Water Testing Services
Water Quality Matters
Even if your well water looks and smells fine, it can still carry contaminants that pose health risks or damage plumbing over time. Tri-County Pumps offers testing services customized to your specific property and water source, enabling you to make informed decisions about water treatment or system maintenance with confidence.
Why Homeowners Trust Tri-County Pumps Water Testing Services
Bacteria Testing
Coliform bacteria are common indicators of potential contamination from waste or runoff. Testing for total coliform and E. coli helps us identify whether your water may be unsafe to use. Our testing supports peace of mind, especially in homes with infants or residents with compromised immune systems.
Chemical Analysis
Water can carry traces of harmful chemicals like nitrates from fertilizers, or volatile organics from industrial or residential runoff. Chemical analysis helps detect these substances early, especially if you live near farms, aging septic systems, or flood-prone areas where leaching is more likely.
Mineral Content Testing
Testing for iron, manganese, and other minerals is recommended when you notice staining on fixtures or laundry. These minerals can cause aesthetic issues, impact taste, and over time, lead to a buildup in plumbing systems. Understanding the concentrations helps guide any needed filtration or treatment steps.
Heavy Metal Screening
Trace levels of arsenic, lead, or other heavy metals may originate from soil, rock, or aging plumbing. We screen for metals known to cause long-term health problems. Engaging in this type of testing is especially important for private well owners, who lack the oversight that public water systems receive.
pH & Alkalinity Testing
Low or high pH can damage plumbing and affect how your water interacts with appliances or treatment systems. Measuring pH and alkalinity provides insight into water balance and can signal whether corrosive conditions or scaling risks exist in your supply.
What Is Our Water Testing Process?
We follow a process of certified water sampling and state-approved lab testing, providing recommendations that deliver useful insights and actionable results.
Sample Collection
While the process is dependant on the type of test being performed. Water samples are gathered at the source and at various points throughout your plumbing system for proper comparison.
Laboratory Analysis
Samples are sent to a certified laboratory, where they are tested using EPA-approved methods to maintain accuracy and consistency.
Results Interpretation
We review the full lab report and identify any red flags, and our water treatment specialist will review with you options to remediate any causes for concern.
Treatment Recommendations
Based on the results and your household needs, we provide options to improve water quality with filtration, conditioning, or disinfection systems.
Solution Implementation
Once a plan is in place, our water treatment specialists install or adjust the necessary equipment to address all the specific concerns identified.
Follow-up Testing
We offer retesting after treatment to confirm that the water quality meets current standards and resolves any prior issues.
Common Questions Asked About Water Testing Services
The best way to know is to have your water tested and compare the results to your local health department’s guidelines on potability.
Regulatory authorities require testing to obtain a Use and Occupancy permit, and some lenders require testing to purchase a property. After that, most regulatory authorities recommend annual testing.
It depends on the type of testing performed. Generally, you will receive bacteria test results within 24 hours of sampling. A lead test takes 5 to 9 days, but a rush can be added for a 2 to 3 day turnaround. If you need a rush on lead testing, please let us know when you schedule.
No. Bacteria samples must go to a lab for testing, and results are typically ready about 24 hours after the lab receives the sample.
Yes. There are costs associated with a lab running a bacteria test.
Not exactly. We offer an in-house bacteria indicating analysis at no charge. These results are not certified lab results, can’t be used as such, and aren’t reliable enough to give a definitive result. Turnaround is 72 hours because the samples must incubate during the analysis.
You’re welcome to drop off your own sample for a water analysis during office hours. If you need lab testing, we will need to collect the sample ourselves because of the specific sampling bottles, sampling procedures, and chain of custody requirements.
We don’t allow this for bacteria testing. If you’d prefer to collect your own sample, we recommend contacting a lab and working with them directly. We do offer a free bacteria indicating analysis, though it is not a lab-certified test.
