What’s in the water

Water, whatever the source, contains a lot more than just H2O. In Upstate New York, we often see the minerals calcium and magnesium (referred to as “hardness”) and iron. Water can contain all sorts of other minerals, organic and inorganic compounds, metals, bacteria, and more.

Contaminants can be introduced to water supplies in a variety of ways. Many natural deposits of minerals make up the geology of the earth and come into contact with the water that is pulled out of the earth. Northern Minnesota contains the largest deposit of Iron in North American.

Sometimes human activity can introduce contaminants to the earth that leach into water sources. Many industries use chemicals and minerals in their processes and were not always regulated in the disposal. Tanneries historically used arsenic, which can be found years later in nearly water sources.

Agricultural use of fertilizer causes run off of nitrogen and phosphorus, which contaminates aquifers.

Firefighting foams, industrial processes, and many everyday products produce PFAS (“forever chemicals”) which persist in water.

Some of these provide nutrients our body’s need. Some are harmful to the body. Some damage our pipes, water fixtures, and appliances. Fortunately, water can be cleaned up, and simple systems exist to address all kinds of water contaminants.

Testing Water

The first step is to test the water. CWD test on site with on-the-spot results for a number of qualities including hardness (calcium and magnesium), iron, ph, manganese and sulfur. We offer a comprehensive mail out test for 50 items, including water characteristics, metals, minerals, and inorganics. We also collect water for bacteria testing, utilizing a certified lab.

There is an exhaustive number of items that can be tested for. Most wells benefit from an annual bacteria and PFAS test, and every few years for other contaminants.

Site Specific Water Testing

Sometimes proximity to certain formations and industries calls for certain water testing. If you notice any changes in the taste, color and odor of your water, it is a good idea to .=get it tested.

Live next to an Army Base? Test for PFAS.

Live next to agricultural farms? You will want to test for nitrates regularly. Also test for pesticides, herbicides, and bacteria, common in agricultural runoff and fertilizers. Also consider testing for metals (i.e., arsenic, copper, lead), total dissolved solids, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).