Why is water testing imperative to the Safety of our Survival

The term ‘water quality’ refers to the suitability of water for various purposes based on its physical, chemical, biological, and taste-related characteristics. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of and evaluating water quality is particularly crucial since it has a direct impact on human health, industrial and household usage, and the well-being of our natural surroundings.

Standards for ensuring water quality are established by regulations like the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) Water Directive and regulatory bodies such asCentral Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of Jal Shakti, Department of Water Resources, Central Pollution Control Board. Typically,local governments worldwide play a crucial role as the primary enforcers of these standards.

Water testing is crucial for all stakeholders involved in the water industry, including government organizations and individual homeowners. Government agencies regulate water quality to safeguard public health, while homeowners seek to ensure the suitability of their water for consumption.

By testing water regularly and after acquiring an accurate water testing report, we can identify and treat any potential contaminants like viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, parasites, chemicals or any other harmful toxins that may be present in the water supply. Once these pollutants are detected, necessary steps can be taken to prevent the occurrence of waterborne diseases.Testing of Hardness, pH, Chlorides, Salt and other chemicals is also of prime importance.

Whether water is used for business, agriculture, domestic purposes, or by municipalities and homeowners, regular testing is necessary to maintain a safe water source and minimize environmental risks and health issues.

Whether water is used for business, agriculture, domestic purposes, or by municipalities and homeowners, regular testing is necessary to maintain a safe water source and minimize environmental risks and health issues.

Checking the suitability of water quality before use, whether for drinking, irrigation, livestock watering, or spraying, is crucial. It enables informed decision-making regarding water usage and allows for appropriate measures to be taken to maintain its purity.

The Power of Water Testing Reports on Health, Business, and Organizations

Health: Water quality plays a vital role in maintaining public health. Contaminated water can carry harmful microorganisms, chemicals, and pollutants that can cause a range of waterborne diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, gastrointestinal illnesses, reproductive diseases and neurological disorders. Young children and the elderly with weaker immune systems are at a greater risk. The results of the drinking water test report help identify potential contaminants and ensure that water supplies meet health and safety standards.

Business: Many industries rely on water as a crucial resource for their operations. This includes the agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and hospitality industries. Conducting regular water testing enables businesses to monitor and maintain the quality of their water supply, ensuring the safety of their products as well as the well-being of their customers.

Organizations: Various organizations, such as schools, hospitals, and government agencies, have a responsibility to provide safe water to their employees, students, and the general public. Regular water testing helps identify potential risks and ensures compliance with health and safety regulations. With the help of the results acquired from the drinking water test report, organizations can detect and address issues related to water quality, such as lead contamination in plumbing systems, which can have long-term health effects.

Verifying the water analysis report: Establishingconfidence in the Validity of Data collected

By verifying the results of the water testing report, we can guarantee the preservation of water quality against any possible source of pollution or contamination. It will also help implement an appropriate methodology for the overall treatment process.

Testing Parameters for Ensuring Safe Drinking Water

Water quality parameters encompass a range of chemical, physical, and biological characteristics, which can be examined based on the specific properties of concern. Commonly sampled parameters for assessing water quality comprise temperature, dissolved oxygen levels, pH, conductivity, ORP (oxidation-reduction potential), and turbidity.

However, water monitoring efforts may also encompass measurements of total algae, ISEs (ion-selective electrodes) like ammonia, nitrate, and chloride, as well as laboratory-based parameters such as BOD (biochemical oxygen demand), titration, or TOC (total organic carbon).

TEMPERATURE: Temperature exerts control over the pace of chemical and biological reactions. It has a direct impact on the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water, the process of photosynthesis in aquatic plants, the metabolic rates of organisms residing in water, and the susceptibility of these organisms to pollution, parasites, and diseases.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN LEVELS: In terms of drinking water, elevated levels of dissolved oxygen contribute to improved flavour. Ideally, healthy drinking water should contain dissolved oxygen within the range of 6.5-8.0 mg/L. Although higher levels of dissolved oxygen enhance the taste of drinking water. Though, it's crucial to recognize that this can also increase corrosion, a factor that drinking water facilities need to consider. Conversely, if the levels of dissolved oxygen fall below 6.5 mg/L, it is probable that the water is potentially unsafe for consumption.

pH: pH serves as a numerical gauge ranging from 1 to 14, which indicates the acidic or alkaline nature of a liquid. Positioned at the midpoint of this scale is pure distilled water, possessing a pH of 7, denoting a state of neutrality. The pH value significantly influences the characteristics and qualities of water-based liquids.

