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Discover the benefits of a private water supply Today!
Find your water

If you dont already have a known water supply, then your first job will be to find it. Dowsing and geological surveys provide the most accurate means to do this.. Read more...

Pump it up

Once you have found your water supply, the next task is to bring it to the surface, establish your yield, and have it tested to establish its chemistry.
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Filter it

When you have the results of your composition test, you will need to think about filtration. The type you may need depands on your water content.
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FAQs > Water analysis and testing


  Q Is water analysis really necessary?
   
Yes in fact it's essential.
Your water is an unknown quantity when it comes out the ground. You need to be sure that it's fit for your purpose - whether that is simple irrigation, or for drinking purposes.
Your water analysis test will reveal the exact composition of your water so, that you know its content and from that, you will then know what filtration you will need. You have a duty of care not only to yourself, but to those who will use your water to ensure that your water contains nothing untoward.
  Q Who do we use to perform water analysis testing?
   
We use any one of a number of water analysis testing laboratories around the country - depending on where your site is located. Sometimes we perform tests in-house. Laboratory water testing is expensive and often we just want results for certain water tests or re-tests performed. By doing these tests in-house , we can provide a more cost effective process.
  Q How long does the water analysis test take?
   
Once we have collected your sample, we must get it a lab within a few hours otherwise the biological content of your sample may change. Typically, the results of your test will be available between 7 and 10 days later. We will call you to discuss the results and draw your attention to any issues.
  Q How accurate are the water analysis test results?
   
Very accurate indeed. All water tests must be able to indicate levels of the tested water parameters within the ranges specified by the Year 2000 water standards regulations.
All laboratories and ourselves ensure that all tests are done according to these regulations - details of which may be read in this .pdf document.
  Q If my water test shows problems with the sample, can I still use it?
   
Yes, in general. We very rarely encounter samples which are so bad that a project halts because of that. Very rarely. In general, most problems can easily be overcome with filtration, asdjustments to pH, or other adjustments to the water.
  Q What does water pH mean and why is it important?
   

In simple terms, the pH (potential Hydrogen) value as applied to fresh water is a means of identifying whether the water is too acid or too alkaline. The pH scale runs from 0 to 14, with 0 representing acid, and 14 representing basic, or for our purposes, alkaline. Household water should ideally sit at the mid way point of 7. Water of this value is said to be of pH 7.

The normal range for pH in groundwater systems is pH 6 to pH 8.5 - so we would be looking to achieve water quality within this range. In general, water with a low pH (less than 6.5) could be regarded as acidic, soft, and corrosive. Therefore, the water could leach metal ions such as: iron, manganese, copper, lead, and zinc from the aquifer, plumbing fixtures, and piping.

Water with a low pH could contain higher levels of toxic metals, cause premature damage to metal piping, and have associated aesthetic problems such as a metallic or sour taste, may have a strong iron-like odour, stain laundry, and show the characteristic blue-green staining of sinks, taps and drains. Low pH water is considered a health risk.

Water with a pH greater than 8.5 could indicate that the water is hard. Hard water does not pose a health risk, but can cause problems with household fixtures such as:
Formation of a scale on piping and fixtures causing water pressures and interior diameter of piping to decrease, may cause an alkali taste to the water and can make coffee taste bitter, the formation of a scale or deposit on dishes, utensils, and laundry basins, difficulty in getting soaps and detergents to foam, and a decreases efficiency of electric water heaters.
Typically these problems are encountered when the hardness exceeds 150 milligrams (mg) of calcium per liter.
     
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