Deep Dive: Water Quality Testing Guide¶
Reading time: ~4 minutes
Prerequisite: Chapter 2.14 (Environmental Health)
The Big Picture¶
Water quality matters for health, but it's also an area rife with fear-based marketing. Here's a practical guide to what actually matters and how to assess it.
When to Test¶
Test if:
- Well water (not municipal)
- Old home with potential lead pipes (pre-1986)
- Near industrial or agricultural areas
- Water tastes, smells, or looks off
- After moving to new area
Usually unnecessary if:
- Municipal water (already tested regularly)
- No concerning signs
- Modern plumbing
Municipal water utilities publish annual Consumer Confidence Reports with water quality data. Check yours before testing.
What to Test For¶
| Contaminant | Health Concern | Who Should Test |
|---|---|---|
| Lead | Neurotoxicity | Old homes, well water |
| Bacteria (coliform) | Infection | Well water |
| Nitrates | Infant health, cancer risk | Well water near agriculture |
| Arsenic | Cancer, cardiovascular | Well water in certain regions |
| PFAS | Multiple concerns | Emerging issue; optional |
Usually Not Worth Testing:
- pH (unless you have a reason)
- Hardness (more aesthetic than health)
- Most minerals
Testing Options¶
Home Test Kits ($15-50)
- Good for: Basic screening
- Limitations: Less accurate than lab testing
- Useful for: Quick peace of mind
Professional Lab Testing ($50-300)
- Good for: Accurate results, legal documentation
- Where to find: State-certified labs (EPA list)
- Useful for: Well water, real concerns
Municipal Reports (Free)
- Good for: Understanding local water quality
- Where to find: Water utility website
- Useful for: Most people on city water
Interpreting Results¶
If levels exceed EPA limits, take action. If within limits but you're concerned:
| Level | Response |
|---|---|
| Well within limits | No action needed |
| Near limits | Consider filtration if concerned |
| Over limits | Address promptly |
Lead Specifically:
- EPA action level: 15 ppb
- No level is truly "safe"
- If detected, consider filter and/or pipe replacement
Filtration Options¶
| Filter Type | What It Removes | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Pitcher (carbon) | Chlorine, some contaminants | $ |
| Faucet-mounted | Chlorine, lead, some bacteria | $$ |
| Under-sink | More thorough filtration | $$$ |
| Reverse osmosis | Most contaminants | $$$$ |
| Whole-house | Everything at point of entry | $$$$$ |
Match filter to concern: A pitcher filter won't remove lead or bacteria. Check certifications (NSF/ANSI).
What This Means for Coaches¶
- Don't fear-monger: Municipal water is generally safe.
- Test if indicated: Old homes, well water, specific concerns.
- Recommend appropriate action: Not everyone needs expensive filtration.
- Check certifications: Ensure filters are certified for claimed contaminants.
- Hydration matters more: Getting enough water beats obsessing over purity.
Key Takeaway¶
Water quality testing is appropriate for specific situations (well water, old homes, suspicious signs), but most people on municipal water systems don't need testing or elaborate filtration. Checking your utility's annual report and using basic filtration if desired is sufficient for most.
References¶
- EPA. Consumer Confidence Reports. Environmental Protection Agency. 2024.
- CDC. Private Wells. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2024.
- NSF International. Drinking Water Treatment Standards. NSF. 2024.
- EPA. Lead and Copper Rule. Environmental Protection Agency. 2024.