Common Drinking Water Issues

Test

Cost

Possible Source & Problems

Should I test for it?

Recommended Level

Arsenic

$15

Occurs naturally in some areas of Washtenaw County. Long-term exposure can cause cancer, thickening and discoloration of the skin, problems with blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve effects including numbness and/or pain, and interference with some important cell functions. Short-term exposure to very high levels may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, and weakness.

Required testing for all new and replacement wells, and for all residential wells of homes being sold in Washtenaw County.

Recommend testing annually if a home has an arsenic treatment unit, or if previous tests showed any level of detection.

Less than 0.010 mg/L
(Less than 10 ppb) 

Coliform, total (Bacteria)

$15

Can indicate the water source or the water supply piping system has been contaminated. Coliform bacteria occur naturally in the environment and in the feces of humans and animals. Most coliform bacteria do not cause illness, but they can indicate that other disease-causing organisms may be present in the water. Contaminated drinking water can cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches, or other symptoms. These pathogens may pose a special health risk for infants, young children, and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Required testing for all new and replacement wells, and for all residential wells of homes being sold in Washtenaw County.

Recommend testing annually. Also test if there is a change in water taste, odor, or appearance; water is cloudy after rain; top of well is flooded; contamination is near well; water supply system is repaired/serviced; or household members have unexplained stomach flu-like symptoms.

Coliform bacteria absent 
(0 or non-detect)

Hardness, total

$11

Occurs naturally from dissolved limestone. Decreases the lather formation of soap. Can cause scaling of water fixtures. High levels cause soap scum and low levels cause corrosion. Aesthetic concern; not a health risk.

Consider testing if you are thinking about installing a water softening or treatment system. This information can be helpful for the treatment company.

Less than 250 mg/L

Iron

$13

Occurs naturally as a mineral from sediment and rocks. Causes water to taste bitter. Causes brownish stains on laundry and plumbing fixtures. Aesthetic concern; not a health risk.

Consider testing if you are thinking about installing a water softening or treatment system. This information can be helpful for the treatment company.

Less than 0.3 mg/L

Lead

$15

Drinking water sources in Washtenaw County do not have high levels of naturally occurring lead. However, lead can leach into water supplies through lead pipe and lead-based solder. Lead products were phased out over time and are more likely in homes built before 1986. In children, lead can cause behavior and learning issues, lower IQ, hyperactivity and slowed growth. In adults, it can cause high blood pressure and kidney problems. 

Consider testing if you have concerns that your plumbing may contain lead pipes or solder, or if a member of the household has elevated blood lead levels.

Less than 0.015 mg/L

Manganese

$11

Occurs naturally as a mineral from sediment and rocks. Often associated with high iron. Causes dark brown or black stains on plumbing fixtures and brownish stains on laundry. Can make water filter look black, or black flecks to appear in water. Impacts taste of water. Relatively non-toxic to animals but toxic to plants at high levels.

Consider testing if you are thinking about installing a water softening or treatment system. This information can be helpful for the treatment company.

Less than 0.05 mg/L

Nitrate

$14

Usually associated with manmade sources, including fertilizer, feedlots, and sewage. In Washtenaw County, most often found in areas of denser development (likely from septic systems), or rural areas with heavy agricultural activity (likely from fertilizer and feedlots). More likely to be found in shallower or sandy (“unprotected”) aquifers. Can cause blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) in infants under six months, pregnant women, and certain sensitive people.

Required testing for all new and replacement wells, and for all residential wells of homes being sold in Washtenaw County.

Consider testing if you have a concern about well vulnerability to contamination. Testing for nitrates is a good, inexpensive first step.

Less than 10 mg/L

Sodium

$11

Can be naturally occurring from leaching of salt deposits. Water softeners can add sodium to drinking water. Sodium-free softener salts are available. High levels of sodium can be a health risk for some people. 

Consider testing if a member of the household is on low-sodium diet.

For low-sodium diet, less than 20 mg/L

For taste, less than 30-60 mg/L