There are many reasons why drinking water testing is important. Some are aesthetic.
The presence of bacteria in water may make it more corrosive and therefore harmful to consume.
Other contaminants, such as high levels of lead, can cause cancer and other health problems.
Whether a drinking-water source is safe or not depends on how many bacteria it contains.
The most common bacteria found in water is E. coli, which comes from fecal matter.
The most important reason for testing water is because people drink several liters a day. Ingesting water that is full of toxins can lead to serious health problems. Regular drinking water analysis is necessary for both large and small organizations.
Many people avoid performing this procedure due to budgetary constraints. The expense of drinking water testing can be recouped very quickly through the cost savings on healthcare and increased productivity in organizations.
It is also important for private well owners to regularly test their drinking water.
The DOH recommends that private well owners test their water for coliform bacteria and nitrate, which can affect one's health in just one drink. Those with levels of coliform bacteria and nitrate should retest every six months. If the results are negative, a retest will be required.