Checking water at home (water analysis at home): features of the procedure. Control check: how to determine the quality of water at home? Who handed over the water for analysis after the filter
The easiest way to evaluate the suitability of water for drinking is to make its external examination. The liquid should not contain any particles, it should be completely transparent. If so, then you can try the "drink". No taste and foreign smell indicates that such water is most likely from a natural source, such as a spring. But such a liquid in the city, in a water tap, is a rarity. You can only find it in the store, in plastic bottles. And even then it is recommended to trust trusted manufacturers in this case.
If you still have doubts about the quality of the liquid, then you can continue research. To do this, pour the "preparation" into a small container (0.2-0.3 liters) and let the water stand in a dark, cool place under a loosely closed lid for 3-5 days. At the end of this period, you can visually consider the "laboratory" result. The presence of sediment, a cloudy film on the surface, plaque, dirt on the walls, as well as the appearance indicate an extremely low quality of the liquid, which cannot be drunk in a “raw” form.
Other ways
Bring the water to a boil and examine the contents: the presence of a black or gray precipitate indicates that there is a lot of lime in the liquid. You can drink this water, but washing machine pouring is not recommended. If yellow, or a dirty scale appears, then this indicates the presence of a large amount of iron or its oxides. Another reason for this phenomenon may be the origin of the liquid from sources with a high content of peat.
There are others unusual methods: you can, for example, accurately weigh water and compare its mass with a reference sample - spring water, for example. Lighter liquid - more, because. various impurities also have mass. You can also check the properties with a pipette: drop it on a mirror and let the water dry. The remaining unclear trace indicates low quality. Some citizens make a weak solution of potassium permanganate from the liquid being tested: yellow testifies to negative result checks.
Finally, the “smaller brothers” who are more knowledgeable in this matter will “tell you” about the quality of the liquid. In the presence of an aquarium with mollusks that cannot tolerate impurities in their habitat, you can add a little of the composition to be checked into the container. If the inhabitants of the aquarium do not like this, they will immediately close their shell houses.
Give approximate information about what flows from faucet, maybe a simple water analysis at home, which can be done using available tools. But what "explosive mixture" does a person actually drink? Is it possible to reliably determine the quality of the water consumed? About 76% of people daily come into contact with poison that flows from the tap in their apartments. The fact is easily proved by a simple analysis of water at home using the senses. Concentrated with heavy metals, hydrogen sulfide, iron, various chemical compounds and salts, the “reagent” slowly poisons the body. A non-laboratory analysis of water at home will not show the whole deplorable picture, but they will convincingly demonstrate the seriousness of the situation. Our company will help to conduct an inexpensive professional water research.
Why do preliminary water tests at home?
The main pipes (connecting the water intake station with apartments in houses) have long since become unusable. They corrode, depressurize, rust, overgrow with bacterial colonies. All this is washed off with water into the glass from which we drink. According to studies, drinking water in 69% apartment buildings unsuitable even for household needs.
Requires verification and well water, water from wells. The ecological situation in the country leaves much to be desired. The soil, and hence the groundwater, is clogged with emissions, waste, and the number of landfills is growing. All this affects the quality of what we drink. To protect yourself, it is enough to know how to check the quality of water at home using primitive research methods. If during the inspection you notice a deterioration in performance, we recommend ordering professional analysis. Our specialists, having received the results, will offer the most effective ways to protect your health.
What water test can be done at home?
You can determine the suitability of a sample for drinking by doing a water test at home - we check:
- Taste and aroma of the sample at 20 0 С.
Heat 1 liter of tap water to 20 0 C. Pure liquid has no taste or smell. Even the slightest deviation makes it unusable. - Smell and taste of the sample at 60 0 C.
If the test of water at home according to 1 point gave the result “clean”, it is worth heating the sample to 60 0 C (the temperature at which taste and smell are more pronounced). Evaluate according to the criteria: should not be bitter, be salty (saltish taste may have samples from natural sources), sour, give a metallic taste, pinch (presence of alkali). The presence of a smell indicates the presence in the composition of microorganisms, chlorine, ammonia, waste products of bacteria. - Sample color.
Our specialists determine it by comparing the sample with the quality standard. Pure water should have a color below 20 on the platinum-cobalt scale. Therefore, testing water at home will not allow you to accurately determine the result (there is no standard for comparison), but it will make you think. It is necessary to pour tap (well, well) water into a transparent and clean container, examine it in the light. To notice even a slight color, it is necessary to place a clean one behind the container. White list. If liquid from natural sources is tested (well, well), then a slight shade is allowed. Tap water should not have a shade. In an ordinary glass, it will be difficult to check the quality of water at home. You need a thin-walled cylinder or a special container. - sample transparency.
It is worth making a small digression. Samples taken from ground water(well, well), usually unclear, because they are saturated with iron oxide, salts. Their transparency in the laboratory is checked by a special device - a colorimeter. But tap water that is safe to drink should be 100% transparent. In order to test the quality of water at home for transparency to give approximately reliable results, you need to take a clean, thin-walled glass container, fill it halfway and examine it in the light, changing viewing angles. - Sample stiffness.
