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In NEW YORK, the Department of Public Health, uses a combination of standards and advisory levels to help consumers interpret their water test results. Their excess does not necessarily mean that the water is harmful, but it might indicate that the source of the problem be found and corrected. For specific questions concerning your analysis, or any treatment you are considering, contact the Laboratory or your Local Health Department. The following are presented as a guideline only.
Coliform(Bacteriological Test): This test is made to detect organisms of the so-called coliform group, found mostly in the intestinal tract of man and other animals. The presence of coliform indicates the possibility that disease-producing organisms may also be present in the water:
Color: Color may result from iron, manganese, humus, plankton, weeds, or industrial wastes.
Odor: Odor is a subjective evaluation of acceptability of the water.
Copper: Copper is used in plumbing systems. It is not very toxic, but does cause staining.
pH Value: pH defines the hydrogen-ion concentration in water and represents the aggressiveness of the water toward pipes, etc. (a low pH being more corrosive).
Turbidity: This test measures the light scattering property of solids in water as compared to a standard clay suspension.
Nitrogen Constituents: These may indicate sewage or other nitrogenous organic contamination. Nitrate Nitrogen in excess of 10 mg/L is potentially dangerous, particularly for infant feeding.
Alkalinity: Alkalinity is a measure of alkaline substances such as hydroxides, carbonates, and bicarbonated with capacity for neutralizing acid.
Hardness: Hardness is primarily a measure of calcium and magnesium in water and is related to the soap-consuming power of water.
Iron: Excess iron results in color and turbidity. Iron stains laundry and fixtures orange-brown and promotes iron bacteria which can impact a taste and odor. Iron can be removed with a water softner, iron filtration or ion exchange.
Manganese: Manganese can cause black stains on laundry or fixtures. Manganese is removed with a water softner, iron filtration or ion exchange.
Lead: Lead is a metal formerly used in soldering joints in plumbing systems. It is now prohibited, but many houses still have lead in their plumbing systems. Lead can build up gradually in the body and can have effects on the brain and nervous system.
Sodium: Persons with high blood pressure, hypertension, congestive heart disease or persons on a low salt diet should consult their physician before consuming a source with a high sodium level.
