TOTAL COLIFORM (FHA/VA) – Coliforms are common bacteria found in the environment and are generally not harmful. However, their presence in drinking water may indicate contamination from disease-causing germs.

Fecal Coliform and E coli are bacteria found in human or animal wastes. These bacteria in drinking water can cause short-term effects, such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. When testing for bacteria, a result of 0 colonies per 100 mL of a sample or “Absent” is acceptable. If you have installed new plumbing or if you suspect contamination, you should disinfect your water supply prior to sampling.

NITRATE (FHA) - High levels of nitrate (10 mg/L or greater) may cause blood disorders, and is of special concern to infants and the elderly. High nitrate may indicate contamination of the water from sewage, fertilizer, or other similar materials.

NITRITE (FHA) - High levels of nitrite (1 mg/L or greater) may cause blood disorders, and is of special concern to infants. Nitrite readily converts to nitrate.

LEAD (FHA) - Lead is an element of primary concern because it can be toxic in very small amounts. The limit for safe drinking water is 0.015 mg/L. Any detectable amount of lead means it is possible for your water to exceed the limits depending on the length of time the water has been stagnant in the water line.

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) – TDS is a measurement of dissolved minerals and is a good general indicator of water quality. Results greater than 1000 mg/L indicate a treatment system (reverse osmosis or distillation) may be required to reduce the TDS to an acceptable level.

TOTAL ORGANIC CARBON (TOC) - Organic substances such as insecticides, herbicides, and other agricultural or industrial chemicals may enter into water sources via rainfall runoff or accidental spills and leaks from domestic and industrial wastes. TOC is a screening tool used to determine if water has been contaminated with these types of materials. A TOC result of 5 mg/L or greater may indicate a need for additional testing to determine the source of the contamination.

FLUORIDE – Federal regulations require that fluoride, which occurs naturally in your water supply, not exceed a concentration of 4.0 mg/L in drinking water. Federal regulations also require that the secondary standard limit for fluoride in your drinking water not exceed 2.0 mg/L, since this level could possibly cause adverse affects in the development of permanent teeth for young children.

CHLORIDE – Chloride values of 300 mg/L or greater can be very corrosive to pipes and cause an unpleasant, salty taste in the water.

IRON - This element causes rust stains on sinks and fixtures, gives water a reddish color, and gives water a bad taste and smell. An iron result of less than 0.3 mg/L is considered acceptable for good water quality.

SULFATE – This compound along with Chloride comprises the majority of dissolved salts. Sulfate values of 300 mg/L or greater can produce a laxative effect, bitter taste, and have a bad smell.

CALCIUM – Calcium is the main cause of hard water and scaling. High values are common in limestone formations where most of our groundwater originates. Calcium values of 50 mg/L or greater indicate hard water.

Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Program includes Total Coliform, Fecal Coliform, Lead, Nitrate, and Nitrite. Total Coliform is performed initially and if “Present”, then a bacterial sample is resubmitted for Fecal Coliform count.