Typically, drinking water is expected to maintain a pH of 7. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advises maintaining the pH level within the range of 6.5 to 8.5 for drinking water.

CONDUCTIVITY:

Conductivity serves as a valuable indicator for assessing the quality of water. It plays a crucial role by providing information about the number of dissolved substances, chemicals, and minerals in the water. A higher level of these impurities results in an increased conductivity measurement. Even a minor concentration of dissolved salts and chemicals can elevate the conductivity level of water.

ORP

The measurement of oxidation-reduction potential (ORP) is an excellent tool for assessing the quality of water in various applications. ORP probes offer valuable information about the overall level of sanitation, with positive ORP readings falling within the desirable range of 650-750 mV. This indicates optimal sanitation conditions and safety of water for consumption.

TURBIDITY

The presence of turbidity in drinking water can have an impact on its taste and odour. To ensure effective disinfection, it is crucial to minimize the turbidity levels. The particles responsible for turbidity can harbour bacteria and viruses, posing potential risks. Therefore, reducing turbidity is essential for maintaining water quality and safety.

Interpreting your Water Testing Results

Drinking water may contain bacteria, nitrate and pesticides at levels that cannot be smelled or tasted, but which can prove to be hazardous to health. Only analysis from a certified laboratory can determine if the water is free of harmful impurities.

Tests that can be used to identify contaminants that harm health include:

BACTERIA

Coliform bacteria may indicate the presence of disease-causing human or animal waste.

NITRATE

A form of nitrogen that can dangerously reduce the amount of oxygen in the blood of infants under six months old.

LEAD

Lead can be leached into water from lead pipes and represent a significant health threat.

ALKALINITY

It is the measurement needed to determine corrosivity.

CHLORIDE

High concentrations indicate contamination by a septic system, fertilizer, landfills etc.

CONDUCTIVITY

It is the ability of water to conduct current and can also signal presence of contaminants

CORROSIVITY INDEX

Combination of several tests that indicate the tendency for water to corrode plumbing.

HARDNESS

Hardness determines the need for water softening.

This is how one can make sense of the water analysis results and interpret the same.

The Water Analysis Report PDF

The water test report PDF typically consists of the following:

Cover Page: The cover page includes the name of the testing laboratory, the date, the name of the client or any specific project or sample identification numbers.

Table of Contents: This provides an overview of the sections and subsections included in the report, enabling easy navigation.

Introduction: The introduction section provides background information about the purpose of the analysis, the source of the water samples or any other specific objectives.

Methodology: This section describes the methods used for sample collection, preservation, and analysis. It includes information about the equipment, instruments, and laboratory procedures.

Results: The results section presents the findings of the water analysis. It includes tables, graphs, and charts, conductivity, dissolved oxygen,etc. Results are typically compared to recommended guidelines.

Discussion and Interpretation: This section provides a detailed interpretation of the results, discussing the significance of the findings and highlighting any potential issues or concerns.

Conclusions: The conclusions section summarizes the key findings of the analysis, highlighting any significant observations or trends.

Recommendations: Recommendations may be provided to address any identified issues or improve the quality or safety of water.

Appendices: Additional supporting information, such as raw data, quality control measures, calibration records, or specific details about the analytical methods.

References: If applicable, a list of references or sources of information used in the analysis may be provided.

It's important to note that the specific contents and structure of a water test report PDFmay vary depending on the laboratory, the purpose of the analysis, and the requirements of the client.

How Atlas Lab can assist you with accurate water testing and analysis services

Atlas Lab is a leading provider of state-of-the-art drinking water testing and analysis services. We adhere to internationally recognized standards such as Bureau of Indian Standards (BSI) - IS - 10500:2012, Packaged Drinking Water - IS:14543-2004, Packaged Natural Mineral Water - IS:13428-2005, and Drinking-Water/Potable Water - WHO/EU/EPA standards.

Our comprehensive testing includes a range of parameters vital for assessing drinking water quality, such as pH, total hardness, total dissolved solids, alkalinity, E. coli, and total coliforms. Our team of experts boasts over 40 years of cumulative experience in testing and analysis, ensuring accurate results for all your drinking water-related concerns.

At Atlas Lab, we offer a complete solution for drinking water testing, providing prompt and precise results at a cost-effective price. Our services cater to clients on a global scale, ensuring that your drinking water meets the highest quality standards.