Free HealthE Newsletter

Path: Home>Shopping Center>Home Test Kits>Water Quality Testing>Watersafe All in One Water Quality Analysis Test Kit

Watersafe All In One Water Quality Analysis Test Kit

Contaminants Tested

Bacteria

This test checks for the presence of E.coli (Escherichia coli) bacteria. E.coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria commonly found in the intestines of animals and humans and is closely associated with recent fecal contamination. During rain precipitation and water runoffs, E.coli may be washed into surface and groundwater where they can survive if the water is not treated. If any E.coli is present in the water sample, then it is likely that the water has recent sewage or animal waste contamination and may contain many types of disease causing organisms.

Health Effects - Symptoms of bacterial infection can cause diarrhea, abdominal cramps and in severe cases with children under 5 years and the elderly, some bacteria infections can cause red blood cells to be destroyed and kidneys to fail.

Lead

Lead is a metal found in natural deposits as ores containing other elements. Is is used in many manufacturing processes and in mining and smelting. According to the US EPA Toxics Release Inventory, over 144 million pounds of lead was released into the water and land between 1987 and 1993 in the U.S.. It is sometimes used in household plumbing materials or in water service lines to bring water from the main water line to the home. Lead may occur in drinking water either by contamination of the source water used by the water system, or by corrosion of lead plumbing and/or lead solder used in plumbing or plumbing fixtures. In 1996 & 1998, the U.S. Congress restricted the use of lead in pipes, solder and other components use in drinking water systems. Corrosion of plumbing is by far the greatest cause for concern. All water is corrosive to metal plumbing materials to some degree. Grounding of household electrical systems to plumbing may also exacerbate corrosion. Since lead contamination generally occurs from corrosion of household lead pipes or lead supply lines, it cannot be directly detected or removed by the public water system.

Health Effects - Lead can cause a variety of adverse health effects when people are exposed to it at levels above the MCL for relatively short periods of time. These effects may include interference with red blood cell chemistry, delays in normal physical and mental development in babies and young children, slight deficits in the attention span, hearing, and learning abilities of children, and slight increases in the blood pressure of some adults. Lead has the potential to cause stroke, kidney disease and cancer from a lifetime exposure at levels above the MCL.

Pesticides

A pesticide is a chemical that is used to control or kill a pest such as an insect, weed, fungus, bacteria, rodent or other troublesome organism. These products are used in residential and commercial applications, on public land and for agricultural purposes. Pesticides get into our drinking water through runoff from application sites, seepage through the soil into groundwater, spills and illegal dumping, manufacturing discharge, direct application in water bodies to control water related pests and through inappropriate discharge into wastewater or septic systems that enters groundwater. Two common pesticides are Atrazine and Simazine. Atrazine was the second most frequently detected pesticide in US EPA's National Survey of Pesticides in Drinking Water Wells and was estimated to be the most heavily used herbicide in the United States in 1987/89. Simazine is applied directly or is commonly combined with other herbicides and in 1985, it was estimated 4.8 billion pounds of Simazine was used annually.

Health Effects - Pesticides have varying effects on humans depending on the type and toxicity of the pesticide and the sensitivity of the individual based on weight, age, health, etc. EPA has found Atrazine to potentially cause congestion of heart, lungs and kidneys, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, weight loss and damage to adrenal glands and Simazine to cause weight loss and changes in blood under short term exposure above maximum contaminant levels. Long term exposure to Atrazine  may cause weight loss, cardiovascular damage, retinal and some muscle degeneration and cancer. Long term exposure to Simazine includes tremors, damage to testes, kidneys, liver and thyroid, gene mutations and cancer.

Nitrates/Nitrites

Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units which combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. Once taken into the body, nitrates are converted into nitrites. The greatest use of nitrates is as a fertilizer. Most nitrogenous materials in natural waters tend to be converted to nitrate, so all sources of combined nitrogen, particularly organic nitrogen and ammonia, should be considered as potential nitrate sources. Primary sources of organic nitrates include human sewage and livestock manure, especially from feedlots. The primary inorganic nitrates which may contaminate drinking water are potassium nitrate and ammonium nitrate both of which are widely used as fertilizers. According to the US EPA Toxics Release Inventory, releases to water and land totaled over 112 million pounds from 1991 through 1993. Since they are very soluble and do not bind to soils, nitrates have a high potential to migrate to ground water. Because they do not evaporate, nitrates/nitrites are likely to remain in water until consumed by plants or other organisms.

