Home Water Testing for Better Wisconsin Water Quality
Having clean water available in your home should be a top priority, but how do you really know what’s in your water? Each county we serve, from Washington County to Kenosha County, and everywhere in between, poses unique water challenges. That’s why our experts at Guthrie & Frey Water Conditioning offer home water testing services for Southeastern Wisconsin residents.
We start by taking a complete look at your water treatment system, if available. Following inspection, we’ll conduct water testing, checking hardness and various other levels. One of our technicians will do a full analysis of the hot and cold water in your home, which enables us to determine where contaminants may be coming from. After testing, we’ll inform you of what is in your water and recommend a plan to rectify it.
If you’re facing drinking water contamination in Wisconsin, trust our experienced professionals to help find a solution. We’ve been helping local residents protect their water quality since 1974!
FREE Water Analysis3 Types of Water Testing
- On-site water testing
- Off-site water testing
- Water safety testing
- For all real-estate transactions, private wells need to do all 3 of these tests
The Threats of Drinking Contaminated Water
| Contaminant | EPA MCL (mg/L) | Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL | Common sources of contaminate in drinking water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Coliform (includes fecal coliform & E. coli) | zero presence | Indicate whether potentially harmful bacteria may be present. | Coliforms are naturally present in the environment. |
| Nitrates, Total | 10 | Babies younger than 6 months old who drink water containing nitrates over the MCL could become seriously ill. If untreated, death may occur. Symptoms include shortness of breath and Blue Baby Syndrome. | Agricultural and fertilizer runoff; leaching from septic tanks, sewage; erosion of natural deposits; and more. |
| Arsenic | 0.010 | Leads to a risk of skin problems, cancer, cardiovascular system issues, nerve effects, stomach issues like nausea and vomiting, headaches, and more. Some research indicates that prolonged exposure to low concentrations in water could lead to lower IQ scores in children. | Erosion of natural deposits; mining activities; runoff from orchards; glass, metal, and electronics production waste; and more. |
| Lead | Action Level = 0.015 | Children: Could show signs of brain damage, reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, developmental delays Pregnant women: Miscarriage risk, low birth weight, premature birth Adults: Potential high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive problems General symptoms: Anemia, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, memory issues | Corrosion of old household plumbing and public water systems; erosion of natural deposits. |
Arsenic, Bacteria, & Nitrate Testing Requirements
According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR), most well users should test for arsenic every five years. Those in Outagamie, Winnebago, or Brown counties or who had arsenic in a previous sample should test for arsenic every year.
Bacteria testing should be done once a year and whenever there’s a change in your water. Nitrate testing should also be done yearly and before a well is used by any woman who is or may become pregnant.
At Guthrie & Frey Water Conditioning, we offer Racine, Ozaukee, Washington County well water testing, and more.
On-site Water Testing
On-site water testing involves a quick water analysis performed by our professionals on your property. We check:
- Water hardness
- Iron levels
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
- pH levels
Our on-site water testing services give you the information you need to protect your property from various water issues. We provide iron filters, water softeners, reverse osmosis (RO) treatment systems, and more to address any problems.
Off-Site Testing Services
Off-site water testing involves taking a sample of your water to a laboratory for an in-depth analysis. We’ll collect your sample and share the lab test results, as well as expert recommendations on how to fix any water issues. These testing services identify things like lead, PFAS, and other dangerous contaminants.
From Washington County water contamination concerns to poor Waukesha water quality, you can rely on us!
Safety Testing
Coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms found in plants, soil, mammals, and surface water. When coliform bacteria are present in water, it signals that your water may be contaminated with disease-causing pathogens. While most coliform bacteria aren’t harmful themselves, they indicate conditions that could support other microorganisms.
These bacteria can seep into cracked or poorly sealed wells and contaminate drinking water. Our coliform bacteria testing services will tell you whether your water is safe to consume. From there, our team will put a corrective action plan into place. Our experts recommend annual testing.
Water Testing Services at Guthrie & Frey
Identify Contaminants & Bacteria
At Guthrie & Frey Water Conditioning, we provide essential water testing services across Southeastern Wisconsin. Our testing services range from basic hardness, iron, TDS, pH, and tannins (which we provide free), up to more complex testing that is billable for the third-party labs we use for iron-related bacteria, sulfur-related bacteria, coliform bacteria, and PFAS.
Addressing Your Local Needs
Our expert team delivers clear results and implements effective remediation plans. We address local needs, from Ozaukee County water quality issues and well testing to Washington County water quality concerns. We serve customers throughout these counties and surrounding areas!
Qualified Professionals
You can trust our qualified professionals to protect your property with comprehensive services. We also offer extensive treatment equipment warranties and competitive pricing to help you keep your water pure.
Ask Our Water Quality Experts
How do we test water quality?
Guthrie & Frey can do on-site home water testing or send samples of your water to an outside lab to test for contaminants.
Are home water test kits accurate?
Home testing kits will identify some contaminants, but they can’t detect everything that professional testing can. Our on-site water analysis is free, and lab testing is offered for a fee.
Contact us to schedule your water quality test today!
How do you know if water is contaminated?
Some contaminants cause yellow, red, or black stains on tubs, sinks, fixtures, and even laundry. Other contaminants, such as hydrogen sulfide gas, will give water a “rotten egg” smell. Other contaminants, such as arsenic or nitrates, don’t cause any physical changes. The only way to know for sure if these dangerous contaminants are in your water is to have it professionally tested.
If your water has a strange taste, odor, or appearance, it’s a good idea to schedule a water test. Otherwise, the DNR and EPA recommend annual well water testing.
How much does it cost to have your water tested?
Our free water testing service includes testing for hardness, iron, TDS, and pH issues.v
How often should I have my water tested?
The DNR and EPA recommend that people with private wells schedule annual testing to ensure their water’s safety.
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