Water Testing
3 Types of Water Testing
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On-site water testing - Off-site water testing
- Water safety testing
- For all real-estate transactions, private wells need to do a safety test, arsenic, & nitrate test
The Threats of Drinking Contaminated Water
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Contaminant
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EPA MCL (mg/L)
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Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
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Common sources of contamination in drinking water
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
Total Coliform (includes fecal coliform & E. coli)
zero presence
Indicate whether potentially harmful bacteria may be presen.
Coliforms are naturally present in the environment.
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
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.
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
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.
Erosion of natural deposits; mining activities; runoff from orchards; glass, metal, and electronics production waste; and more.
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
Some research indicates that prolonged exposure to low concentrations in water could lead to lower IQ scores in children.
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
Lead
Action Level = 0.015
Children: Could show signs of brain damage, reduced IQ, learning disabilities, behavioral problems, developmental delays
Corrosion of old household plumbing and public water systems; erosion of natural deposits.
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
Pregnant women: Miscarriage risk, low birth weight, premature birth
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
Adults: Potential high blood pressure, kidney damage, reproductive problems
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Contaminant
EPA MCL (mg/L)
Potential Health effects from exposure above the MCL
Common sources of contamination in drinking water
General symptoms: Anemia, fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, memory issues
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
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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.
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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!
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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
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Q: How do we test water quality?
A: Guthrie & Frey can do on-site home water testing or send samples of your water to an outside lab to test for contaminants.
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Q: Are home water test kits accurate?
A: 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!
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Q: How do you know if water is contaminated?
A: 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.
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Q: How much does it cost to have your water tested?
A: Our free water testing service includes testing for hardness, iron, TDS, and pH issues.
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Q: How often should I have my water tested?
A: The DNR and EPA recommend that people with private wells schedule annual testing to ensure their water safety.
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Learn More About Water Testing
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Well Pumps
Because the well pump is largely “out of sight”, it should be by no means “out of mind”. Here are the steps you need to take for maintenance and replacements.
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Drinking Water
If you’re a fan of bottled water, a reverse osmosis drinking water system from Guthrie & Frey provides a more cost-effective, convenient way to acquire pure, chemical-free water.
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Salt Delivery Service
Schedule automatic salt delivery, hassle-free. Guthrie & Frey will place the salt right into your brine tank on your scheduled day, perform a visual inspection of your equipment, and haul the empty bags away.