The Building Inspector of Connecticut

offers both water quality and well recovery testing

Water Testing

WATER QUALITY

A water quality test is conducted to determine the mineral and chemical composition of the water supply. This test also determines whether or not bacteria (both coliform and fecal coliform) is present.

Testing Profiles

Profile #1 - Basic Profile

- Total Coliform
  May indicate presence of disease causing organisms

- Turbidity
  May indicate contamination from metals or other sources

- Color
  May indicate presence of contaminants

- Odor
  May indicate possible contamination from natural or manmade contaminants

- Hardness
  At high levels, hardness impedes soaps and detergents ability to clean, and can cause scaling and deposits

- PH
  Low pH can cause corrosion of metals found in plumbing and fixtures. High pH may cause scaling or deposit build up in pipes

- Nitrite/Nitrate
  May indicate animal waste, fertilizer or septic contamination

- Chloride/Sodium
  May indicate roadside “salting” or discharge from other sources

- Sulfate
  May indicate possible contamination from detergents or other sources

- Iron/Manganese
  At high levels cause staining and coloration of water and fixture

- Copper
  Copper in small amounts is not considered detrimental to health, but will impart an undesirable taste to drinking water. High levels are usually due to low pH and low hardness in the water.
- Calcium
- Fluoride

Profile #2 - Includes the Basic test Plus...

- Lead
- Radon in Water
- Arsenic
- Uranium

Profile #3 - Includes Profile #2 Plus...

Metals
Barium
Silver
Cadmium
Mercery
Selenium

RECOVERY RATE
The purpose of this test is to measure and determine the amount of water flowing into the well casing. Recovery of a well is important to insure that enough water will be available to the home for the anticipated needs of the future occupants.

METHODOLOGY:
Water is drawn from the well for approximately one hour through a metering device. The number of gallons of water drawn during the test time is divided by the number of minutes that the test is performed. This is to insure an adequate water supply for the inhabitants of the home.

ADDENDUM
Well recovery test are performed under the conditions that exist at the time of the inspection. Recovery rates may fluctuate over time and your actual well rate will vary, dependent on seasonal variations and demand on the aquifer supply.
Permanent changes in your water supply can be caused by seismic activity, blasting in the area or increased wells drawing from the same aquifer.