TESTING DRINKING WATER QUALITY IN THE HOME AND WORKPLACE

NOTE:  For information on testing for lead, see the "Lead Hazards" section in the "Hazardous..." chapter.  For information on testing for pesticides, see the section in the "Agriculture..." chapter.

1) If your water source is a public water supply, first contact N.C. DEHNR Public Water Supply Section (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-2321) which maintains a computerized database of information on public water supply quality and contents.  Each public water system is required to have water samples tested periodically by a certified laboratory.  Staff can explain the data, comparing it to Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs).  The section is beginning to collect data on pesticide levels in public water systems.

Local water supply operators can provide this same information on the contents of its supply as well as very current information and can also compare it to MCLs.

If you are concerned about pollution in water from a public supply, have received information on the supply, and want to have the water coming out of your faucets tested, contact N.C. DEHNR Public Water Supply Section (P.O. Box 27687, Raleigh 27611-7687; 919/733-2321).  The section will refer you an Environmental Health Field Office near you (there are seven).  Depending on the problem, an engineer at the office may conduct a site visit, take a water sample, and test it.  You can also have tests done by a commercial laboratory; obtain a list of commercial laboratories in N.C. from the Water Supply Section.  Commercial labs can in most cases give cost estimates for testing.

2) If your water source is a private well and you want to have the water tested, call your county health department.  Agents will come out to inspect your well and if it is properly constructed, will collect a sample and test it for a fee.  Testing costs approximately $10 for bacteriological and inorganic chemicals, $25 for petroleum, and $25 for pesticides.  If the well is not properly constructed, agents will instruct you on how to complete the construction and will test the water when construction is finished.  If you suspect a problem with the water, be as specific as you can in describing the problem (for example, odors, colors, tastes).  You can also send a sample to a private lab to be tested.

UNC-Asheville Environmental Quality Institute tests well water for hazardous waste and pesticide contamination for organizations and communities.  Their testing is less expensive than that of a commercial private laboratory.  Contact Richard Maas (Environmental Quality Institute, UNC-Asheville, Asheville 28804; 704/251-6441).