The presence of magnesium and calcium in the liquid, their salts determine its rigidity. It lathers very badly. washing powder, soap is lathered, vegetables are cooked longer, it takes longer to boil, since its density is higher. But the most important criterion is the sediment on the walls of the kettle or vessel in which the sample boiled. It is very easy to test water at home for the degree of hardness - you need to “boil” the sample and evaluate the amount of sediment.
By purchasing country cottage area or a house near a body of water, we recommend testing the water quality in surface sources as well. When making an analysis, you cannot drink water from such sources. High chance of getting sick infectious diseases. In this case, it is better to order chemical, bacteriological and microbiological research sample in our laboratory. We offer low prices and high level service.
How to test water at home: sampling rules
If the water quality is determined at home by the apartment owners themselves, then it is not necessary to follow the rules for its selection, since it is impossible to determine the chemical, microbiological and bacteriological composition through the senses. But if you decide to order a laboratory analysis, then the collection of material should be carried out, observing certain rules:
- Collect water in a sterile tight bag or container. They can be purchased from our company;
- Wipe the faucet and valve with 96% alcohol. Hands must also be processed;
- Before collecting water, drain it (full jet power) for 10-15 minutes;
- Collect at least 0.5 liters of water, but up to 2 liters is better;
- The neck of the container or bag should not touch foreign objects when taking it: tap, sink, bucket, and so on. It is better to wear sterile gloves.
Deciding to test the water at home (faucet, well, well, reservoir) and in the laboratory, remember: microbiological analysis reliable if the study was carried out 2 hours after sampling, but chemical and bacteriological can be carried out in 1-2 days. The sample must be kept in a dark place at a temperature not exceeding +8 0 C. In order not to spoil the sample, it is better to entrust its taking to our specialists. Call us if you have questions or need professional advice on water treatment in an apartment or private house.
Every adult, regardless of lifestyle, needs to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, because the human body is 75% liquid. At the same time, it is important to use clean water without foreign impurities that adversely affect our health. Where and how can you check the quality of drinking water? Can this procedure be done at home?
From this article you will learn:
How to Prepare Water for Laboratory Testing
How can you check the quality of water at home
Who needs to test water quality and why?
Despite the fact that our body has plenty of fluid, we need to drink water every day. Why is regular water quality testing so important? Sometimes it is very difficult to identify water pollution, because not all of them have a pronounced character. However, there features, which you should pay attention to if you plan to check the quality of water:
Change in color, taste and smell. If you even noticed the slightest change color, taste or smell of water, an examination is urgently needed to identify the cause of the problem. It is not at all necessary that the water has become dangerous, but it is still worth checking its quality in order to avoid subsequent health problems that can occur with the constant use of unsuitable liquids.
Construction industrial facility next to a well. Basically, people themselves are to blame for water pollution. Construction next to a site with a well is more than likely to become a source of water pollution. Therefore, be careful and better once again check the quality of the water.
Technogenic accident near the site. In such a situation, checking the quality of the well water is simply necessary to make sure that toxic waste has not seeped into the soil and contaminated the water.
Buying a plot with a well. If you have become the proud owner of a site with a well, then first check its contents for suitability for use.
Installation of a water treatment system. When choosing a filter, you need to know exactly the composition of the water. After a few months have passed after the installation of the water treatment system, the water quality should be re-tested.
Not always testing water for quality is just a recommendation, often this is a direct requirement of the law. Medical, children's and health institutions undergo mandatory water examination. Industrial enterprises in without fail inspect wastewater.
What drinking water quality can be tested
Before moving on to testing the quality of drinking water, it is important to understand that there are several types of water, each of which has its own characteristics. personality traits. On the territory of the Russian Federation there are many regulatory documents, based on which the quality of drinking water is checked. This list includes: SanPiN, hygienic standards, pharmacopoeial articles, state standards, specifications and much more. Each of these sources carries standards for testing water quality. If some are responsible for hygiene and epidemiological problems of drinking water in general, then others are focused strictly on checking the quality of water used in medical purposes or specific production. Either way, the goal of testing water quality is the same: to prevent contamination of drinking water in order to avoid gastrointestinal diseases and various kinds infections.
Types of drinking water that can be explored:
tap water
It is necessary to periodically check the quality of tap water, since it is the main source of liquid in settlements. According to SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 “Drinking water. Hygiene requirements to the water quality of centralized systems drinking water supply. Quality Control”, there is a certain list of standards that tap water must comply with:
Hydrogen activity level in water – pH (6-9);
General mineralization (1000 mg/l);
Hardness (no more than 7.0 mg-eq/l);
Phenolic index (0.25 mg/l), etc.
This is only a small part of all the standards specified in SanPiN, which are important to adhere to when checking water quality. Their total number is approaching the mark of 1000 standards.
bottled water
Indicators for checking the quality of bottled water must comply with SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 “Drinking water. Hygienic requirements for the quality of water packaged in containers. Quality control". Hence the water is divided into two categories: the first and the highest. Water of the first category does not have a harmful effect on the human body. It fully complies with the established organoleptic characteristics, is safe both at the epidemiological and radiation levels. Water of the highest category not only meets the above standards, but is also extracted from environmentally friendly natural sources. Of course, the requirements for bottled water are much higher than for tap water. When checking the quality of bottled water, salt and gas composition, the presence of toxic metals and non-metallic elements. Also, checking the quality of bottled water helps to identify the level of radiation and bacteriological safety of the liquid.
