Sold! Your new home passed all structural inspections and water testing. Six months later, you notice a subtle change in the taste of your water. Should you test your water again? The key to understanding your water and how it affects your family is to test it; but under what condition and how often should you test your home’s water?

That depends on where your water comes from, and the dynamic environment around and within your home.

Water Testing Guidelines for Private Wells

Your private well water is not monitored by a public water works agency, leaving the quality and safety of your water supply up to you, the homeowner. It is this reason that you should test your well water regularly to watch for possible contaminants that could cause health concerns, and to maintain proper pH levels.

The EPA recommends testing your well annually for nitrates, bacteria, such as coliform, and other local contaminants.

Test your water annually if:

• you have installed a new well.
• you have replaced or repaired any part of your well system.
• your well has a history of bacterial contamination.
• you have a home water treatment system.

Test your water at least twice a year if:

• you notice a change in the taste, appearance, or odor of the water.
• your water leaves stains on clothes and household surfaces.
• a new infant is in the home or a family member is in the early months of pregnancy.

Test your water after special circumstances including:

• man-made land displacement, such as removing trees and installing lawns
• natural disasters from floods or earthquakes
• completed construction projects that used large equipment and trucks
• chemical spills or leaks
• a malfunctioned septic system
• recurring gastrointestinal illnesses

What About Public Water?

The public water supply is tested frequently by municipalities at the source of the public water system. A public water company monitors the water quality and reports all results to governmental agencies that are responsible for safeguarding water standards.  Your water company is responsible for notifying you of any contaminants that may pose a health risk. One such report, the Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), provides you with information on your area’s public water supply, including any known contaminants.

Test Your Home’s Water in Manchester, NH

Unfortunately, we can no longer take the safety of our water for granted. Much of New Hampshire water contains arsenic, uranium, radon, and bacteria.  If you would like to learn more about the quality of your home’s water, contact the trusted professionals at Secondwind Water Systems to schedule a water analysis.