The Ultimate Water Test Checklist: 7 Contaminants to Look For
Clean water is essential for your health, but many dangerous water contaminants have no taste, smell, or color. Testing your water is the only way to guarantee it is safe to drink. Whether you rely on a private well or municipal tap water, use this checklist to protect your household.
Lead enters drinking water corroding old plumbing fixtures and pipes.
The Risk: Severe developmental delays in children, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.
When to Test: If your home was built before 1986 or you have brass faucets. 2. Bacteria and Coliform
Total coliform bacteria act as indicators of general water contamination.
The Risk: E. coli strains cause severe gastrointestinal illness, cramping, and dehydration.
When to Test: Annually for private wells, or after heavy local flooding. 3. Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxic heavy metal that occurs naturally in soil and rock formations.
The Risk: Chronic exposure increases risks of skin, bladder, and lung cancers.
When to Test: Essential for well water, especially in bedrock-heavy geographic regions. 4. Nitrates and Nitrites
These compounds find their way into groundwater primarily through agricultural runoff and fertilizers.
The Risk: High levels cause “blue baby syndrome,” a fatal respiratory issue in infants.
When to Test: If you live near farmland, pastures, or use a shallow well.
Radon is a radioactive gas that dissolves into groundwater and releases into the air.
The Risk: Breathing released gas causes lung cancer; drinking it increases stomach cancer risk.
When to Test: If your household relies on deep groundwater or private bedrock wells. 6. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
Known as “forever chemicals,” PFAS stem from industrial manufacturing and firefighting foams.
The Risk: Immune system suppression, liver damage, and increased cholesterol levels.
When to Test: If you live near industrial parks, military bases, or airports. 7. Iron and Manganese
While categorized as secondary contaminants, these metals heavily impact daily water quality.
The Risk: Metallic taste, stained plumbing fixtures, ruined laundry, and clogged water pipes.
When to Test: If your water looks orange, brown, or has a bitter flavor.
To get started on protecting your home, I can help you find resources. Tell me: Do you use city water or a private well?
Are you noticing any specific issues like strange stains, smells, or tastes?
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