Wednesday 22 January 2014

Learning About Water Testing Kits

By Judy Sullivan


Water testing kits are very crucial appliances that all households should probably own. These kits are utilized in testing different properties to avoid poisoning or other health/medical problems particularly to babies and pregnant ladies. They are low-cost and simply available from stores that stock related items. The low-end versions can be got for as low as ten US Dollars.

All public suppliers of water are needed by government authorities to test their waters for various contaminants and test results availed to customers on an annual basis. Private supplies are on the other hand primarily the duty of property owners. There are no regulations that need individuals to test their wells. Even with no regulations demanding for yearly analysis of private waters, an individual must make sure that the testing is carried out at least ones annually or unless there are some pressing issues for analyzing more than ones.

Materials that must be tested for in wells yearly include coliform bacteria, pH, total dissolved solids, and nitrates. Others that must be tested for yearly are arsenic, pesticides, lead, and copper among others. Chlorides, manganese, corrosion, hardness, iron, and sulfates should be tested against after every 3 years. Failure to test can cause some very horrific effects on people who use or consume such waters.

Coliform is the bacteria that is known for living in the intestines of the human body. Its presence in the stomach results in severe recurrent intestinal illness. Therefore, any forms of stomach illnesses can be signs that the bacteria needs to be tested for its presence. If household plumbing contains lead or if the plumbing system was recently replaced, installed, or repaired, lead is the substance to test for.

Laundry can also be of great help in determining if there is need for carrying out any analysis. Normally the laundry catches stains after washing a clear indication that chlorides, iron, sulfate, and manganese compounds are available. Hardness is indicated by washing waters requiring too much soap to become soapy and easy to wash with. Major compounds responsible for hardness are normally calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.

Other major indicators are odor and color. The color can be observed by the naked eye while the smell can be smelled using the nose. Color problems are indicated by the waters appearing frothy, cloudy, or not clear. The odor depends on the type of contaminant that is present at the source. Treatment equipment that wear off so fast could indicate that the pH is not set at the right value.

Pregnant women and babies are the most susceptible for getting affected by contaminants particularly nitrates because of multiple reasons.Tap or well waters should be assessed for nitrates before babies are delivered, after delivery, and regularly until 6 months. If babies are exposed to nitrates, they cause methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder which affects hemoglobin. This disorder causes lowers the supply of oxygen in the blood to dangerously low levels.

Water testing kits are made in a broad of makes to suit various settings. They appear in various color shades and shapes for individuals to pick according to their diverse requirements. Many of them cost cheaply.




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