Drinking water from natural sources
Natural sources mean wells, wells, rivers, lakes, etc. When testing the quality of drinking water from natural sources, organoleptic characteristics and the presence of chemical impurities hazardous to health are taken into account. Water from natural sources has a variable chemical and bacteriological composition, which is influenced by the seasons and atmospheric phenomena.
Where can I check the water quality
Today, there are many organizations that are engaged in testing water for quality. The investigated liquid must comply with the standards established by GOST. Not only are sent for examination drinking water, but also waste, technical, mineral, purified, etc. Individual standards apply to each variety.
So, where can you check the water for quality:
Waterworks laboratory.
Laboratory of sanitary and epidemiological stations.
Independent private laboratories.
Rospotrebnadzor.
At the same time, pay attention to the accreditation and availability of a license of the selected organization, since unlicensed companies deprive you of all guarantees for quality control. In the event of problems, the water quality test will have no legal effect. Therefore, it is important that the organization obtain a license issued by the State Standard of the Russian Federation. 
Also pay attention to the laboratory equipment: how modern it is. The newer the equipment, the faster the water quality test will be.
Upon completion of the examination, you will be given a protocol or act with all the necessary information on checking water quality. The document will indicate quantitative indicators of chemical and mineral composition liquids, concentration of substances, as well as suitability conclusions and recommendations. If you are not satisfied with the results of the water quality test, you can always contact another laboratory.
What you need to do to test the quality of water in the laboratory
For quality testing of water, it is very important to take its sample correctly. If you decide to test the water for substances harmful to health, it is better to call a laboratory worker to take a sample. If you still wish to deliver the fluid sample yourself, please follow the instructions below:
Dishes for sampling for bacterial analysis are taken in the laboratory. When taking a water sample yourself, it is important that the bottle is from plain drinking water. Do not use plastic bottle. It is important that it be glass, sterile clean.
It is necessary to allow the liquid to drain for about 5-10 minutes. Before you start drawing water to check its quality, it is important to start a strong stream from the tap and wait 5-10 minutes. You don't need to fill the bottle completely.
Rinse the bottle and cork several times thoroughly with the same water that is taken for analysis.. A sample for testing water quality should not contain foreign impurities, so before taking a sample, rinse the bottle and cork several times without detergents.
It is better to pour the liquid carefully along the wall of the bottle. This is done to avoid the formation of oxygen bubbles in the water, which will cause the oxidation process. This fact may affect the results of water quality testing.
Fill the bottle completely with water. It is necessary that the liquid overflows over the edge so that there is as little air as possible in the bottle. Then screw the cap on tightly.
It is advisable to immediately deliver the sample to the laboratory. How longer water is in the bottle, the more its composition changes, since various chemical reactions. If you are not able to deliver a water quality sample immediately, then put the bottle of liquid in the refrigerator - this will reduce the rate of change as much as possible.
The amount of water for the sample should not be less than 1.5 liters, however, for more accurate information, it is better to call the laboratory itself. It is important to know that each water quality test requires its individual quantity. Some examinations oblige to take a water sample only in a glass or only in a plastic bottle. This should also be clarified in the laboratory where you will test the water for quality.
If you follow the above instructions, then checking the water for quality will allow you to get an accurate result.
How to check water quality at home using sensory analysis
Before moving on to the actual water quality test at home, let's figure out what it is. organoleptic properties. The organoleptic properties of water can be determined using ordinary human senses. Organoleptic analysis of water at home– quick and easy water quality testing without laboratory equipment. With this water quality test, you can determine:
Smell water. As you know, water is odorless. However, with the advent organic matter the smell of water becomes putrid, grassy, fishy, swampy, depending on which substance prevails. Depending on the dissolved gases, water may have a hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia or other smell. The saturation of the smell of water is measured on a five-point scale. If, in your opinion, the smell exceeds 3 points, then this sample of liquid is not suitable for drinking.
Taste water. The taste of water is also determined by the amount of organic and inorganic substances. If the water tastes salty, it means that it contains dissolved salts. If a metallic taste is detected during a water quality test, it means that there is too much iron in the liquid. Water with dissolved acids has a sour taste, and calcium sulfate contained in it gives an astringent taste. If there are no impurities in the water other than dissolved oxygen, then it will have a refreshing taste. The taste qualities of water are also measured on a 5-point scale. Again, if when testing water for quality, its taste properties turned out to be higher than 2 points, then it requires a laboratory analysis.
Colour water. The color of water also depends on the content of impurities in it, on flowering in reservoirs or other reasons. Pure water has no color, however, it can be bluish or greenish. If the water contains too much a large number of organic impurities, it acquires a yellow-brown color. Depending on what chemical element dominates in the composition of water, the liquid can also change the color palette.
