Ensuring the quality of your drinking water is crucial for health and well-being. Water quality tests provide vital information about what’s in your water, but interpreting these results can be challenging. This guide will help you understand the common parameters tested and what they mean for your water quality.
1. pH Level
The pH level indicates how acidic or alkaline your water is on a scale from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral.
- Ideal Range: 6.5 – 8.5
- Why It Matters: Water that is too acidic or too alkaline can corrode pipes and fixtures, and may also indicate the presence of contaminants.
2. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
TDS measures the combined content of all inorganic and organic substances in water.
- Ideal Range: 50 – 300 ppm (parts per million)
- Why It Matters: High TDS can affect the taste and may indicate the presence of harmful contaminants like heavy metals.
3. Hardness
Water hardness is caused by dissolved calcium and magnesium.
- Ideal Range: 60 – 120 mg/L (moderate hardness)
- Why It Matters: Hard water can cause scale buildup in pipes and appliances, and make it difficult for soap to lather.
4. Chlorine
Chlorine is added to water as a disinfectant.
- Ideal Range: 0.2 – 4 mg/L
- Why It Matters: While chlorine effectively kills harmful microorganisms, too much can cause an unpleasant taste and smell.
5. Lead
Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into water from old pipes.
- Ideal Range: 0 mg/L (no safe level)
- Why It Matters: Lead exposure can cause serious health problems, especially in children.
6. Nitrates and Nitrites
These compounds often come from agricultural runoff.
- Ideal Range: Nitrates: <10 mg/L, Nitrites: <1 mg/L
- Why It Matters: High levels can cause serious health issues, particularly for infants and pregnant women.
7. Bacteria and Microorganisms
Tests for bacteria like E. coli indicate water contamination.
- Ideal Range: 0 CFU (colony-forming units)
- Why It Matters: Presence of bacteria can cause waterborne diseases and infections.
8. Iron and Manganese
These metals can be present in water naturally or due to industrial pollution.
- Ideal Range: Iron: <0.3 mg/L, Manganese: <0.05 mg/L
- Why It Matters: High levels can cause staining and affect water taste.
Interpreting Your Results
Understanding what each parameter means helps you take appropriate actions to ensure safe drinking water. If your water quality test results indicate levels outside the ideal ranges, consider the following steps:
- Install Water Filtration Systems: Depending on the contaminants, systems like reverse osmosis, carbon filters, or water softeners can improve your water quality.
- Regular Testing: Conduct regular water quality tests to monitor changes and address issues promptly.
- Consult Professionals: For complex issues, consult water treatment experts to design and implement effective solutions.
Why Choose RO Water SA?
At RO Water SA, we specialize in providing advanced water purification solutions tailored to your needs. With over 30 years of experience, our technical teams ensure that your water is safe, clean, and tastes great. Whether you need home or industrial water treatment, we have the expertise and products to help you achieve optimal water quality.
