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Deck Maintenance – Preserving Your Outdoor Living Space
Regular deck maintenance preserves your outdoor living space, preventing damage and prolonging its lifespan. Check for rot and other structural issues with a screwdriver, probing especially near stairs and where structures meet the ground.
Wash your deck annually with a mild detergent and brush to remove dirt and grime and prevent mold and mildew growth. Contact Deck Builders Baltimore County for professional help.
Whether your deck is wood or composite, it must be cleaned annually to remove organic debris such as leaves, twigs, dirt and acid rain residue that settles on the surface. These contaminants provide a food source for molds, mildew and fungus to grow. Keeping the deck clean prevents these organisms from getting a foothold and damaging the wood.
You can purchase commercial deck cleaners that are designed specifically for your type of decking or you can make your own cleaning solution using common household products such as liquid dish soap (ammonia-free) and water for a wood deck, or white vinegar for a composite deck. Follow the product’s directions for use.
Begin by sweeping the entire deck to remove any loose debris. Next, apply the cleaning solution to a small area of the deck at a time. Use a sprayer or brush broom to apply the cleaner, making sure it is saturated. Scrub the deck in a direction that runs parallel to the wood grain. Allow the cleaner to soak for the time recommended by the manufacturer. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Be careful not to over-saturate the deck with cleaner because this can cause the boards to lift. A power washer is a quick way to remove heavy buildup of dirt and grime, but only use it on low to medium pressure. High-pressure power washing damages the decking and may result in damage to the railings, stairs or ledger boards.
After the deck is clean it is ready to be stained or sealed. Before applying any stain or sealant, sprinkle a little water on the deck. If it absorbs immediately, the deck is ready to be sealed or stained.
Inspection
Deck inspections involve a walk around to listen for any squeaks and feel for soft spots, as well as looking for cracks or signs of rot. A professional can identify any problems and suggest repairs that will extend the life of the deck.
Look at the floorboards and joists to make sure there is no cupping (indentation of the wood) caused by heavy loads. Also examine the fasteners, ledger board and hardware connectors to ensure they are not rusted. This is particularly important because a compromised ledger is the biggest cause of deck collapse. Then move on to the stairs and railing, checking for proper spacing between balusters and riser height and evaluating step stringers and handrail stability. A good professional inspector will be able to identify if your deck is not up to code in terms of railing height or spacing and can address these issues before they become serious safety hazards.
The last area to check is under the deck. Climb under the deck with a flashlight and probe structural boards for signs of rot, especially near the ground and where the deck is attached to your house. You should be able to push a screwdriver about a quarter-inch into suspect areas without any resistance.
If you find any areas of rot, a qualified carpenter can evaluate the situation and treat the rotten section to prevent further deterioration and maintain the safety of the deck. Any sagging or drooping sections of the deck beams are also a cause for concern and require expert assessment and repair. Moisture buildup under the deck can also be a problem. A professional can recommend the right moisture control system for your deck and home to avoid the need for expensive structural repairs in the future.
Repair
If a deck’s structural members are showing signs of damage or deterioration, it’s time to consider repairs. If only a few boards are affected, repair is likely sufficient, but if the structural members are rotting or sagging, replacing them is best for your deck’s lifespan.
Checking for rot is easy with a simple probe of the wood. If you can’t firmly press your screwdriver into a suspected area, it’s time to replace the board or framing member.
Loose floorboards also require attention. Not all loose boards are a serious issue, but if they’re on the edge of the deck or close to stairs and railings, they can fall on people walking by. Check that stair railings and handrails are secure, too. A wobbly railing could cause someone to trip and hurt themselves, so you need to fix it right away.
It’s also important to protect your deck from the sun’s harsh UV rays, which can fade the surface and cause splintering. Using stain or other protective coatings helps prevent this damage, and reapplying the coats regularly is essential. To help your new stain last, lightly sand the surface before applying it, and choose a two-day period when you’ll have clear skies and moderate temperatures. A small scrub brush with stiff bristles, such as one used to clean bathtubs, is a good choice for cleaning and pre-staining. It’s best to use a product that’s compatible with the type of decking you have, so check labels. A composite or PVC deck needs a different product than a wood deck.
Staining
Staining decks adds color, highlights wood grain and helps protect the surface from weather damage. Deck stains also offer added moisture resistance, which is critical in regions with long cold winters that cause wood to expand and contract.