Turbidity water. Often, when testing water, you can find turbidity, which is caused by great content suspended particles. Unlike the previous indicators, the turbidity of a liquid is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Against the background of purified distilled water, the level of turbidity of the liquid taken for the sample becomes apparent. In this case, the same lighting mode is observed, and special devices: turbidity meter, photocalorimeter, etc. If water from underground sources is practically transparent, then water, for example, flood water has a strong turbidity, since the surface of the earth contains great amount undissolved chemical compounds and suspended particles.
Mineralization water. Mineralization refers to the amount of salts dissolved in water. It is measured in mg/l. When testing water for quality, it is important to know that water with a salt content of 200-400 mg / l is considered healthy. In addition, underground water is more mineralized than on the surface of the earth. If the liquid contains too much dissolved salts, then it has a salty or even bitter taste.
9 ways to check the quality of drinking water at home
Method 1.
There is an opinion that the purer the water, the lighter it is. It is enough just to weigh several different samples of water and thus find the best quality. For example, to test the quality of tap water, take a sample of it and compare it with a sample of water taken from a cooler.
Method 2.
You can also check the quality of drinking water at home by brewing strong tea. To do this, take a sample of water with tea and compare it with pharmacy water, which has a small amount of minerals. In the case of a large visual difference, water with tea is considered undrinkable. Another test of water quality with tea brewing: add a little raw water to freshly brewed tea. If the tea turns peach in color, then the water is clean and you can safely drink it, but if the tea becomes cloudy, then the water is undrinkable.
Method 3.
Perhaps this is the easiest way to test the quality of drinking water at home. To do this, simply fill the bottle with water and put it in a dark place for two days. After this period, check the condition of the contents of the bottle. If the water has turned greenish, an oily film has formed on its surface, and plaque has appeared on the walls of the bottle, then the water is undrinkable. If there are no changes, then the water is clean.
Method 4.
You can also check the quality of drinking water at home by boiling it. Boil water in a previously thoroughly washed container. This must be done within 10-15 minutes. Then drain the contents of the dishes and carefully inspect its walls for suspicious scale. If the water contains a large amount of iron oxides, then the scale will be dark gray. If the water contains an increased amount of calcium salts and oxides, then the precipitate will have a light yellow tint.
Method 5.
To check the quality of drinking water at home, you can use a simple clean glass or mirror. For an examination, simply drop a small amount of water onto the surface of a glass or mirror and wait a couple of minutes for the liquid to evaporate. If a trace remains after evaporation, then the water has some amount of impurities, and it is better to conduct a complete check of the water quality; if the surface of the glass or mirror remains clean, then the water is not polluted.
Method 6.
Checking the quality of water at home is possible using ordinary potassium permanganate. Dissolve a small amount of this substance in water and observe the reaction of the liquid. If the water acquires a yellowish tint, then it is unfit for consumption.
Method 7.
If you have an aquarium with Unionidae mollusks in your house, then you can also check the quality of drinking water with their help. If Unionidae mollusks close their shells while in water, then this liquid has some amount of impurities.
Method 8.
by the most in a simple way to check the quality of tap water for the degree of hardness is to wash your hands with soap and water. If the soap does not foam well, and when boiled, it forms in the kettle heavy scale, so water has a high degree stiffness. It is important to boil such water before drinking.
Method 9.
You can check the quality of water at home by rubbing soap into hot water. If it dissolves completely, then the water is pure.
Use to purify water
How to check the quality of water in an apartment using test systems
You can also check the quality of the water in the apartment using a testing kit, which is sold in the most ordinary pet store in the aquarium department, or in water filter companies. So, to test the water at home, you will need:
Hydrogen test kit (pH);
Special test to determine the level of water hardness (GH hardness);
Test for the determination of dissolved iron Fe2+ and Fe3+, while Fe3+ will need a separate test;
Tests for nitrates, nitrites, manganese, ammonium, sulfides, fluorides.
There are also universal kits for testing water quality at home: “Spring”, “Well”, “Well”, “Professional”, etc. The price is more than affordable: from 275 to 1500 rubles. When choosing a test kit for testing water quality at home, pay attention to the manufacturer: imported kits are more accurate.
When checking the quality of water, the pH acidity level (according to GOST it does not exceed 6.5-9) can be measured in two ways:
Dip litmus paper into the test water sample and compare its color with the instructions on the test package.
Take a certain amount of water and pour it into a flask with a reagent. Shake well and then dip the test strip into the resulting solution. Compare the result with the instruction.
When checking water for the level of hardness, take the required amount of water and add a reagent drop by drop to it. After that, the contents of the flask are shaken until the color of the liquid changes. When the color of the solution turns olive green, stop shaking the flask. The result of the analysis is determined by the number of drops of the reagent. According to GOST, it should not exceed 7.
Checking water for quality also involves determining the level of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in water. To do this, mix a sample of water with the provided reagents in a flask. By the brightness of the resulting color of the liquid, we determine the level of Fe2 + content. By mixing a new pure sample of the same water with other proposed reagents, we set the number of Fe3+ ions according to the same scheme.
