Alkalinity is the measure of water’s ability to neutralize acids. Alkalinity can be affected by natural deposits in the earth and industrial practices. It is not considered to be hazardous to health. The recommended level of alkalinity in well water in potable water is between 75 to milligrams (mg)/ 1 liter (L) of calcium carbonate (Ca(03).
Arsenic is a semi-metal element that is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. The maximum allowable level of arsenic in potable water is less than 10 micrograms (ug)/ 1 liter (L) of water.
Coliform bacteria are a common bacteria that is found naturally in human and animal feces, as well soil, submerged wood, and other organic matter. Total coliforms are used as an indicator of bacteriological contamination in drinking water from outside sources, but may not be harmful. The acceptable level for coliform bacteria in potable water is 0 coliforms/100 milliliters (ml) of water. The coliform test is a presence/absence analysis and therefore the results are indicated as positive/negative for coliform bacteria.
Copper is a common metal that occurs naturally in the environment, and may be used in agricultural applications or industry. Short-term effects of drinking water with an excess of copper include vomiting, diarrhea and other stomach discomfort. Long-term exposure can have serious health implications, such as liver or kidney damage. The EPA’s recommended Maximum Contaminant Level of copper in potable water is less than 1.3 milligram (mg)/ 1 liter (L) of
E. coli bacteria is a common form of bacteria occurring in the fecal matter of healthy warm-blooded animals, such as humans. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless, its presence in water can indicate fecal or sewage contamination that may cause illness. The acceptable level for f. coli bacteria in potable water is 0 coliforms/100 milliliters (ml) of water. The E. coli test is a presence/absence analysis and therefore the results are indicated as positive or negative for E. coli bacteria.
Fluoride is a common element naturally found in surface and ground water. Additional fluoride enters drinking water from agricultural and industrial sources. According to the U.S. EPA, exposure to elevated levels of fluoride over a lifetime can result in an increased risk of bone fractures and cosmetic effects on teeth. The EPA’s recommended Maximum Contaminant Level of fluoride in potable water is less than 4 milligrams (mg)/ 1 liter (L) of water.
Hardness is the measure of water’s ability to react with soap and produce a lather. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium are some of the more common ions that enter water supplies from sedimentary rocks and soils, causing hardness in water. Hard water requires more soap to create a lather, and may leave mineral deposits on fixtures. It is not considered hazardous to health.
Iron is a metal element that makes up about 5% of the earth’s crust. It is not considered hazardous to health. To avoid aesthetic concerns, such as staining of fixtures, water appearance and taste, the recommended level of iron in potable water is less than 0.3 milligrams (mg)/ 1 liter (L) of water.
Lead is a toxic metal that was used in products located in and around homes. It typically enters drinking water supplies from the corrosion of plumbing systems. The maximum allowable level of lead in potable water is less than 15 micrograms (ug)/ 1 liter (L) of water.
Manganese is a common element that is naturally occurring in the earth’s crust. According to the U.S. EPA, exposure to elevated levels of manganese can cause headaches, mood changes, insomnia, and weakness. Long-term exposure at elevated levels may result in nervous-system disorders. The maximum recommended level of manganese in potable water is less than 50 micrograms (µg) / 1 liter (L) of water.
Nitrate is a form of nitrogen that can reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood of infants under six months old. Nitrate is a commonly used lawn and agricultural fertilizer and can also be formed in the decomposition of waste materials. The maximum allowable level of nitrate in potable water is less than 10 milligrams (mg)/ 1 liter (L) of water.
The R.!::!. of water is a measure of the acid-base balance. Carbon dioxide concentration and increases in temperature can decrease the pH of water. A pH of 7 is considered neutral, while a pH of less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH of more than 7 is considered basic.
Follow these steps to collect a lead and/or copper sample for the most accurate results.
- There must be a minimum of 6 hours during which there is no water used before sample collection. Early morning is the best sampling time to ensure that the necessary stagnant water conditions exist. Do not intentionally flush the water line before the start of the 6-hour period.
- After your water has been sitting in your pipes for a minimum of 6 hours, use a kitchen or bathroom cold-water faucet for sampling. Do not remove the aerator prior to sampling. Do not turn on your water until the open bottle is directly below the tap and ready to collect the water. Open the cold water tap as you would do to fill a glass of water. Fill the sample bottle and turn off the water.
- Tightly cap the sample bottle and place in the one-gallon zip-top bag provided.
- Results will be provided in a report generated within 10-14 business days. If the sample result exceeds the safety standard, a staff member will inform you ahead of time by calling the number listed on your Water Test Request Form.
If you have any questions regarding these instructions, please contact our laboratory at (920) 424-3148 or [email protected]. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Additional Resources
Grevatt, P. C. (2016, February 29). Office of Ground Water & Drinking Water. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. “Suggested Directions for Homeowner Tap Sample Collection Procedures.” Memorandum: Clarification of Recommended Tap Sampling Procedures for Purposes of the Lead and Copper Rule. WSG 197. Retrieved from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2016-02/documents/epa_lcr_sampling_memorandum_dated_february_29_2016_508.pdf
Having to call a plumber to take a look at your toilet or drain because they have been clogged can be embarrassing and quite a hassle. Even though it may seem like common sense what can and can’t be flushed and put down the drain, this is a topic that is often overlooked or taken for granted. With that said, this guide will first discuss what you can and can’t flush down the toilet, followed by what you can and can’t put down the drain.
This is quite simple, actually. The only three things that really should ever be flushed down the toilet is urine, fecal matter, and toilet paper. It definitely isn’t rocket science, but yet people flush plenty of other things that they think they can get away with all the time! Items like Kleenex, paper towels, and tissue paper, for example, should not ever be flushed. They may seem like they’re in the same family as toilet paper, but they take a lot longer to break down in the sewer system, thus, causing sewage blockages.
Some other things that you may be tempted to flush but shouldn’t include:
It can be tempting to just spin everything down the drain after cooking, especially when a big pile of plates and pieces of food accumulate. However, what we pour down the drain can cause issues in the long run for our household pipes and septic systems. In turn, this would be of detriment to water ecosystems and their inhabitants too. While water treatment facilities work hard to remove contaminants a lot of these chemicals and substances still end up in the oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Want to make your life at home easier in the long run, while helping the environment? Here are some things you should be mindful of, and keep them out of the drain.
