Should I have my water tested privately?

We conduct extensive testing of our water supply to ensure it meets all EPA standards throughout our distribution system. However, there are some situations where private testing might be appropriate.

Our testing vs. private testing:

What we test:

• Water quality from the source through our distribution system
• All EPA-regulated contaminants on required schedules
• Water at the point it leaves our system and enters your property
• Multiple locations throughout the community

What we don’t test:

• Private plumbing inside your home or property
• Water quality issues caused by your internal plumbing
• Home treatment device performance
• Personal preference parameters

When private testing makes sense:

Your home has private plumbing concerns:

• Lead or copper from your internal pipes or fixtures
• Homes built before 1986 may have lead solder in plumbing
• Old brass fixtures can leach lead
• Concerns about your hot water heater

You use home treatment devices:

• To verify your filtration system is working properly
• To determine if your filter needs replacement
• To ensure treatment systems aren’t adding contaminants

You have specific health concerns:

• Immunocompromised household members
• Infants (checking for lead or nitrates)
• Specific contaminant concerns based on medical advice

Before purchasing a home:

• To establish a baseline of water quality
• To check condition of private plumbing

How to conduct private testing:

Use a certified laboratory:

• Choose a state-certified drinking water laboratory
• Ensure they follow EPA-approved testing methods
• Ask what parameters are included in their testing packages

Common testing packages:

• Basic bacteria - Tests for coliform and E. coli
• Lead and copper - Tests for these metals from your plumbing
• Basic water quality - pH, hardness, chlorine, and common minerals
• Comprehensive analysis - Broader range of contaminants

Proper sampling:

• Follow laboratory instructions carefully
• Sampling technique affects results accuracy
• Consider testing at different locations and times
• First-draw samples (after water sits overnight) can show highest lead levels

Costs: Private testing typically ranges from $20-$30 for basic bacteria testing to $100-$300+ for comprehensive testing, depending on parameters tested.

What we can help with:

Free information:

• Our testing results for your area
• Water quality reports and data
• Information about our water source and treatment
• Guidance on when private testing might be helpful

Sampling assistance:

• We can help interpret whether an issue is from our system or your plumbing
• Recommendations for certified laboratories
• Guidance on what to test for based on your concerns

Investigation:

• If you get concerning test results, contact us immediately
• We can sample our system near your property to help identify the source
• We’ll work with you to determine if the issue is in our system or your property

Testing for lead:

EPA recommendations for lead testing:

• Use first-draw sampling (collect water after it’s been sitting for 6+ hours)
• Test cold water from kitchen tap
• Consider testing if you have young children or pregnant household members
• Homes built before 1986 are at higher risk

If lead is detected above EPA’s action level (15 parts per billion), we can help determine whether the source is our system or your private plumbing.

Important notes:

• Private testing cannot tell you about water quality in real-time throughout the day
• Results show only what’s in the water at the moment and location sampled
• Our continuous monitoring provides ongoing assurance throughout the system
• If you have concerns, always contact us first - we may be able to investigate at no cost

EPA guidance:

The EPA provides resources for consumers about when and how to test their water. Visit EPA.gov or contact us for more information about private testing.

If you’re considering private testing or have received test results you’d like to discuss, please contact our office. We’re here to help you understand your water quality and address any concerns.