Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat do I want to test for?There is no test for “everything”. There are hundreds of items that can be tested in drinking water. See packages for beginning lists. “Safe” water is a legal term in Oregon ... read moreWhat does the drinking water bacteria test measure?The drinking water bacteria test (also often referred to as a potability or purity test) measures the “absence” or “presence” of a group of bacteria called Coliform bacteria. “Absence” ... read moreI am selling/buying a home. Do I need to test the water?Oregon law requires that the property owner provide coliform bacteria, nitrate and arsenic results to the purchaser of the property. Each well must be tested and results (along with the well log) must ... read moreShould I buy a home served by a spring?Springs are surface waters. Coliform bacteria live naturally on the surface of the earth so springs usually contain Coliform bacteria. Disinfection by chlorination or other means can rid the water of Coliform ... read moreHow do I get a copy of my well log?Well logs are maintained at the Oregon Dept. of Water Resources in Salem. Their web page is on the Links section of this web page. read moreHow can I find out if my water is safe to drink?“Safe” drinking water is a LEGAL description. In Oregon law (OAR Ch. 333) it is defined as water that has a huge list of testing performed. This is the list public water suppliers must test. ... read moreHow often should I have a bacteria test done on my well?The Oregon Dept. of Water Resources recommends an annual Coliform bacteria test on drinking water wells. read moreHow long does testing take?From 2 days to 4-6 weeks, depending on how extensive the testing requested is. “Rush” testing is available for almost all tests for an extra fee. read moreWhy do samples have to be on ice during transport to the lab?This is a requirement by the national laboratory accreditation association. Samples not on ice can be accepted at the laboratory BUT they will be marked as “unaccredited” testing and are not ... read moreWhy do I need to get sample containers from the lab? Why can't I use my own bottles?Different tests require different types of containers (glass, polypropylene), different volume requirements and different types of preservatives. Test results taken from containers that do not meet the ... read moreI am served by a public water supply. How do I get information about the water quality?Call your public works office. Once a year every public water supplier must send a document called a “Consumer Confidence Report” to every customer. You can also obtain information at the Oregon ... read moreWhat does it mean if I have Coliform bacteria present in my well?Coliform bacteria live on the surface of the earth. Coliform bacteria should not be in a properly sealed cased well. Coliform bacteria in a well means:1) the water system has been worked on (a broken ... read moreHow do I disinfect my well?Waterlab Corp. recommends you hire a professional well driller or pump repair company to disinfect your well. However, there are brochures available at Waterlab Corp. or at the Marion County web page. ... read moreIf I disinfect my well, can I assume the bacteria will be gone?Disinfection of a water system may eliminate Coliform bacteria temporarily but the bacteria will return if the problem with the water system is not solved. Only additional testing can determine if the ... read moreIs iron-utilizing bacteria in water harmful?Iron-bacteria is a nuisance bacteria. It is not a health hazard. It is a iron-based slime that can grow in pipes, on filters, etc. and reduce water flow. It can also cause staining. read moreNew baby in the family? Tips for healthy water use for infants.Test for nitrates and coliform bacteria. A high level of nitrates in drinking water can be deadly for infants under 6 months of age. Boiling water for the infant for the purposes of bacterial safety ... read moreMy skin itches and my hair is lifeless since I moved to this house. Can it be the water?Yes. Hardness or other minerals in water can cause these problems. The Water Treatment Package would identify the level of Hardness in your water along with other nuisance problems in water. It is also ... read moreA white precipitate is left behind when I wash my dishes, car or plant leaves. What type of testing should I have?Yes. Hardness or other minerals in water can cause these problems. The Water Treatment Package would identify the level of Hardness in your water along with other nuisance problems in water. It is also ... read moreMy water leaves a blue or green stain in my fixtures. What type of testing should I have?Copper. This type of staining usually indicates corrosion of copper pipe somewhere in the water system. The Pipe Degradation Package looks for all types of metallic degradation products in water. Look ... read moreMy water leaves a black stain in my fixtures. What type of testing should I have?Manganese. This is a common naturally-occurring mineral in the Willamette Valley. It is a nuisance factor in water, not a health hazard. This test can be performed individually or with the Water Treatment ... read more |