Checking the quality of water in an apartment using test systems gives very approximate results. If you want to get the most accurate result of testing water for quality, then it is better to contact a special laboratory, which contains everything you need.
How to check water quality with special meters
There are other ways to test water quality. There are special devices, the so-called TDS-meter, PH-meter, and ORP-meter. These meters allow you to get the most accurate results at home.
With the help of meters, you can evaluate the following water parameters:
The level of acidity of water pH is an indicator of the activity of hydrogen ions in the liquid. When testing water for quality, measuring the amount of hydrogen, pay attention to the fact that when room temperature the pH should be 7, then it is neutral water environment. If the pH is greater than 7, then the aquatic environment is considered alkaline, if less, it is acidic.
At birth, the fluid in the human body has a pH level of 7.41 - an indicator of a slightly alkaline environment. Drinking water with this level of acidity is considered beneficial for the body. Due to the use of poor-quality water, the acidity level of the fluid in the body can drop to a critical level of 5.41, which will lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to check the quality of the water you drink daily.
Salts dissolved in water are measured in mg/l. When testing water for quality with an assessment of the amount of salts dissolved in it, it is necessary to remember the following indicators:
Distilled water - 0-50 mg / l.
Weakly mineralized water - 50-100 mg / l.
Bottled water, from wells and springs - 100-300 mg / l.
Water from reservoirs - 300-500 mg / l.
Technical / industrial water - over 500 mg / l.
There are no exact indicators of the measured level of salts dissolved in water. Even the World Health Organization cannot set a recommended amount. Checking the water for the content of dissolved salts in it different countries has absolutely individual indicators for suitability for consumption: from 500 to 1000 mg / l.
Remember that mineral water cannot be taken continuously. The level of its TDS can be up to 15 g / l. mineral water prescribed for medicinal purposes.
Otherwise, it is also called redox potential. When testing water for ORP (redox potential), you should know the designation of the ability measure chemical attach electrons - mV. At the same time, the level of human ORP has a negative indicator: (-200; -70). Ordinary water has strictly positive indicators: (+100; +400). These measurements depend on several factors: temperature, pH level and dissolved oxygen in the water.
When water enters the human body, it penetrates into our tissues and thus takes electrons from cells that are made of water. As a result, the biological structure of the body is oxidized, which leads to gradual destruction.
The human body needs energy to recover. Its consumption leads to wear internal organs and aging.
Drinking water has an ORP level close to that of a human. Then the body will spend less energy on the absorption of such a liquid. At the same time, the electrical potential of cell membranes is not consumed, which has a positive effect on human health. Therefore, when testing water for quality, it is imperative to take into account the level of ORP.
How and where can you check the quality of water from a well
Checking the quality of water from a well is required at least once every few years. Above, we have already said that the composition of water from a well is constantly changing depending on the influence external factors: natural and human nature. Soil located near factories and factories is constantly exposed to toxic and chemical contamination, which negatively affects the water it contains. Therefore, it is very important to check the quality of water from a well at least once every couple of years, because the owners of factories and plants will not warn you about the poisoning of nearby water bodies.
If the well was drilled quite recently, then it is worth checking the quality of the water from the well 3-4 weeks after the work done.
Water analysis from wells is carried out in laboratories. Well water quality check laboratory conditions has a different set of services and the corresponding cost depending on the chosen organization. Of course, it is better to give preference to a reliable company with a high rating and good reviews. Such organizations are much more interested in quality water testing than fly-by-night companies. In addition, often small companies do not have their own laboratory, unlike large enterprises. This fact slows down the process of checking the quality of water, because samples for analysis are taken to other institutions. When choosing an organization, pay attention to the presence of a laboratory and state accreditation.
The laboratory you have chosen, which will test the quality of the water from the well, is obliged to conclude an agreement with you. It will list all the tests and analyzes carried out, and will also indicate the type of document that will be issued to you after the examination. It also reflects the time and cost of the work.
After completing the documentation, a specialist will be sent to you to take a water sample for quality control. The liquid will be collected in a sterile container designed for this purpose, on which the time and place of sampling are immediately indicated. The specialist will take two samples: for chemical and microbiological testing of water quality.
As soon as the samples are ready, the expert immediately delivers them to the laboratory, and the water quality test begins.
First, the organoleptic properties of the liquid are examined. Then the chemical and microbiological composition of the water is determined.
As soon as the water quality test is completed, you will be given a special document, which will indicate the numerical indicators of water according to various data. The protocol will contain the results of the study and recommendations for the elimination of identified contaminants. If the examination was carried out in a small organization that does not have its own laboratory, then it will take one and a half to two weeks to receive the protocol.
Checking the quality of water from a well or a well involves a number of different examinations: organoleptic, chemical, microbiological and complex analyses. As a rule, in laboratories, when testing water quality, they rely on such indicators, as:
The activity of hydrogen ions. The moderate level of water acidity is 6-9. If the level of dissolved hydrogen exceeds these indicators, then it acquires bad smell and becomes soapy to the touch. If the indicators are underestimated, then this indicates an increased acidity of the water.
