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Collection Fees Start at $60

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What Should I test for?

Why do sinks turn blue/green?

Blue/green stains indicate that acidic/corrosive water is passing through copper pipes, dissolving the copper from the pipes, and redepositing it as copper sulfate on the plumbing fixtures.

Should the homeowner try to correct this situation?

Yes. Pinpoint leaks can eventually develop in the system as a result of this leaching process. It also increases the possibility of leaching lead from any lead solder joints or lead-containing fixtures. This situation can be corrected by installing an acid
neutralizer.

Why does my water produce brown stains?

Brown stains usually indicate the presence of iron or manganese in the water.

Why is my water cloudy?
  • If the problem is worse after rain, it is probably sediment and indicates intrusion of surface water into the well.
  • A sudden appearance may indicate the collapse of the well wall.
Why does my water smell like rotten eggs?
  • The smell may indicate a severe bacteria contamination;
  • If only the hot water contains the odor, the hot water heater probably has a magnesium anode rod. The purpose of the rod is to reduce corrosion in the tank but under certain conditions can produce a rotten egg (hydrogen sulfide) odor.
  • Naturally occurring pockets of hydrogen sulfide may be present in the ground. This may be corrected with a taste and odor filter or through chlorinating.
What tests are recommended if I'm pregnant or if I have small children?
  • Test for bacteria because bacteria contamination is the most common problem with private wells and frequently indicates the intrusion of surface water. This is an undesirable condition.
  • Test for nitrates because elevated nitrate levels can interfere with the transport of oxygen in the blood of small infants and the unborn child, which can lead to a condition called methemoglobenia (blue baby syndrome).
  • Test for lead because infants are most susceptible to lead toxicity.
What is a normal pH reading?

Neutral pH is 7. Less than 7 is acidic; more than 7 is alkaline.

Examples of pH:

  • Vinegar has a pH of 2.
  • Pollution free rain has a pH of 5.7. The pH of “acid” rain can be as low as 3.
  • Drano has a pH of 12.
  • EPA recommends the pH of drinking water between 6.5 and 8.5.

Resources

Interpretation Of Results

Interpretation Of Results

Aluminum occurs naturally in water and is also used in water-treatment processes to flocculate suspended particles. No standard has been set, but at high levels it has been suggested that it may cause skeletal and neurological problems.Arsenic in water can result from...

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Tips for Homeowners: Wells and Well Water

Tips for Homeowners: Wells and Well Water

WELL ANATOMY All wells must be constructed by licensed well drillers in accordance with state regulations. The well must pass inspection and the water should be certified as potable (drinkable) by the health department before the well can be used. The components of a...

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Tips for Homeowners: Iron Bacteria

Tips for Homeowners: Iron Bacteria

What are iron bacteria? Iron bacteria are widespread in the environment. They will generally be found in iron water pipes and anywhere else that a combination of dissolved iron and dissolved oxygen is present. Iron bacteria are found in soil, stream, cool surface...

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Tips for Homeowners: Gasoline Contamination

Tips for Homeowners: Gasoline Contamination

Question: How can gasoline enter my well water? Answer: Over the past fifty years, many buried gasoline tanks have been abandoned or not properly monitored and are now leaking gasoline into the environment. Unfortunately, once gasoline or fuel oil is lost from the...

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Tips for Homeowners: Chlorinating a Well

Tips for Homeowners: Chlorinating a Well

The Frederick County Health Department supplies the following information to citizens whose well water is contaminated. The department recommends the following procedure for chlorinating a contaminated well. Before treatment, turn off the pump breaker before removing...

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Tips for Homeowners: Well Water Testing

Tips for Homeowners: Well Water Testing

When should I test my well? Test a new well that has been drilled.  After the contractor chlorinates the well and pumps the chlorine clear, allow the well to return to normal conditions for about a week - then contact a lab for testing. Test before the water is used...

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