Health Effects - Excessive levels of nitrate above the maximum contaminant level in drinking water has caused serious illness and sometimes death from short term exposure. The serious illness in infants is due to the conversion of nitrate to nitrite by the body, which can interfere with the oxygen-carrying capacity of the child's blood. This can be an acute condition in which health deteriorates rapidly over a period of days. Symptoms include shortness of breath and blueness of the skin. Long-term exposure to excessive levels of Nitrates and Nitrites have the potential to cause diuresis, increased starchy deposits and hemorrhaging of the spleen.

pH

A measurement of the degree of how acid or alkaline the water supply is based on a pH scale of 0 - 14. A pH reading of 7.0 is considered neutral and neither acid or alkaline. Numbers below 7.0 are considered acidic, numbers above 7.0 are considered alkaline. Each full number change in the pH scale up or down represents a 10 fold increase in degree of acidity or alkalinity. For example, a pH reading of 4.0 is 10 times more acidic than a reading of 5.0 and 100 times more acidic than a reading of 6.0. There can be many causes for acidic water including acid rain (high carbon dioxide), acid source water from absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and from decaying vegetation and no acid buffering characteristics in the water. Alkaline waters can be caused by unwanted substances such as alkali or ammonia from nitrate fertilizer finding its way into your water and excessive carbonates. pH is a non-mandatory secondary water quality standard and guidelines are provided to assist in managing drinking water for aesthetic considerations such as taste, color and odor as well as for corrosion control.

Aesthetic Effects - Excessive levels of alkalinity can produce a "soda" taste and have a drying effect on the skin because of the tendency to remove normal skin oils. Water that is acidic or very alkaline will tend to be corrosive. This corrosive water will begin to dissolve metals such as lead, copper, brass and zinc in the plumbing lines and carry them in the water to the faucet or water appliance such as washing machines, water heaters and plumbing fixtures.

EPA Recommended Contaminant Level

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) - pH 6.5 to 8.5.

Chlorine

Chlorine is used an an oxidizing agent to change the chemical composition targeted substances. It is helpful in the removal of Iron, Manganese and Hydrogen Sulfide from water and it is also used to disinfect water and kill microorganisms. Chlorine is added in municipal water treatment and may also be used on a small scale in residential water treatment systems. Chlorine added to the water will first react with Iron, Manganese and Hydrogen Sulfide through the oxidation process and then some of the Chlorine will be neutralized by any organic matter and bacteria present in the water, this is the "Chlorine Demand". The remaining Chlorine present in the water is called "Residual Chlorine". If any Ammonia is present in the water, Residual Chlorine will react with it to form Chloramines. If no Ammonia is present, the remaining Chlorine is called "Free Chlorine". "Total Chlorine" is the combination of the Residual Chlorine that has formed Chloramines and Free Chlorine levels. Today, most municipalities are turning to the application of Chloramine, a compound of chlorine and ammonia, instead of Chlorine products to help reduce the amount of disinfection byproducts. However, this treatment method still leaves "Free" Chlorine present in water.

Health Effects - Chlorine can react with organic matter in the water, such as from vegetation decay, and form disinfection byproducts called Trihalomethanes (THM's). THM's are suspected human carcinogens. Chlorine may also create objectionable taste and odor problems in water. Chlorine can be irritating to the skin upon contact as well as an eye, nose and lung irritant when exposure to the air is encountered. Ingestion of Chlorine can cause stomach discomfort.

Aesthetic Effects - Hardness reduces a soap or detergent's ability to clean and lather by causing the development of insoluble precipitation in water. This is the soap scum seen in the shower, toilets and on tubs as well as whitish scale deposits in pipes, water heaters and coffee makers. Water hardness makes washing clothes, bathing and shampooing more difficult and less effective. More soap will be required in hard water to have the same effectiveness as in soft water. Hardness will also cause scale buildup on water lines and in appliances such as water heaters. It can cause the reduction in water flow through pipes and make heating appliances less effective and more costly to run due to the poor heat transmission through the scale buildup.

Definitions

Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) - The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLGs allow for a margin of safety and are non-enforceable public health goals.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) - The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology and taking cost into consideration. This is the lowest level to which water systems can reasonably be required to control this contaminant should it occur in drinking water at their customer's home taps. MCLs are enforceable standards.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal (MRDLG) - The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLGs do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level (MRDL) - The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level (SMCL) - Non-mandatory water quality standards for 15 contaminants. EPA does not enforce these "secondary maximum contaminant levels" or "SMCLs." They are established only as guidelines to assist public water systems in managing their drinking water for aesthetic considerations, such as taste, color and odor. These contaminants are not considered to present a risk to human health at the SMCL.

Testing Procedure

Important

• Keep tests out of reach of children and pets. Do not ingest anything from this test kit. Do not drink water sample used for testing. Store and use at room temperature (60-86 F).

• Do not open packets or a vial until you are ready to perform the tests.

• Do not touch test pads.

• Do not use on hot water or water containing bleach detergents.

• Do not re-use any part of the test kit.

• Read and follow all instructions carefully.

Bacteria Instructions

1. Take out the bacteria Test vial and set upright on a flat surface.

2. Collect water sample or turn on tap to a very slow stream.

3. Carefully twist off cap and fill vial to 1/2 inch below the top (to 5 ml line). DO NOT OVERFILL and DO NOT SPILL the bacterial growth powder in the vial.

