Some contaminants may affect the aesthetics of your water (taste, odor, clarity) while many others cannot be seen, smelled or tasted, but are linked to health problems.
The only way to know what is in your water and whether it is safe for consumption is to have it tested by a certified laboratory.
ARA offers the following Drinking Water Testing Packages, as well as various a la carte analyses upon request.
WATER TESTING PACKAGES:
PRIVATE WELL USERS TEST
Arsenic, Bacteria, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nitrate/Nitrite, pH, Sodium, Uranium
PFAS TESTING
This package includes the NH PFAS4, VT PFAS5, MA PFAS6, ME PFAS6, and EPA’s list of regulated PFAS compounds.
- PFOS
- PFOA
- HFPO-DA
- NEtFOSAA
- NMeFOSAA
- PFBS
- PFDA
- PFDoA
- PFHpA
- PFHxS
- PFHxA
- PFNA
- PFTeA
- PFTrA
- PFUnA
- 11CL-PF3OUdS
- 9CL-PF3ONS
- ADONA
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Stagnant Lead & Copper
Please note: none of the packages listed include results for stagnant lead and copper. If you would like to test for stagnant lead and copper, please let us know ahead of time so we can provide you with the appropriate bottles (1L plastic) and proper sample collection instructions.
Bacteria
Bacteria testing is recommended every year for well users. Bacteria samples can be received at the lab Monday – Thursday only, and need to be delivered to the lab within 24 hours of collection.
pH
pH needs to be analyzed ASAP after collection.
VOC
VOC is an acronym for Volatile Organic Compounds. Many VOCs have been identified as contaminants in drinking water, the compounds detected most often come from gasoline and industrial solvents. MtBE is an extremely water soluble, slowly degrading compound that was added to gasoline for many years. Because of these properties, it is sometimes found as a well-water contaminant even in remote areas. The VOC analysis that we offer can identify many contaminants. Our report includes the compounds that are most often found.
VOC ANALYTES
This test is recommended every 3-5 years:
- MtBE
- Benzene
- Toluene
- Ethyl benzene
- Xylenes
Note to Private Well Users
Private wells are not part of the public water system, and well water often contains contaminants, (some naturally occurring, such as radon and arsenic) which may increase the risk of cancer and other diseases if consumed over a long period.
Private well users are advised to test their water every three to five years for:
Arsenic, Bacteria, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Hardness, Iron, Lead, Manganese, Nitrate/Nitrite, pH, Sodium, Uranium.
(these analytes are all included in our “Private Well Users Test”)
Some situations warrant an increase in testing frequency and analytes, including:
- Close proximity to hazardous material handling facilities
- Recent well construction or repairs
- Contaminants found in previous testing
- Noticeable changes in water quality