Is your drinking water safe? It's important to know... and Joiner Micro Laboratories makes it easy to find out. If you have questions about your water or about testing - and the answer isn't below - please feel free to contact us.
| Q. |
Should I have my well water tested? |
| A. |
This is a serious question that concerns you and your family. Of most concern, contaminated water can make you sick. In addition to contamination, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, color, odor and staining of clothes or fixtures are water quality problems that you don't have to live with.
It is impractical and unnecessary to test for all possible contaminants. The test for coliform bacteria is a good place to start. Your well is considered safe to drink if it is absent of coliform bacteria. Other contaminants such as lead, copper, pesticides and herbicides may be of concern, but can be costly. Water quality problems are easily detected -- use your eyes, nose and taste buds -- most of the nuisance problems are treatable.
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| Q. |
How often should I have my well water tested to make sure it is safe for my family to drink? |
| A. |
The EPA recommends testing your well water at least once a year. You'll want to test for coliform bacteria, nitrate and pH to ensure your water is safe. This testing should be done during the spring or summer following a rainy period. If you're expecting a new baby, test for nitrates in the early months of pregnancy; then test again when the child is born and once more within the first six months. After that, a regular annual test would be sufficient. Always use a Virginia certified lab for your testing. For more information, call Joiner Micro Labs at 347-7212 or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.
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| Q. |
What are coliform bacteria? |
| A. |
Collectively, coliform bacteria are referred to as indicator organisms because they indicate the potential presence of human or animal feces. Coliform organisms can multiply in a variety of environments, including pipes. The presence of a large number of the same type of these organisms in water from a well or spring, or from a single tap on your water distribution system indicates a multiplication of the organisms. |
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| Q. |
Why test for coliform bacteria? |
| A. |
For the biologist, if disease-causing organisms (pathogens) are present, coliform organisms are usually present as well. The absence of total coliform bacteria is evidence of bacteriologically safe water. |
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| Q. |
Can I collect my own sample for coliform bacteria? |
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Yes, you can. Sampling for coliform bacteria must be collected using sterile containers and under sterile conditions. The homeowner can receive the sterile container from Joiner Micro Labs via mail or visiting the lab. The sterile container will have instructions for collecting, preserving and handling the water sample. The water sample, after collection, needs to be in the lab within 30 hours. If you choose not to do your own sampling, the laboratory can send a trained technician to your home to collect the sample. Always use a Virginia certified lab for testing. For more information, call Joiner Micro Labs at (540) 347-7212 or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. |
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| Q. |
Is a private well monitored like a public water supply? |
| A. |
Public or municipal water systems are regularly tested for contaminants regulated by Federal and state standards. If you obtain drinking water from a private well, you alone are responsible for assuring that it is safe. For this reason, routine testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended. Even if you currently have a safe, pure water supply, regular testing can be valuable because it establishes a record of water quality. This record can be helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone damages your water supply. Always use a Virginia certified lab. For more information, call Joiner Micro Labs at (540) 347-7212 or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. |
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| Q. |
I just moved into a new home and I am finding blue-green stains in the bath tub. What does this indicate? |
| A. |
The blue-green stains that you see are coming from the copper pipes in your home. Acidic water is usually the culprit. This is water with a low pH. Acidic water is aggressive to your plumbing. Have your water tested for pH, lead and copper. You can correct the problem of acidic water by installing an acid-neutralizing filter. Always use a Virginia certified lab for testing. For more information, call Joiner Micro Labs at 540-347-7212 or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. |
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| Q. |
How long does a total coliform bacteria test take? |
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Your choice, we offer two analytical methods: a two-day method and a 24-hour method. The 24-hour method has a $10 additional surcharge. |
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| Q. |
I am selling my house and my Realtor told me to get my drinking water tested for coliform bacteria. How soon should I have the test done? |
| A. |
Most contracts require the test be analyzed within 30 days of the settlement. Once the sample is in the lab, the test for coliform bacteria takes 24 hours. If bacteria are detected, a common recommendation is to disinfect the well. It realistically could take two to three weeks to treat the well and/or make repairs before the well is safe for drinking. The best recommendation is to have the water tested as soon as you are within 30 days of settlement. Always use a Virginia certified lab for testing. For more information, call Joiner Micro Labs at (540) 347-7212 or the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791. |
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| Q. |
What should I do if my water is contaminated with bacteria? |
| A. |
First don't panic! You have probably been drinking this water for some time with no ill effects and could possibly continue to do so. While you and your family may have developed some immunity to harmful bacteria present in the water, there is no assurance that you won't suffer ill effects in the future as a result of continued exposure. Further, guests in your home who do not have this immunity may experience more immediate problems. |
Learning that your water supply has been found to be contaminated with bacteria should encourage you to take action. So that you can prevent a potential problem from getting worse, you need to identify the possible source(s) of contamination and take corrective steps to purify the contaminated water.