- What tests do you offer?
DrinkWell offers three testing packages as well as some additional compounds that can be purchased with any one of the packages. Please see the Catalog section of this website for a listing of tests offered.
- How do you test my samples?
Samples received are processed using various technologies including gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and standard wet chemistry and microbiological techniques. Methods are either EPA published methods or methods developed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. using EPA Tier 1 Performance Based Measurement Systems. All samples are processed in adherence to a strict quality assurance program.
- How often should I test my water?
The EPA recommends well owners test their water annually or when they suspect a problem and to be aware of potential health problems that may be related to their water. The variables that affect ground water quality from natural impurities to human activity are vast, resulting in no small task for the individual well owner. DrinkWell is designed to help the private well owner through this process.
- I already have a filter on my faucet, why should I test my water?
Testing allows you to verify that the system you have is appropriate to remove the particular contaminants in your water.
- What is the difference between DrinkWell and kits commonly found in retail stores?
Typically, most test kits will only test for a few contaminants. The testing packages offered through DrinkWell are designed to provide data on a large number of regulated contaminants that may be found in well water. Furthermore, DrinkWell uses highly precise and accurate instrumentation in order to determine if contaminants are in your water and then compare any detections to the EPA Maximum Contamination Limits.
- I drink bottled water, why should I test my well water?
You still may be exposed to contaminants through bathing and cooking. Furthermore, as bottled water is expensive, you may want to verify that it is a necessary replacement to your well water.
- I had my well tested when it was installed. Why should I test again?
Well water quality can change over time which is why the EPA recommends annual testing. Pollutants can be drawn down with the water to the aquifer, polluting your well. Additionally failing septic systems, already underground, can contaminate well water with human waste and household chemicals.
- I live out in the country. What could contaminate my well out here?
Unlike public water supplies, private wells generally draw water from unprotected watersheds that may be vulnerable to a variety of contaminants including but not limited to, household chemicals, gasoline, pesticides, herbicides and naturally occurring contaminants such as radon and arsenic.
- I only want to test for a specific contaminant. Why can't I test for one thing?
Testing for only one or few contaminants may provide a false sense of security. You may determine that one contaminant is not present, but unknowingly have other contaminants in your water. The testing offered by DrinkWell is both affordable and inclusive of a broad range of common contaminants.
- I tested my water when I bought my home, why should I test my water again?
Chances are you tested for a limited number of contaminants such as bacteria and nitrates. This testing will not tell you if your water is contaminated with other contaminants such as arsenic, petroleum products or pesticides. As water quality may change over time, it is recommended that you test your water, at a minimum, on an annual basis and anytime you suspect a problem.
- I thought ground water was the purest water there is. How could it be contaminated?
There is no such thing as pure water. Ground water used in private wells may contain some natural impurities or contaminants, even with no human activity or pollution. Water quality is dependent on a number of different things including proximity to industrial activity or landfill, soil type, local geology, local use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals, septic system conditions and well construction.
- I thought when I had my water tested they tested for "everything". Why do I need to test again?
Testing for everything is very expensive. Chances are you tested for a limited number of contaminants such as bacteria and nitrates. Water quality may also change over time. It is recommended that you test your water at a minimum on an annual basis and anytime you suspect a problem.
- I was told I only need to test for total coliform and nitrates. Isn't that enough?
Testing for only one or few contaminants may provide a false sense of security. You may determine that one contaminant is not present, but unknowingly have other contaminants in your water. DrinkWell offers testing packages that are both affordable and test for a broad range of common contaminants. The DrinkWell packages were designed to include the tests commonly recommended for private well owners but also offer testing for a broader range of contaminants that you may be concerned about.
- I've never noticed any problem with my water, why should I test it?
First, while some contaminants may be obvious to human senses, most contaminants cannot be detected through a water's taste, smell or color and will be unnoticeable. Secondly, even if a contaminant can be detected by a person's senses, the level of that contaminant may increase slowly in a well as the contaminated water moves underground from the source into the well. The people drinking the water over time may become accustomed to the taste and smell. The problem may only be discovered when someone who has not been drinking contaminated water notices that the water tastes or smells unusual.
