Those numbers, abbreviations, and technical terms might seem overwhelming, but understanding your water test results is crucial for making informed decisions about your family’s health and safety. Whether you’re dealing with well water or municipal supply issues, learning to interpret these reports empowers you to take the right action when needed.

Understanding the Basic Components of Your Water Test Report

Every water analysis report contains several key elements that homeowners should understand. The report will contain a list of contaminants tested, the concentrations, and, in some cases, highlight any problem contaminants. An important feature of the report is the units used to measure the contaminant level in your water.

The most common measurement units you’ll encounter include:

  • Milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm) – Used for substances like metals and nitrates, where one milligram per liter equals one part per million
  • Parts per billion (ppb) – Used for compounds measured in smaller concentrations
  • Colony-forming units (CFU) – Used for bacterial testing
  • Grains per gallon (gpg) – Used exclusively as a hardness unit and equals approximately 17 mg/L or ppm

Key Parameters Every Homeowner Should Know

pH Levels

pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. pH of less than 7 indicates acidity, whereas a pH of greater than 7 indicates a base solution. High or low pHs can indicate how corrosive water is. Corrosive water may further indicate that metals like lead or copper are being dissolved in the water as it passes through distribution pipes.

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

TDS stands for total dissolved solids, and represents the total concentration of dissolved substances in water. The EPA suggests that water with a higher TDS level than 500 ppm is considered too high, and water that contains more than 1,000 ppm of TDS is considered unsafe, and therefore should not be consumed.

Water Hardness

Calcium and magnesium ions cause the greatest portion of hardness in naturally occurring waters. They enter water mainly from contact with soil and rock, particularly limestone deposits. The hardness of high-quality water should not exceed 270 mg/L (15.5 grains per gallon) measured as calcium carbonate.

Bacterial Contamination

A laboratory commonly will report the bacteriological test as positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of total coliform bacteria. A negative total coliform bacteria result means the water is safe for human consumption from a bacteriological standpoint. A positive total coliform test would indicate unsanitary conditions and the possible presence of disease-causing organisms.

Red Flags: When Your Results Require Action

In addition to the test results, a lab may make notes on any contaminants that exceeded the PA DEP drinking water standards. For example, the lab may note that total coliform bacteria and iron both exceeded the standards. Violations and exceedances occur when the levels of contaminants in your drinking water exceed the maximum allowable levels set by the EPA. If your water utility detects a violation or exceedance, it must notify you and provide information on the actions it is taking to correct the problem.

Common issues that require immediate attention include:

  • Positive bacterial test results
  • Lead levels above 0.015 mg/L
  • Nitrate levels above 10 mg/L (especially dangerous for infants)
  • Iron levels exceeding 0.3 mg/L (aesthetic issues)

The Importance of Professional Water Testing

While home testing kits can provide basic information, certified laboratories must meet standards for accuracy and quality. Use a state-certified laboratory to test your water for the most reliable results.

For homeowners in Florida dealing with water quality concerns, companies like Quality Safe Water of Florida provide comprehensive water quality testing services. Quality Safe Water of Florida is a state-wide Water Treatment Company with over 50 years of experience and a member of the National Water Quality Association. They’ll provide you with your own custom-designed water purification system, based on your water analysis & your family’s water usage & needs.

Taking Action Based on Your Results

Whether your water causes illness, stains on plumbing, scaly deposits, or a bad taste, a water analysis identifies the problem and enables you to make knowledgeable decisions about water treatment. Contact your local extension specialist or your county health department for help interpreting test results and determining corrective action.

Retain your copy of the report in a safe place as a record of the quality of your water supply. If polluting activities such as mining occur in your area, you may need a record of past water quality to prove that your supply has been damaged.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Understanding your water test results doesn’t have to be intimidating. Understanding your test results is critical to ensuring the health and safety of your drinking water supply. By familiarizing yourself with the key parameters, knowing what constitutes safe levels, and working with qualified professionals when needed, you can ensure your family has access to clean, safe water.

Remember that it is more important to test on a regular basis for a few indicators of contamination and to maintain a record of water quality. This helps to identify changes in the supply, contamination of the water source or deterioration of the water system. Regular testing and proper interpretation of results are your best tools for maintaining water quality and protecting your family’s health.