Drinking plenty of water can help you look good and feel more energetic. Since we are supposed to drink so much water, it is important that the water does not contain anything that could be harmful. Make sure the water you drink at home is safe by testing it regularly.

Taste and Smell

Test your water using your sense of taste and smell. If your water tastes or smells bad, test it for copper, iron, hydrogen sulfide, chloride, imbalanced pH levels, zinc, lead, sodium, the corrosion index, and total dissolved solids.

Use a Home Kit

Order a water testing kit online or get one from a hardware store. As of 2009, water testing kits cost as little as $6 for simple bacteria tests; you can get a kit that includes tests for bacteria, nitrates and pesticides for around $25 dollars. Follow the testing kit's instructions carefully to get accurate results.

Find a Liscenced Lab

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises using a licensed lab to test your water. You can obtain a list of local, licensed water testing labs through your state's certification officer (see Resources). Follow the lab's instructions for collecting and sending in water samples.

Order a Comprehensive Screening the First Time

If you have never tested your water before, order a comprehensive screening that checks for bacteria, nitrates, lead, iron, sulfates, hardness, total dissolved solids and pH as well as any potential contaminants particular to your area; comprehensive tests usually cost $200-$300. You can ask the local health department about local problems or look them up on the Environmental Protection Agency's home page at http://epa.gov/; just enter your zip code in the box next to the prompt "MyEnvironment."

Test for Bacteria Once a Year

After the first round of tests, test for coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids and pH levels at least once a year; as of 2009, this test costs around $50. It is best to test after the rainy season in your area.

Compare Results to EPA Standards

Small amounts of contaminants and germs are harmless. Check the EPA's website for safe levels of any contaminants found in your test results.

Source:

Inspectapedia: Choices of Water Tests and Fees

Filtersfast: Water Test Kits

EPA: Water Contaminants

Resource:

EPA List of State Certification Officers for Drinking Water Laboratories