4. Replace cap and twist on tightly. Shake the vial vigorously for 20 seconds.

5. Place the capped vial upright in a warm area (70-90 F) where it cannot be disturbed for 48 hrs.

6. After 48 hrs., observe the color of the liquid without opening the vial.

Bacteria Results

		Negative Result: Purple Color (No bacteria were detected)
		Positive Result: Yellow Color (It is highly likely that potentially harmful bacteria were detected.

Disposal Note: For positive results, add bleach to the sample before pouring down the toilet, then wash hands carefully. Negative samples may be poured directly into the toilet. Discard vial in the trash.

Lead/Pesticide Instructions

1. Open Lead/Pesticide packet and take out contents. The packet contains a test vial, a dropper pipette, one Watersafe® Lead test strip, one Watersafe® Pesticide test strip and a desiccant (to be discarded).

2. Using dropper, Place water sample into test vial. To pick up the sample, tightly squeeze the bulb at the end of the dropper and place the open end into the water sample. Release the bulb to pick up the sample, then squeeze again to expel the sample into the vial. Use only ONE dropper full of water!

3. Swirl vial gently for several seconds. Place on a flat surface.

4. Place both test strips into the test vial, with arrows pointing DOWN.

5. Wait 10 minutes. DO not disturb strips or vial during this time. Blue lines will appear on the strips.

6. Take the strips out of the vial and read results.

Lead Results

Negative: Bottom line (next to number 1) is darker then the top line (next to number 2). If you only see one line next to number 1, the test is negative.

Positive: Top line (next to number 2) is darker than bottom line (next to number 1), or lines are equally dark.

Note: If no lines appear, or both lines are very light, the test did not run properly and the result is not valid. If a test strip shows a positive result, your water sample may contain Lead at a toxic level.

Pesticide Results

Negative: Bottom line (next to number 1) is darker then the top line (next to number 2). If you only see one line next to number 1, the test is negative.

Positive: Top line (next to number 2) is darker than bottom line (next to number 1), or lines are equally dark.

Note: If no lines appear, or both lines are very light, the test did not run properly and the result is not valid. If a test strip shows a positive result, your water sample may contain pesticides at a toxic level.

Nitrate / Nitrite Test Instructions

1. Carefully open Nitrate / Nitrite Test packet and take out test strip.

2. Immerse the regent pads into water sample for 2 seconds, remove, after one minute match colors with provided color chart in kit..

3. Colors are stable for 1 minute.

Nitrate / Nitrite Results

Total Nitrate / Nitrite (end pad)

0 ppm	0.5 ppm	2.0 ppm	5.0 ppm	10 ppm	20 ppm	50 ppm

Nitrite (pad nearest handle)

0 ppm	0.15 ppm	0.3 ppm	1.0 ppm	1.5 ppm	3.0 ppm	10 ppm

Chlorine, Hardness & pH Instructions

1. Carefully open pH/ Hardness/ Chlorine Test packet and take out test strip.

2. Immerse the regent pads into the water sample and remove immediately.

3. Hold the strip level for 15 seconds.

4. Match pH, Hardness and Total Chlorine Pads (in that order) with provided color chart in kit..

Chlorine, Hardness & pH Results

pH (end pad)

6.0	6.5	7.5	8.5	10

Total Hardness (middle pad)

0 ppm	50 ppm	120 ppm	250 ppm	425 ppm

Total Chlorine (pad nearest handle)

0 ppm	2.0 ppm	4.0 ppm	10 ppm

Specifications

• Detects Lead at or below  EPA action level of 15 parts per billion (ppb).

• Detects Pesticide Atrazine at or below  EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 3 parts per billion (ppb).

• Detects Pesticide Simazine at or below  EPA Maximum Contaminant Level of 4 parts per billion (ppb).

• Detects pH from 6 to 10.

• Detects Total Hardness at 0 to 425 parts per million (ppm).

• Detects Total Chlorine at 0 to 10 parts per million (ppm).

• Detects Nitrate at 0 to 50 parts per million (ppm).

• Detects Nitrite at 0 to 10 parts per million (ppm).

• Detects the presence or absence of Bacteria.

Features

• Easy to use kit provides a convenient way to check your water for 8 contaminants.

• Do-it-yourself test kit. Everything needed to perform and analyze the tests are included.

• The tests are fast and provide you with results right at home.

• Clear directions, easy methods and top quality non-toxic test ingredients assure you of reliable test results.

• EPA-based, laboratory certified test kit includes:

1 - Bacteria Test

1 - Pesticide Test (Atrazine & Simazine)

1 - Nitrate Test

1 - Nitrite Test

1 - Hardness Test

1 - Chlorine Test

1 - pH Test

1 - Lead Test

Watersafe All-In-One Water Analysis Test Kit

Price: $19.95

Quantity:

Click Here to go to the main Water Quality Testing shopping page.