Hardness level. When checking water quality, attention is also paid to the amount of magnesium and calcium ions. Water with an increased level of hardness has a harmful effect not only on the human body, but also on household appliances, leaving a whitish scum on it. According to the SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 standards, the hardness of drinking water should not exceed 7-10 mg-eq / l.
Mineralization. This is an indicator of the amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. According to the established WHO standards, the degree of mineralization of water should not exceed 1000 mg/l. If the water quality test has set a higher mineralization value, then this will significantly worsen the taste of the water.
Nitrates. The amount of nitrates should not exceed 45 mg/l. Deviations from these standards may indicate contamination of the soil.
sulfates and chlorides. If sulfates should be in water no more than 500 mg / l, then the level of chlorides is 350 mg / l.
Oxidability. According to established standards, when testing water for quality, oxidizability should be 5-7 mg / l.
Microbiological analysis when testing water for quality in the laboratory involves counting living microorganisms in 1 ml of liquid. As a rule, there should be no microorganisms in the water from the well, since their presence indicates contamination by human and animal secretions.
When checking the quality of water from a well, organoleptic indicators of water are also evaluated.
Price laboratory testing of water quality from a well is ambiguous, it depends on many factors: the popularity of the company, the availability additional services and required analytical parameters. On average, the price of testing the quality of water from a well in a laboratory will cost 5,000-7,000 rubles.
How to check the quality of distilled water
If in production and everyday life you can get by with ordinary water from natural reservoirs, then for various chemical and biological analyzes it is necessary to use distilled water. Although it undergoes maximum purification from all kinds of impurities, it still needs regular quality checks.
Distilled water is good solvent, because it does not contain foreign impurities. It is also used in the processing of laboratory glassware. Checking the quality of distilled water is mandatory procedure, since the deterioration of its properties can lead to false analytical and experimental studies. Distilled water is used in both medicine and pharmaceuticals.
Distilled water is also in demand among drivers who care about safety car battery. While tap water gradually degrades battery performance, distillate prolongs battery life, so it is important to check the quality of distilled water.
Checking the quality of distilled water includes:
Check for impurities
It is known that distilled water is completely purified from all kinds of impurities, so it is impossible to check its quality based on color, taste, smell, etc. However, checking distilled water for quality is possible using special equipment that allows you to determine:
Sodium chloride and other chemicals.
Microscopic organisms (bacteria and algae).
Conductivity of electric current.
Transparency, etc.
Conductivity test
The more foreign substances in the water, the higher its ability to conduct electricity. In this regard, it is very important to test distilled water for electrical conductivity. To do this, we need to create a circuit from an ordinary light bulb and a battery. The ends of the wires formed from the connecting contacts must be immersed in distilled water. It is important to keep a small distance between them. Watch the light bulb: if it does not light up, then the water is free of impurities.
The use of special devices
In any specialized store, you can purchase salt meters, chlorine meters, pH meters and conductometers, which are designed to test water for quality. They are so easy to use that they can even be used at home:
Salt meters help to check distilled water for foreign impurities. According to state standards, the amount of impurities in distilled water should not exceed 5 mg/l;
Chlorometers Ideal for testing distilled water for salt content. At the same time, the norm for distilled water is the amount of salt not more than 0.02 mg / l;
pH meters help to check distilled water for acidity level, i.e. content of hydrogen dissolved in water. Fully purified water has a pH level of 5.4 to 6.6, not 7. the next moment after receiving such water, a reaction occurs with carbon dioxide from the air. Carbon dioxide appears, upon decomposition into ions, the pH of water decreases;
Conductometers allow you to check the quality of distilled water for electrical conductivity. If distilled water is state standard quality, then its electrical conductivity should be no more than 0.5 mS/m.
How to check and improve water quality
The quality of drinking water is an important factor influencing the state of human health, so it is necessary to conduct regular water testing. As modern practice shows, water purification from impurities without special equipment is practically impossible. Therefore, the Biokit water treatment system will help you. With its help, your water will be freed from heavy metals, all kinds of chemical and biological impurities, and a specific smell.
You can purchase a water purification system from Biokit online on our website. Also here you will find water filters and other equipment designed to improve water quality.
Water filters are easy to use, so they are perfect for home use. With their help, you can clean the liquid from visible impurities, however, to improve the quality of water, you are better off using more serious equipment, such as a Biokit water treatment system. This is an excellent device that allows not only to improve the quality of water, but to rid it of heavy metals and salts, increase the level of softening, remove rust from the water supply system and enrich the water with a number of elements beneficial to human health.
In addition to the above operations, Biokit specialists are ready to answer your questions regarding improving water quality, removing scale, getting rid of rust and other impurities, water disinfection. Our staff will also help you:
Assemble a water filter with your own hands at home.
Choose a specialized set of filter media.
Properly select replacement material for filtration.
Hire professional installers.
Answer all questions regarding the improvement of water quality in a telephone conversation.
It seems to me that if you are going to use some reagents, this does not really fall under the "analysis at home" anymore. To determine if the water is suitable for drinking, our own analyzers - taste, smell and vision - will help. These are our main friends, whom we must trust and treat with care.
