Mail in water testing

Mail-in water testing is a convenient and cost-effective way to test the quality of your drinking water without having to visit a laboratory or water treatment facility. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to mail in water testing:

Why Test Your Water?

Before we dive into the process, it's essential to understand why water testing is crucial. Contaminated water can pose serious health risks, including:

  1. Waterborne diseases: Bacteria, viruses, and parasites can cause illnesses like cholera, typhoid, and giardiasis.
  2. Cancer risk: Exposure to certain contaminants, such as arsenic and lead, has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.
  3. Skin and hair problems: High levels of chlorine, fluoride, and other chemicals can cause skin and hair issues.

How to Mail in Water Testing:

  1. Choose a Testing Kit: Select a reputable laboratory or testing service that offers mail-in water testing kits. Some popular options include:
    • National Testing Laboratories (NTL)
    • WaterSafe
    • AquaSafe
    • LabCorp
  2. Order a Kit: Purchase a testing kit online or by phone. Most kits include a sampling bottle, instructions, and a pre-paid return shipping label.
  3. Collect a Water Sample: Follow the instructions provided with the kit to collect a water sample. Typically, you'll need to collect a 1-2 liter sample from your tap water.
  4. Fill Out the Form: Complete the testing request form provided with the kit, including your contact information and any specific testing requests (e.g., lead, arsenic, or bacteria testing).
  5. Ship the Sample: Place the sampling bottle in the pre-paid return shipping envelope and mail it back to the laboratory.
  6. Wait for Results: The laboratory will analyze your water sample and send you a detailed report with the test results, usually within 1-2 weeks.

What to Test for:

When choosing a testing kit, consider the following contaminants:

  1. Bacteria (e.g., E. coli, total coliform)
  2. Viruses (e.g., rotavirus, norovirus)
  3. Parasites (e.g., Giardia, Cryptosporidium)
  4. Inorganic chemicals (e.g., lead, arsenic, mercury)
  5. Organic chemicals (e.g., pesticides, herbicides)
  6. pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and hardness levels
  7. Chlorine and fluoride levels

Cost and Turnaround Time:

The cost of mail-in water testing kits varies depending on the laboratory and the type of testing performed. Typical costs range from $20 to $200 or more. Turnaround time usually takes 1-2 weeks, but some laboratories may offer expedited testing for an additional fee.

Conclusion:

Mail-in water testing is a convenient and affordable way to ensure your drinking water is safe and healthy. By following these steps, you can take control of your water quality and make informed decisions about your health and well-being.