Before staining, inspect your deck for any rotted or warped boards that should be replaced. It’s also important to check for loose nails or deck screws that could become exposed during cleaning and cause structural problems.
Whether you’re using a natural wood finish, semi-transparent or solid stain, be sure to test the color in an inconspicuous spot before applying it to your entire deck. The color should be even and not fade or discolor over time. You can purchase a wide variety of wood stain products, from natural-looking shades that highlight the wood grain to darker tints that transform the look of your deck.
Read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully for staining your deck, and be sure to wear eye protection and gloves. It is best to stain your deck on a dry day, as humidity will affect the quality of the finished project. A tarp should be placed over the area being stained to protect plants and surfaces surrounding your deck.
To apply the stain, start with a small section of the deck and use a brush to spread the product. Work in long, straight strokes to achieve an even coat. Let the first coat set for 20 minutes, then back-brush to cover any areas you may have missed. Repeat this process until the deck is fully coated and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Afterward, clean the brushes and paint tray. If you’d like, a second coat can be applied to your deck for maximum protection.
Sealing
Reapplying stain and sealing your deck can help protect it from weathering, fading, rot, insects and other damage. Depending on your deck’s exposure and foot traffic, it may need to be resealed every one to three years. Keeping up with resealing ensures that your deck remains sturdy and attractive, a centerpiece of your home.
Before you apply a new coat of sealer, it’s important to make sure your deck is completely clean. This includes removing any furniture, plants and other items from the deck surface and washing it using a pressure washer. You may also need to sand the deck before you can apply the sealer, as this will help it adhere properly. If you need to sand, use a pole sander with 80-grit paper. Wear a dust mask and protective eyewear while sanding to avoid inhaling sawdust.
Once your deck is completely dry, you can begin the resealing process. Depending on the type of sealer you’re using, it may require one or two thin coats to get the best results. Before applying a coat, stir the sealer to mix it thoroughly and then apply it to two-to-three board sections at a time, using your choice of applicator (painter’s brush, roller or sprayer). Let each coat dry for 24 to 48 hours before you use the deck.
Be timely with resealing, as even the best sealants aren’t permanent. Read the instructions on your sealant to determine when it will need to be reapplied and make note of that date in your calendar. This will help you keep up with resealing, protecting your deck from water damage and prolonging its lifespan. Adding a caulk sealant to the gaps between your deck boards is another good way to protect your deck and prevent moisture from seeping into the wood.
The Crucial Role of Plumbers in Modern Society and Their Impact on Everyday Life
Plumbers Bradenton are essential professionals who play a pivotal role in maintaining the comfort and safety of homes and businesses. These experts are responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of plumbing systems, which include water supply lines, drainage systems, and various fixtures.
Without plumbers, we would struggle with many daily tasks that rely on clean water and effective waste removal. Their expertise ensures that the systems we often take for granted are functioning properly and efficiently.
In addition to being crucial for basic needs such as drinking water and waste disposal, plumbers are also key players in preventing potential disasters. Plumbing problems can range from small leaks to major pipe bursts, and addressing these issues swiftly is critical to avoid water damage and contamination. Regular maintenance and timely repairs help to avoid more expensive and extensive damage that could compromise the safety of a building and its occupants. In this sense, plumbers are not only problem solvers but also preventative professionals who protect valuable property.
Plumbers are skilled in diagnosing and fixing a wide variety of issues that arise in plumbing systems. They are trained to understand the intricacies of water pressure, pipe configurations, and sewage systems. This knowledge is vital when performing tasks such as unclogging drains, installing new fixtures, or upgrading outdated plumbing. The plumbing industry also involves specialized knowledge of safety codes and regulations, ensuring that plumbing work complies with national and local standards.
The tools and equipment that plumbers use are a significant part of their profession. From pipe wrenches and plungers to more advanced devices like hydro-jetting machines and camera inspection tools, plumbers are equipped to handle a variety of tasks. These tools allow them to identify issues that may not be visible to the naked eye, such as blocked pipes or corrosion, which can lead to bigger problems down the road. The advancement of technology has provided plumbers with even more efficient ways to conduct repairs and installations, making their work more precise and less invasive.
While many people think of plumbers in terms of dealing with emergencies, their role is also proactive in nature. They assist with the planning and installation of plumbing systems in newly built homes, businesses, and large infrastructure projects. This involves carefully designing layouts for water distribution, drainage, and sewage systems to ensure long-term functionality. The work done by plumbers during the construction phase directly affects the overall performance and reliability of the plumbing systems in a building.
