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Friday, January 31, 2014

Things To Learn 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 should be tested for yearly in wells and other sources include coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, and total dissolved solids. Others that should be tested for on a yearly basis are arsenic, pesticides, copper, and lead among others. Chlorides, sulfates, manganese, corrosion, hardness, and iron should be tested for after every three years. Failure to have the tests done can cause some very bad effects on people who consume or use such waters.

Coliform is a bacteria that lives in the human intestines. Its presence in stomachs results in serious recurrent intestinal illnesses. Therefore, any kinds of stomach illnesses may be signs that the coliform bacteria has to be analyzed for its presence. In case household plumbing contains traces of lead or if plumbing system was lately replaced, repaired, or installed lead is the material 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 main indicators are color and odor. The color may be observed by naked eyes while the smell may be smelled using the nostrils. Color problems are shown by the waters looking cloudy, frothy, or not clear. The smell depends on the kind of contaminant that is available at the source. Equipment for treatment that wear off so quickly could indicate that pH is not at the correct value.

Babies and pregnant ladies are the most vulnerable for being affected by contaminants especially nitrates because of several reasons. Well or tap waters should be analyzed for nitrates before the baby is delivered, after birth, and regularly until six months are over. Exposure to nitrates by babies causes methemoglobinemia, which is the blood disorder that affects hemoglobin. The disorder causes supply of oxygen in blood to reduce 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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