For home water analysis, the first step is to look at the water and evaluate its appearance. Color and sediment can tell a lot:
- a lot of brown sediment indicates the content of iron oxide in the water,
- if the water is without sediment, but has a yellowish tint - organic matter with iron,
- a brown tint indicates the presence of iron ions, which are actively oxidized when interacting with air,
- if after settling the milky shade disappears - there are a lot of gases in the water,
- if you notice grey colour interspersed - this is manganese
Smell the water:
- industrial waste has a specific smell - oil products, chemical production, etc.,
- rotten smell speaks of hydrogen sulfide,
- musty smell - organic
If the appearance of the water inspires confidence, there is no smell, you can taste the water (of course, if the source is controversial, then taste it only as a last resort):
- if the water is salty - the content of mineral salts,
- taste of alkali - the content of alkaline compounds,
- metallic taste - high iron content
Of course, such methods for determining water quality are not an option, but it is available to everyone. Water entering our homes must meet certain requirements, they are prescribed in GOST 2874-82 and SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01. Testing of drinking water for compliance with standards is carried out by state regulatory authorities. These checks should be carried out regularly for a number of indicators. If you are not sure about the quality of drinking water entering your home, then you have the right to ask for a water analysis. Reasons for this could be:
You can also use special rapid tests for water analysis. Not that they are sold everywhere, but you can find if you want. They look something like this:
These tests are litmus tests. Each piece of paper reacts to the concentration of elements in water by changing color and color saturation:
This is just a part of the sets detailed description can be found in the instructions.
In addition to these one-time rapid tests, reusable devices can be used. For example, a pH meter will measure the acidity of water, a TDS meter will measure hardness (salinity).
I would advise you to boil some water, and after boiling, leave for another 20 minutes, slightly reducing the heat. It is quite simple and at the same time effective. If, after boiling, plaque forms, it must be removed with a napkin. There is an option to use filters, however, this cleaning method is often ineffective, the fact is that some filters do not cope with their tasks, others purify the water so much that absolutely everything is washed out of it, and this is not good. Drinking too sterile water will not bring health anything good.
Which water is the most useful for you is up to you.
Good afternoon.
In August 2016, I installed a DWM-70 filter. During this time, about 3000 liters passed through it. Regularly replaced the coarse filter.
It became possible to evaluate the quality of tap and filtered water by drop tests of water for aquarists. In addition, I used a salt meter to assess mineralization.
Previously, with the help of indicator strips, I made sure that there are no traces of chlorine, nitrates and nitrites in tap and filtered water. In general, tap water in Moscow is pretty good (according to the measurements that I did)
Here's what I got:
(Degrees of hardness were measured in dGH, I converted them to deg. W using the formula)
Tap water is within the norms of drinking according to SanPin in terms of hardness and acidity and falls short in terms of mineralization.
Filtered water (Aquaphor-1 column) turned out to be excessively soft. Because of this, the acidity indicator failed. Mineralization is very weak.
I assumed that the problem was that the mineralizer suddenly ran out quickly (did not even reach 3000 liters).
I replaced the mineralizer, drove it 80 liters, repeated the measurements and got the Aquaphor-2 column
Here, in general, all indicators of hardness and mineralization fell to zero - less than the resolution of the tests.
The output is almost distilled water, which is not recommended for continuous use due to salt deficiency. In addition, low ph is a favorable breeding ground for bacteria. Those. such water costs worse and dries out faster.
Questions:
Why does the Aquaphor mineralizer (I bought it in Leroy-Merlin) have practically no effect on water quality?
What do you advise in my case?
the answer is hidden
Representative of the company
Hello Michael. To obtain accurate results of water analysis after the filter, it is necessary to hand over the water for chemical analysis to the laboratory. Accredited chemical reagents are used there, which practically do not give an error. It is useless to use test strips for water quality analysis, because. they have a very large margin of error. You can do a water analysis in any laboratory, a comprehensive one for 16 indicators will be enough, it will give reliable result, with which you can contact the manufacturer if the water does not meet the stated standards. Water analysis by test strips is not informative, we cannot comment on it.
Sincerely,
Karina Hovhannisyan.
the answer is hidden
User
Karina, good afternoon.
If you look carefully at my text, the measurements given are made by drop tests. They are quite accurate and are used in the aquarium hobby. It can be seen that on tap water they show the expected result. The same applies to the TDS salt meter.
I used the same set of tests to assess water in the country and the expected result was also obtained there. Only aquaphor gives unexpected results.
Moreover, both the TDS-meter and the ph-test and the hardness test give consistent and understandable results when switching from tap water to filtered water - a drop in the level of salts.
Therefore, I have no serious reason to doubt their reliability.
Assuming the tests are correct, please answer the following questions:
Are these results normal for this filter?
Why does the Aquaphor mineralizer have practically no effect on water quality?
What do you advise in my case?
the answer is hidden
Representative of the company
Hello Michael.
The results shown in your table are normal for a reverse osmosis filter, they indicate that the filter is working correctly. The membrane removes almost all minerals from the water, leaving only the smallest impurities. After the membrane, mineralization will be up to a maximum of 40 ppm. The mineralizer enriches water with calcium and magnesium from 0.2 to 0.5 meq/l. The norms that you cited in the table are the SanPin norms for tap water, and not for drinking water.