Plumbers also play a significant role in energy efficiency and sustainability. By installing energy-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets, water-saving faucets, and energy-efficient water heaters, they help homeowners and businesses reduce water and energy consumption. These eco-friendly solutions not only lower utility bills but also contribute to environmental conservation by reducing waste and conserving valuable resources. Many plumbers now specialize in green plumbing, offering solutions that prioritize sustainability and eco-consciousness.
One of the most challenging aspects of a plumber’s job is dealing with issues that are hidden within walls or underground. Problems like pipe leaks or blockages may not be immediately visible, requiring plumbers to utilize their problem-solving skills and advanced diagnostic tools to locate the issue. In some cases, this means making small, controlled openings in walls or digging up sections of the yard to access the pipes. While this can be disruptive to the property, plumbers work efficiently to minimize the impact and restore the plumbing system to optimal condition.
A vital part of a plumber’s job is providing guidance and recommendations to homeowners or business owners about maintaining their plumbing systems. Routine maintenance, such as flushing water heaters, inspecting pipes for signs of wear, and cleaning drains, can prevent the need for major repairs in the future. Plumbers educate their clients on how to recognize potential problems early, so they can take action before minor issues become significant and costly repairs.
The plumbing profession requires a high level of technical expertise and practical knowledge. Most plumbers undergo extensive training, which includes apprenticeships and certification programs. These programs equip them with the necessary skills to work with a variety of plumbing systems and materials, such as copper, PVC, and cast iron. Additionally, plumbers must stay up to date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and building codes to provide the best possible service to their clients.
In many cases, plumbers also offer emergency services, which is a crucial aspect of their role. Plumbing emergencies, such as burst pipes or severe leaks, can occur unexpectedly, and prompt action is essential to mitigate damage. A good plumber is always ready to respond to emergencies, providing immediate repairs or temporary solutions until a more permanent fix can be implemented. Their ability to work under pressure and provide quick, efficient solutions is a hallmark of their professionalism.
While plumbing is often associated with residential and commercial properties, plumbers are also essential to large-scale projects, such as hospitals, schools, and factories. These types of buildings have complex plumbing systems that require the expertise of a skilled plumber to ensure that everything functions properly. In industrial settings, plumbers may work with specialized systems that handle heavy machinery, cooling systems, and large-scale water distribution, all of which require precise knowledge and handling.
The growth of the plumbing industry has also been fueled by advancements in plumbing materials. The introduction of new pipe materials, such as PEX (cross-linked polyethylene), has made installations and repairs faster and more efficient. These materials are not only more durable but also easier to work with, reducing the amount of time needed for repairs and minimizing the need for specialized tools. The evolution of plumbing materials has opened up new possibilities for plumbers to improve the functionality and longevity of plumbing systems.
Plumbers are also at the forefront of providing water treatment and purification solutions. With increasing concerns about water quality, many homeowners and businesses turn to plumbers for assistance in installing water filtration systems. These systems remove contaminants from drinking water, ensuring that it is safe and clean. Plumbers also provide maintenance for these systems, ensuring that the filters are changed regularly and that the system continues to function effectively.
As the demand for plumbing services continues to grow, so too does the need for skilled professionals in the field. The increasing complexity of plumbing systems in modern buildings has created a demand for plumbers who can handle a wide range of tasks. This includes installing and maintaining sophisticated plumbing systems, diagnosing complex issues, and providing expert advice on system upgrades and repairs. The future of plumbing is expected to see even more technological innovations, making the profession even more critical to our daily lives.
In conclusion, plumbers are much more than tradespeople who fix leaks and clogs. They are highly skilled professionals who maintain the essential systems that keep homes and businesses functioning smoothly. From installing advanced plumbing systems to troubleshooting complex issues, plumbers are integral to modern infrastructure. As the industry continues to evolve with new technologies and materials, plumbers will remain at the heart of maintaining the health, safety, and efficiency of our plumbing systems.
All About Security Cameras
Security cameras provide powerful, visual evidence to deter theft and help catch criminals. They can also be used to monitor employee or customer behavior in a retail setting.
Eufy’s camera is simple to use, has sharp day and night recording, works with Google Home and Alexa, and doesn’t require a monthly subscription fee for storage (although it does have a paid version with more features). It uses natural ambient light to record, so it may not work in very dark areas. Click the License Plate Recognition Camera to learn more.
