There are many reasons why you may want to test the water supply in your home or business. Water can be made up of a wide range of substances or organisms. They are not necessarily harmful, but may become a contaminant or a nuisance at higher levels. Most contaminants in water cannot be detected by smell, taste or sight.
It is recommended to test drinking water when:
- Your water supply is private, ie. comes from a well in your garden, routine tests should be carried out (especially after heavy rainfall and during increased farming)
- If you drink tap water, then it is recommended to test it. Water suppliers are only responsible for water until it enters your property. Impurities can enter water within the home, ie. through fitting & pipes (ie. metals) or water tanks (ie. bacterial contamination). Read an overview of the potential contaminants in your water
- There are recurring incidents of illness or feeling of unwell within your family, which can be caused by problems with the water
- You are buying a new home or renting a new property – the 12inOne test can check 12 common contaminants
- Water stains plumbing fixtures and/or laundry, ie green or reddish stains – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Water has an objectionable taste or smell – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Water appears cloudy, frothy, or coloured – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Pipes or plumbing show signs of corrosion – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Water leaves scaly residues or household appliances don’t appear to be working efficiently – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Water supply equipment (pump, chlorinators, etc.) wear rapidly
- A water softener or water filter/improvement system has recently been installed – Check if a water softener is working correctly
- You know or suspect that you may have lead pipes, fittings or solder joints – Testing for Lead and how to reduce lead exposure
Click here to find out about common drinking water contaminants.
Other useful information:
- How to look after your hot tub safely and test the water regularly
- How to test the quality of Open Water for bathing or swimming
Water can be tested using single use water test kits, laboratory tests, photometers:
Single Use Water Test Kits:
- Are easy to use and provide instant results
- Include full instructions
- A cost effective way of testing water
- Available to test a wide range of elements, either as single tests or multi-packs
- Compare our range of multi-packs test strips here
- To view the full range of single use tests, please click here
Laboratory Analysis:
- Ideal when a UKAS approved water test is required
- Perfect when independent analysis is required, ie. for open water swimming, public pools, Legionella control
- Delivers very accurate test results
- Laboratory testing can provide results for elements like pesticides, legionella, bacteria analysis & count, some metals which otherwise are not available
- Samples are stored and transported temperature controlled
- Our laboratory analysis includes everything required to carry out the tests, including sample bottles, clear instructions, courier expenses
- To view the full range of laboratory tests click here
- Compare our kits designed to test multiple elements here
Photometers / Digital Water Testers:
- Ideal for users who carry out regular/daily testing – like for pool & spa, aquarium, micro brewery
- Deliver instant results at very accurate levels
- Our photometers are easy to use, have 2 year warranty and do not need calibrating
- Using Bluetooth technology, test results can be downloaded and exported for easy & independent reporting
- To view the full range of photometers click here
- Not sure which Digital Water Tester is the right one for you? Compare our range here.
Water testing is ideal for:
- An effective and simple way of checking the performance of new water purification or water filter systems before and after-installation
- Identifying the source of a leak – Quick way to find the source of a leak in a property
- Suitable for regular (annual) performance checks for home water purification and filter systems
- Screening tests for private water supplies – Drinking water testing and how to understand the results of your Water Test Kit
- Useful when problems with water have been detected, ie. through visual signs, smells or discolouration – Read Unusual colours, smells and taste of your water
- Click here to chose the right water test kit for a water filter/improvement system, water cooler, hot tub.
Contact us if you are not sure which water testing kit is the right one for you.
Got a question about water testing? Try our complete list of Free Water Testing Resources.
Disclaimer: Only opinions based upon our own personal experience or information detailed in academic journals or other publications is cited. This has been done exclusively for anyone who is interested in this subject but is not intended to replace proper analysis. We cannot accept responsibility and liability of any kind which may result from the application of this information. We always recommend to consult an expert to discuss any test results or get a full recommendation on the specific subject and specific to your situation by an expert.
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There are strict standards for the quality of drinking water within Europe mainly laid down in the EU Drinking Water Directive (98/83/EC). These are based on advice from the World Health Organisation (WHO).