The total mineralization according to SanPin is measured not in ppm, but in meq / l. More or less approximate results will be only after flow filters that do not affect the mineral background of the water. After reverse osmosis hardness will be close to 0, mineralization up to a maximum of 40 ppm (if the result is more than 40, this indicates that the membrane is damaged). In terms of PH, reverse osmosis water has a low pH (6 in your case) for two reasons. First, the mobility of the hydronium ion is higher than the mobility of other cations, which allows it to pass through the membrane and shift the acid-base balance (which is very easy to do with a low buffering solution). Secondly, when you pour water into a container for measuring pH, carbon dioxide in the air begins to actively dissolve in it. The equilibrium pH of a solution of carbon dioxide in water = 5.5 (by the way, rainwater has exactly this pH). Those. You are not measuring the pH of the water after the membrane, but of the carbon dioxide solution in the water. When boiling, all gases from the water disappear and you get water with a pH of about 7. Leave it in an open container for a day and the pH will decrease again. There is no "right" or "wrong" pH. There is a pH range regulated for a particular drink. In Russia, in accordance with SanPiN, pH for drinking water should be 6-9, in Germany 6.5-9.5. A "reasonable" pH for drinking water should be in the range of 6-8. Moreover, the "cleaner" this water is, the easier it will be to change the pH in it. Even immersed in pure water cupronickel spoon will shift the acid-base balance. If you want to obtain water with a pH close to neutral, it is necessary to increase the buffering of the solution and compensate for the hydronium ions that have "skipped" through the membrane. To do this, reverse osmosis water is passed through the so-called mineralizing modules containing calcium and/or magnesium carbonates. Your filter has one.
But once again, we note that there is no difference between water with pH = 6 or with pH = 7, in terms of potability or "usefulness".
Sincerely,
Karina Hovhannisyan.
the answer is hidden
User
Karina, good afternoon.
Let's not argue about what is easily verified. Requirements for bottled water are regulated by the document:
The document is freely available on the Internet, where I found it.
And, I'm afraid, here you are a little confusing mineralization, which is measured in mg / l (the same as ppm - parts per million) and hardness, which is measured in meq / l (the same as degrees of hardness - they say so in the old fashioned way) .
Well, it’s not all God, what a disaster, you just corrected me twice for some reason without double-checking the facts.
And even God bless him that the ph does not reach - usually we drink all sorts of juice-colas with a much lower or higher ph.
But, as I understand you, after the mineralizer, the stiffness rises by only 0.2-0.5 degrees.
Those. the mineralizer that I had, and the one that I bought, were not defective at all. They are quite consistent with their technical specifications(which, unfortunately, is not mentioned anywhere).
We drink almost distilled water without salts and without taste. This is not exactly what Sanpin is talking about. It's not harmful, but there's little benefit. The body needs to get salt in other drinks and food. And I used to drink this water all day long.
Yes, of course, it's cool that osmosis works by removing absolutely everything from the water, but this moment - important property in drinking water about which it is necessary to warn consumers. Neither the seller nor the aquaphor website materials speak of this.
the answer is hidden
Representative of the company
Hello Michael. Sorry for correcting you, I really mixed up the units of measurement. you bring Hygienic requirements for the quality of water packaged in containers. Quality control. SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02" and say that the water after the Aquaphor filter does not meet the standards. You need to understand that filtered water and bottled water are two different things. We do not produce packaged (bottled) drinking water, so these are the norms not for our company, but for producers of bottled water. Aquaphor manufactures filters that further purify drinking water, this is stated in the passport for your filter, in the "Safety" section: "DWM is designed to purify and soften water that complies with SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-2001 Drinking water." The norms for drinking water are regulated by SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01. There are maximum allowable concentrations of substances (MPC), which are indicated in this document. Water after Aquaphor filters fully complies with SanPin, all the indicators that you received by testing the water also comply with these standards. Not a single indicator exceeds the MPC. In the Russian Federation there is SanPin for bottled water and SanPin for drinking water. All filter manufacturers are required to produce filtration systems, the water after which will comply with SanPin 2.1.4.1074-01. Drinking water. 
You have purchased a reverse osmosis system that filters water to the molecular level, in fact there are only the smallest impurities that can penetrate the membrane, the pore size of which is 0.0005 microns. The mineralizer enriches the water with calcium and magnesium at a concentration of 0.2 to 0.5 mg/l. The indicator of general mineralization according to SanPin should be no more 1000 (1500) mg/l. The concentration after your filter corresponds to the maximum allowable. The mineralizer in the drinking filter is no longer for the "usefulness" of water, but rather for giving it a taste. Useful water- this is mineral water, in which the concentration of minerals is many times greater. Aquaphor does not produce mineral water, we further purify drinking water. You wrote correctly, drinking ordinary drinking water is not harmful. The body needs to get salt in other drinks and food. The quality of water after the DWM 70 filter fully complies with SanPin standards.
Sincerely,
Karina Hovhannisyan.