Interpreting Your Water Test Report

Authors: Blake Ross, Extension Specialist, Agricultural Engineering, and Kathleen Parrott, Extension Specialist, Housing.

Publication Number 356-489, April 1998

Table 1. General Water Quality Indicators

Indicator Acceptable Limit Indication

Coliform
Bacteria < 1 coliform/100mL Possible bacterial or viral contamination (absent) from human sewage or animal waste

pH Value 6.5 to 8.5 An important overall measure of water quality, pH can alter corrosivity and solubility of contaminants. Low pH will cause pitting of pipes and fixtures and/or metallic taste. This may indicate that metals are being dissolved. At a high pH, the water will have a slippery feel or soda taste.

Total Dissolved
Solids (TDS) 500 mg/L Dissolved minerals, like iron or manganese. High TDS also may indicate hardness (scaly deposits) and cause staining, or a salty, bitter taste.

Indicator	Acceptable Limit	Indication
Coliform Bacteria	< 1 coliform/100mL	Possible bacterial or viral contamination (absent) from human sewage or animal waste
pH Value	6.5 to 8.5	An important overall measure of water quality, pH can alter corrosivity and solubility of contaminants. Low pH will cause pitting of pipes and fixtures and/or metallic taste. This may indicate that metals are being dissolved. At a high pH, the water will have a slippery feel or soda taste.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)	500 mg/L	Dissolved minerals, like iron or manganese. High TDS also may indicate hardness (scaly deposits) and cause staining, or a salty, bitter taste.

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