Deterrence
Security cameras are great deterrence tools to stop criminals in their tracks. Whether they are being used in a business or for home surveillance, the presence of the camera can often be enough to prevent criminal activity from taking place. They can also help capture evidence around crimes that have been committed.
For commercial purposes, the visible nature of security cameras can be a powerful deterrent against theft and vandalism. When people know that their actions are being recorded, they are less likely to take risky behavior. This can include anything from shoplifting to break-ins to graffiti.
There are also active deterrence security cameras that can actively warn people away from a property. These cameras can activate a loud siren with red and blue strobe lights if motion is detected. This is much more effective than a standard security camera that simply records.
While these are excellent deterrents, it’s important to keep in mind that they will not stop everyone. Criminals are always looking for ways to get around security systems. For example, if the camera is positioned too low and not visible to potential criminals, they may be able to walk up to it without being noticed. Additionally, if the camera is not pointing in the right direction or if the quality is poor, the criminals may still be able to commit their crime.
The best way to prevent this is to install high-quality security cameras that provide clear images in all conditions. Cameras with a wide field of view are a great choice for this purpose since they can capture a larger area and make it easier to spot any suspicious activity.
Many security cameras offer features like night vision and pan/tilt so that you can monitor your property even in the dark or in bad weather. They can also be integrated with smart home devices so that you can talk to visitors through the camera (two-way audio) or remotely control your smart home using voice commands. It’s also important to choose a camera with encrypted video to protect your privacy and to avoid data breaches. When selecting a security camera, look for one that uses AES-256 bit encryption, the same level of protection used by the U.S military.
Evidence
Home security cameras offer an easy and convenient way to monitor your home, especially if you’re away for work or on holiday. They can detect motion and record video in response. Many are wireless and compatible with your smartphone. They can also distinguish between people, pets and cars, making it easier to find the footage you’re looking for. Some insurance companies will even reduce your premiums if you have them installed in your home.
Some people use them to monitor their children, and others to keep an eye on their pets. They can be installed in different areas of the house, inside and out. You can also monitor them remotely from your smartphone, tablet or computer, provided that you have an internet connection. Depending on the model you choose, some require minimal installation and can be easily set up by following instructions in the app. Some are able to alert you when they detect motion, while others send the live feed directly to a professional monitoring station.
Historically, surveillance camera systems were large and expensive, but the technology has evolved over time. In 1949, Vericon invented the first CCTV, but they were only for closed circuit television and required constant monitoring. It wasn’t until 1951 that the first recorder was developed, but they were still too bulky for practical use.
Public surveillance cameras are now used frequently in places like retail establishments, offices and apartment complexes. They can help catch criminals as well as provide evidence in court cases. For example, during the Boston Marathon bombings, the FBI was able to release blurry images of the suspects thanks to surveillance cameras in nearby stores.
It’s important to remember that security cameras can be abused. For instance, voyeurism is becoming increasingly common. There are no laws prohibiting the use of public surveillance cameras, and it’s important to know how to protect yourself and your family from the risks. If you notice any suspicious activity, take immediate action and contact the authorities immediately. The sooner you act, the more likely it is that you’ll get your life back to normal.
Monitoring
For both home and business owners, security cameras can help to keep tabs on daily activities. Footage can be viewed remotely and can help in the event of a dispute or accident. This type of visual evidence can be helpful in mitigating liability issues and establishing the facts in legal scenarios.
When it comes to establishing a clear and accurate account of events, there is nothing more useful than an actual footage of what actually happened. This is especially true when dealing with a legal scenario, where eye witness testimony may have a bias or be unreliable. For this reason, many businesses rely on security cameras for their legal protection and safety protocols.
In addition to recording images, modern security cameras also come equipped with audio capabilities. This allows you to monitor actions and speak with the subject, if needed. You can also check on your children and pets even when you aren’t at home. This is a huge benefit to parents who are always on the go.
Modern cameras are powered either by a standard electrical outlet or a PoE (Power on Ethernet) network connection. This type of connectivity can simplify the wiring process by delivering power and data through a single cable. You can also select a device that has night vision capability to help you see a scene in low-light conditions.
Depending on the device, you can log into your camera via mobile devices, laptops, computers, and other web-enabled systems. Most professional systems include encryption that scrambles messages and encrypts the video, which can help to protect against privacy breaches. You can also choose a camera that integrates with voice assistants, like Alexa and Google Assistant, to control your system with just the sound of your voice. Make sure to use a secure Wi-Fi network and practice password safety, and update your devices regularly to ensure they’re running smoothly. This will also keep your apps and software up-to-date, which will prevent security vulnerabilities.
