Table 3: Testing for Suspected Contamination
Water tests are especially important if the supply is threatened by nearby activities even if no apparent problems are noted. Listed below are activities that may affect the quality of the water supply and appropriate laboratory tests if warranted.
| If you suspect/observe | Recommended Tests |
|---|---|
| Leaking fuel tank | hydrocarbon scan |
| Coal Mining | total dissolved solids (TDS), iron sulfate, pH, corrosion index, manganese, aluminum |
| Gas and oil drilling | total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine, sodium, barium, lead, pH, corrosion index, strontium |
| Road salt storage/ application or near sea coast | total dissolved solids (TDS), chlorine, sodium |
| Landfill | total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), volatole organic scan, heavy metals |
| Land application of sludge | total coliform bacteria, nitrate, heavy metals |
| Septic system | fecal coliform bacteria, fecal streptococcus, nitrate, surfactants (surface-active agents) |
| Intensive agricultural use | total coliform bacteria, nitrate, pesticide scan, pH, total dissolved solids (TDS) |
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