Monday, January 20, 2014

Procedures In The Water Testing Labs

By Judy Sullivan


Contamination is rife in many water-bodies around the world. This has resulted in the presence of fungi, viruses and bacteria which can be harmful and therefore a health hazard. Partly, contamination can be blamed on international firms which carelessly dump their waste in the waters so as to avoid the cost that comes along with the treatment of such waste and the correct disposal procedures. Many environmental groups have cried foul and demanded for the streamlining of the policies touching on industrial waste disposal. To arrest the spread of water-borne diseases, various authorities have established water testing labs.

There are various mineral elements found in the water-sources. These elements easily react with water and therefore a deposit of the minerals mix and contaminate the waters. Lead is common in many piping systems and therefore posing a health risk. Many tests have come out positive for the presence of lead. Regular monitoring procedures should always include lead tests.

The test results arrived at help the analysts to understand better the system as a whole unlike gaining knowledge on an individual household. Raw-water is not safe for human consumption and therefore one has to rely on the use of pitchers and faucets to filter off unwanted matter. The many counterfeit product in the market make it difficult for one to pinpoint the genuine filter.

one of the easiest processes in quality control is the detection of problems that relate to quality. Experts advise that one should look at the presence of stains, the odor and color f this liquid. The PH level contributes to some extent the hardness or softness of this commodity. Contamination can easily result from nearby septic tanks hence wells should not be dug near septic tanks.

After carrying out the tests, many laboratories have to file their findings with the federal, state or tribal water agencies that are responsible for monitoring public water systems. They have a requirement to report any contaminants found and recommend best ways of ensuring safety of this commodity. The quality engineers have to generate an annual consumer confidence report that is distributed to all stakeholders. Its key contents include the technician findings and the possible health effects.

Updating the database that contains the findings of various tests carried out should be done on an ongoing basis so as to ensure that no information is left out. This is helpful as it forms the basis on solving future problems. Total coliform bacteria is known to be harmful and thus the need to conduct thorough tests so as to ascertain its absence.

Excess nitrates are harmful to both a new born kid or the expectant mother. Expectant ladies should make sure that the waters are tested and that they contain acceptable nitrate levels otherwise they pose a health risk. For accuracy of results, tests should be conducted after a rainy period.

Water testing labs should always test for the presence of mineral salts which include iron, manganese and chloride. The salts are known to easily dissolve and therefore can easily go unnoticed. After every three years, the tests should one again be carried out. Tests for volatile organic compounds should be carried out only if necessary since they are very expensive to conduct.




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