Security
Security cameras can help deter crime and provide useful evidence in the event of a break-in, but they’re also a great tool for monitoring employee behavior and workflow. Business owners can use surveillance footage to identify lapses in security protocols and improve overall security as well as operational efficiency by streamlining workflows.
Tip: For best results, make sure your security camera has a clear view of the area you want to monitor and that it can see the lights in a car approaching at night. Many cameras have built-in LED spotlights that help illuminate an area when needed. Look for features such as a wide field of view, night vision capabilities, two-way audio and high-definition video resolution when choosing the right model to meet your needs.
A good home security system will have motion detection, which triggers a recording when it detects movement within the camera’s range of view. Because these sensors can be sensitive to the slightest shift in light, as well as such innocuous things as leaves blowing on a windy day or a delivery driver arriving at your door, many systems offer the ability to narrow the range of motion detection or adjust the sensor’s sensitivity so you get fewer false alerts.
Many cameras store recorded images and videos on a hard drive, which can be located onsite or in a cloud storage solution. Many of these solutions require a monthly subscription fee to access the footage, but some allow you to save recordings directly to the device for an extended period of time without incurring extra charges. If you plan to save recordings locally, check that the camera supports your preferred file format and that it has enough internal storage to hold a minimum of 24 hours worth of footage. Some models also feature battery power or the option to charge on a plug-in AC adapter for longer running times and reduced maintenance. In addition, some smart security cameras include memory-card slots in lieu of (or in addition to) a cloud backup for an additional level of privacy and peace of mind.
Different Types of Water Quality Testing
Most contaminants in drinking water have no taste or odor and must be tested professionally to identify them. This includes chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, carbon tetrachloride, toluene, and methyl tertiary butyl ether. To learn more, visit Water Quality Testing Near Me.
Testing is essential for homeowners who use private wells or cisterns. It’s also helpful for urban areas prone to contamination from outdated municipal plumbing, nearby fracking and mining activities, or livestock farming.
What is Water Testing?
There are a wide variety of water tests that can be used to measure different aspects of water quality. Some of these tests are designed to identify specific contaminants or problems while others test for more general parameters. Some are measured in concentration units, such as milligrams per liter (mg/L), which is equivalent to parts per million (ppm). Other measurements use index numbers that are not directly related to concentration, such as pH.
Water quality testing is a critical process to ensure safe drinking water. Whether a water supply is municipal or private, it must be regularly tested to ensure that the chemical, physical, and biological properties are within acceptable limits. This helps ensure that people drink healthfully, businesses operate without impediments caused by off-spec water and the natural environment thrives unhindered by harmful pollutants.
Some of the more common water quality parameters include turbidity, hardness and conductivity, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). Turbidity is a measurement of the amount of particulate material in the water that makes it cloudy or murky. This material can hide waterborne microorganisms, shield them from disinfection processes and absorb heavy metals. High turbidity can also lead to the presence of unpleasant odors or tastes.
Hardness is a measurement of the concentration of dissolved minerals in the water. Excessively high levels can cause mineral buildup in hot water pipes, a dry feeling to the skin and a metallic taste. High hardness can also interfere with the ability to produce a lather with soap.
Most of the contaminates that can affect water quality are not visible to the naked eye, so they need to be tested for with lab equipment or at-home kits. The lab testing method is more accurate but takes longer to complete than home tests.
Conductivity
Conductivity measures the ability of water to transmit an electrical current. It is a non-selective measurement, meaning that it does not differentiate between different concentrations of ionic chemicals in solution. However, it is easy to read with a conductivity meter and provides information about the total number of ions present in the sample. Increasing conductivity levels in lakes and rivers can indicate pollutants. For example, a sewage leak increases the conductivity level because of the addition of chloride, phosphate and nitrate ions, whereas an oil spill decreases it because these elements do not break down into ions 1.
Conductive measurements can also be used to detect changes in dissolved oxygen levels, as high levels of soluble salts typically lower oxygen levels. In addition, temperature and salinity influence the conductivity of water. Using an NDSU water quality monitor, you can quickly measure the total dissolved solids (TDS) and conductivity of a water sample.
Water with a higher specific conductance will have more ions per volume than less conductive water. The specific conductance of a water is the ratio of conductivity to its molar mass, or molecular weight. The molar mass of pure water is 1 g/cm3.