- I've never tested my water, is sample collection complicated?
No. Sample collection is simply filling a few bottles from your tap. UL will provide a collection kit with all necessary bottles and easy to follow instructions. Click here to view Collection Instructions.
- If my water is contaminated, but I can't taste or smell it, why should I be concerned?
The EPA has determined that contaminants regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act may present a health hazard at levels greater than their Maximum Contamination Limit. These contaminants may not be noticeable by taste or odor but still present a health concern.
- If there's a problem with the well water in my area, won't someone tell me or I'll hear about it in the news?
Well owners are generally only notified of water quality problems in an area if a private citizen or company reports well contamination to the authorities or media.
- My water has a funny color. What is it?
Contaminants such as iron, copper and manganese can impart a color in your water. Testing your water is the only way to determine what contaminants are in your water and if they are above recognized limits.
- My water test results were OK, but it still tastes/smells bad. What does that mean?
The EPA Safe Drinking Water Act groups contaminants into two categories: Primary (those with health effects) and Secondary (those with aesthetic effects). It is possible to have water with no Primary contaminants above the recognized limits, but with Secondary contamination which imparts a bad taste, color or odor. Therefore your water may have off colors or tastes, but have no health risks.
- The local water treatment dealer said they will test my water for free. Why shouldn't I use them?
DrinkWell was designed by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to provide homeowners on private wells an independent and affordable testing service. There are many different types of water treatment units and technologies on the market. Your DrinkWell report will provide information on specific contaminants you may need to treat for. DrinkWell goes a step further to provide a listing of water treatment devices that have been certified by UL to meet national standards.
- What makes DrinkWell different?
With DrinkWell you will receive: water testing, an easy-to-understand report, access to nurse phone support, health effect and water treatment information. You will receive objective laboratory data from a company that does not sell water treatment products.
- What's the minimal testing I should do?
The EPA recommends private well owners to test annually for total coliform bacteria, nitrate, total dissolved solids, pH and any other suspected contaminants. Each of the DrinkWell testing packages includes these parameters along with other regulated inorganics and metals. Our base package, DrinkWell with Volatiles, includes a volatile organic test as many of these compounds have been found in wells across the country.
- Why should I test my well when I've been using it for years with no problem?
While some contaminants may be obvious, most contaminants will be unnoticeable. The levels of any contaminant typically increase very slowly in a well as the contaminated water moves underground from the source into the well. Over time, the people drinking the water every day may not notice but rather become accustomed to the taste and smell. The problem may only be discovered when someone who has not been drinking contaminated water notices that the water tastes or smells unusual.
- Will boiling my water fix any contamination problem?
No, different contaminants require different treatment techniques. Boiling water should only be considered a short term solution should your water be contaminated with coliform bacteria.
- Will I be able to understand your report?
Each DrinkWell report is designed to be easy to read and understand. You may view one of our sample reports in the Sample Report section of this website.
- Could I be exposed to contaminants in water through bathing or cooking?
You may be exposed to contaminants through bathing and cooking.
- Are you certified to perform testing as required by the New Jersey Private Well Testing Act?
No. The New Jersey Private Well Testing Act (NJPWTA) requires that samples be collected by either an employee of a certified drinking water laboratory certified to collect such samples or an authorized representative of such laboratory. In order to save our clients the expense of having laboratory personnel collect their samples, DrinkWell kits have been designed to allow homeowners to collect their own samples. If you are seeking laboratory services necessary to comply with the NJPWTA, we recommend you obtain a list of laboratories certified by the State of New Jersey to comply with the act.
- How do I get my water tested?
After placing your order, you will receive a water sample collection kit via UPS. Once you receive your kit, confirm your scheduled collection date and review all collection instructions provided, place the ice packs provided in your freezer overnight. The following day will usually be your scheduled shipping date. You will collect your samples following the included instructions and then ship the kit back to our laboratory using UPS overnight service with the pre-paid shipping label provided in your kit. A report detailing your results will be either emailed or sent in paper form via U.S. mail in approximately one week from receipt of your kit at our laboratory.
- How long will it take to get a report?
Most reports will be emailed or mailed within one week of receiving your samples.
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