According to one survey, over 26% of Pennsylvania residents rely on private wells for drinking water in the commonwealth.
Unlike public water utilities, which are cleaned with advanced filtration systems and disinfectants, well water is often unfiltered and not treated using any chemicals.
One of the most important tasks of owning a private well is to conduct frequent water sample testing to protect your health and get informed of potential pathogens hiding in your water.
Since most properties with private well systems also rely on septic systems, a combination of water sample testing and septic inspections is especially important, as effluence from septic tanks is one of the most common causes of contamination.
Learn more about why water sample testing is crucial for all homeowners in Pennsylvania, regardless of whether they get their water from a private well or public utility.
What Is Water Sample Testing?
Water sample testing is the process of collecting and analyzing a sample of your drinking water to check for the presence of contaminants and assess overall water quality.
Water samples are sent to a laboratory for testing to detect the presence of harmful bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals, and excess minerals — most of which can’t be seen, smelled, or tasted.
7 Benefits of Water Sample Testing in Northeast Pennsylvania
Water testing can provide early detection of any harmful substances lingering in your water supply or plumbing that can adversely impact your health and home.
Here are seven reasons to get a water sample test in Northeast Pennsylvania.
1. Protect Your Family’s Health
Well water contamination can occur from several sources, including runoff from melting snow, stormwater, and wastewater effluents.
Unfortunately, contaminants like lead, arsenic, nitrates, bacteria, and even viruses can sneak into your water supply without any obvious signs, leading to chronic symptoms that include:
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Developmental delays in children
- Reproductive problems
- Increased risk of cancer
However, well water is not the only water source that can become contaminated. While public water is required to meet certain regulatory standards, old pipes, filtration systems, and humidifiers can become contaminated and end up getting you sick. Getting routine water sample tests will help avoid these unknowns and protect your family’s health against possible toxic exposure.
2. Well Water Isn’t Regulated Like City Water
Private well owners are entirely responsible for their well water management. The first step toward identifying problems associated with your well water is to perform a water sample test.
The EPA recommends well owners test their water at least once a year or more frequently if:
- You’ve had recent flooding or construction near your well
- You notice a change in taste, odor, or color
- A household member develops unexplained health issues
Sampling your well water is essential for catching bacteria, nitrates, and other naturally occurring or human-made contaminants early.
3. Aging Plumbing Can Introduce Contaminants
On the other hand, even if your city’s water system is modern and well-maintained, your home’s internal plumbing might not be. Homes built before the 1980s often contain lead pipes, solder, or fixtures that can leach lead and heavy metals into your drinking water.
Lead is particularly dangerous for young children, infants, and pregnant women, and it often enters your water after treatment during its journey through aging pipes.
Remember that not all public water is maintained to the same standards, nor does it come from the same sources. Some water may be more acidic than others, which can accelerate the degradation of your pipes and water filtration systems.
4. Detect Hidden Chemical Contamination
If you are generally worried about your health and water quality, then a water sample test may be helpful in identifying many common chemicals found in public water, including:
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Industrial solvents
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
- Radon gas in groundwater
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds)
These contaminants can enter water supplies from agricultural runoff, manufacturing facilities, or household chemicals, impacting well water and public water systems alike.
Long-term exposure to these chemicals can be harmful, and the only way to detect them is through periodic testing.
5. Protect Your Appliances and Plumbing
Beyond electricity and gas, water is by far the most ubiquitous and important resource used in homes today. In addition to drinking water, your water is also used for bathing, washing dishes, and washing clothes.
Therefore, poor water quality doesn’t just affect your health — it also impacts your plumbing system, fixtures, and appliances.
For example, high mineral content (commonly known as “hard water”) can cause limescale buildup in pipes, water heaters, and washing machines and reduce the lifespan of these appliances.
Water sample tests provide a detailed overview of your water’s mineral content so that you can adjust your filtration system to protect your plumbing and appliances.
6. Test Before Buying or Selling a Home
If you’re buying a new home, especially one with a private well, a water test should be part of your inspection process.
Not only is a water sample test essential for your health and safety, but it can also point to possible issues with your septic system and plumbing that will require future repairs.
7. Gain Peace of Mind
While many people would prefer to avoid another expense in today’s economy, water sample testing is quick and affordable and can save you lots of money on future repairs or health issues over time.
Most importantly, it can help answer a lot of unknowns when it comes to your drinking water and health. If you are suffering from unexplained medical ailments, then a water sample test can be an important step to fixing any unknown issues.
When Should You Test Your Water?
If you have private well water, we recommend testing your water at least every one to two years to ensure that there are no changes to the water content due to runoff or effluents.
For individuals with public drinking water, this can be done at a longer interval, like every two to five years.
With that said, you should consider testing your water if:
- You’re buying or selling a property.
- You rely on a private well.
- You live in an older home.
- You notice changes in water taste, color, or smell.
- You’ve recently completed plumbing repairs.
- You live near farms, factories, or known contamination sites.
- You’re pregnant, have young children, or have a compromised immune system.
For municipal water, review your local water utility’s annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR), but remember: that report covers the water as it leaves the treatment plant — not after it’s traveled through miles of pipes to your home.
For full-spectrum water results in Northeast Pennsylvania, contact the experts at Mountain to Valley Home Inspections for your water sample testing.
FAQs
Why is water quality important?
Water quality directly impacts your health, home, and overall well-being. Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals that may cause both short-term illnesses and long-term health issues. Beyond health, poor water quality can also damage plumbing systems, stain fixtures, reduce appliance lifespans, and affect the taste and smell of your drinking water. Testing ensures you’re aware of any risks and can take action to protect your household.
How often should I test my drinking water?
If you use a private well, the EPA recommends testing at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and other common contaminants. If you’re on city water, review your local water utility’s annual report, but you may still want to test your home’s water if you notice changes in taste, smell, or color — or if you live in an older home with aging pipes.
What should I do if my water test results show contamination?
Solutions depend on the type of contaminant. In many cases, installing a certified filtration system, repairing plumbing, disinfecting your well, or using bottled water for drinking and cooking can solve the problem. If contamination is severe, consult with a water treatment professional or local health department for guidance.