During a flooding event, conductivity tends to increase due to the influx of nutrient and mineral-rich soil from floodplains. In addition, salt ions that were previously dry in the soil can enter solution as the water enters and increase the conductivity of the floodwaters.
Conductivity readings are often reported at a specific temperature to normalize the results. The specific conductance of a water at 25 deg C is the standard reporting value. This allows data from different locations to be easily compared.
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
When water falls on rocks, soil or grass it dissolves some of the minerals and salts contained in those materials. This process, known as leaching, is a natural one. These dissolved solids are called total dissolved solids or TDS.
All types of water contain some TDS, but some sources have higher levels than others. For example, groundwater typically has higher TDS than surface water from rivers or lakes. Bottled mineral water also tends to have high TDS levels.
TDS is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). Generally, a TDS measurement of less than 500 ppm is safe for drinking. A TDS reading of 1,000 ppm or more, however, is likely to indicate the presence of harmful contaminants.
Most people don’t need to measure TDS in their homes, but for those who do, there are a few different ways to do it. One way is to use a lab test, which can be expensive and inconvenient. A better option is to use a TDS meter, which can be purchased for between $10 and $100 depending on the device and manufacturer.
Keeping track of TDS is most useful for those who are struggling with hard water or other water quality issues. For instance, if you are using a water softener to address hardness issues, measuring TDS can help keep track of your progress and help make sure the hard water has been completely eliminated from your water supply. Those with a hot tub or swimming pool may also find it helpful to measure TDS to make sure the water is pure enough for their purposes. This is especially important if they are using metal pipes that may leach some unwanted substances into the water.
Total Coliforms
Biological pathogens (bacteria, viruses, protozoa, or parasites) can be found in drinking water. Often, the source of these pathogens is fecal contamination from animals that have contaminated the environment with their wastes. As a result, the presence of fecal contamination in drinking water can lead to illness or disease outbreaks. However, it is not practical to test for all the possible pathogens in every sample of drinking water taken by a water system. Instead, many systems use “indicator organisms” like coliform bacteria to check for the presence of pathogens in their water samples.
Coliforms are bacteria that are naturally present in the digestive tracts of animals, in animal wastes, and in plant and soil material. They are not harmful in themselves, but they can be a pathway through which more dangerous pathogens can enter drinking water. Testing for the presence of coliforms is therefore an important part of a water system’s effort to produce safe and clean drinking water.
A good treatment system will remove most if not all coliforms from the water it produces at the treatment plant. Therefore, the recommended sampling frequency for coliforms at treatment plants is typically based on the size of the population that the water system serves.
When the coliform levels in a water supply sample are above the minimum acceptable level at a point in the distribution system, then additional actions may be required. These could include warning residents to boil their drinking water before consumption, as well as investigating the source of the contamination and implementing corrective actions.
Storage temperature can have a major impact on the results of coliform tests, so it is critical that samples be stored and transported at the proper temperatures (e.g., below room temperature). Commercial devices are available to verify that a sample is at the appropriate storage and transport temperatures during collection and transit to the laboratory.
Other Germs or Harmful Chemicals
The quality of drinking water can be seriously compromised by the presence of pathogenic (disease-causing) bacteria, viruses and parasites. Drinking water contaminated with these organisms can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea and other unpleasant symptoms. In the most severe cases, these pathogens can lead to disease and even death.
Microbial contamination contributes heavily to the global burden of human disease and is particularly dangerous for infants, young children and people with compromised immune systems. In fact, contaminated water causes up to 143,000 deaths every year from cholera and other diarrheal diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and hepatitis A.
Bacteria and other organisms that are normally found in the environment can also be introduced into water sources by human or animal activities. This may be the case when sewage or manure from homes, farms and businesses is spilled, leaked or disposed of improperly. In addition, some types of pesticides and solvents can be a source of contamination.
Most of the drinking water in the United States comes from community water systems, which must meet EPA standards. However, about 15 million Americans get their water from private wells. Well owners are responsible for testing their own drinking water and maintaining their wells.
Some of the most common tests are for fecal coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli). A positive test result indicates the presence of these harmful bacteria in your drinking water.
Other tests include dissolved oxygen (DO), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The specific chemicals you should test for will depend on where your well is located on your property, which state you live in, and the environmental conditions where you live. For example, industrial and fuel-related contaminants such as cadmium, arsenic, lead, benzene and methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) may be of particular concern in urban areas.