When do I need to do a chemical water analysis? How much does it cost?;

Water is the foundation of life and because it has many uses and is consumed in our daily lives, we often have concerns and questions. How clean is the water we consume? Is it safe for our health? How much attention do we pay to it? And most importantly, why do we need chemical analysis of water in our home?;

While we use it so much, we don't know the normal drinking water values, nor how a water filter will give us a much cleaner water in our glass and in our cooking and that will be free of a large percentage of microorganisms that reach it through the pipes.

How safe is the water we drink?;

The issue of water hygiene of our household water is of great importance to our health but how much attention do we pay to it? Although the water that comes out of our taps is usually considered safe, there are many factors that can affect its quality and create health problems and a water chemistry analysis will show us why.

First of all, we need to know the sources of our water, as in urban areas, water usually comes from public water supply, while in rural areas it may come from springs, wells or lakes, with islands being a separate part. The quality of water can vary depending on its source, and with any contaminants that may enter the water supply system during its transport, normal drinking water values are affected. These measurements usually measure the concentration of harmful elements and if the values exceed the permitted limits, action is taken. Despite the technology and measures used to ensure the quality in clean water is safe for consumption, there are factors that alter its quality, such as:

• Biological Pollutants (Bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms)
• Chemical Lubricants (Heavy metals, nitrates, pesticides, industrial waste etc.)
• Solid Pollutants (Solid waste, plastics, glass, metals, etc.)
• Temperature
• Petroleum products

As you can see, a chemical analysis of water is necessary at regular intervals to know if we need to take measures to improve water quality, such as a simple upper bench water filter.

When do I need to do a chemical water analysis?;

Chemical water analysis is a tool that we should use regularly to make sure we protect our health and ensure the quality of our water, as it can vary depending on the region and source. Some of the main reasons to carry out such an analysis are as follows:

• Checking the quality of drinking water for safety and hygiene.
• Identification and assessment of potential contaminants and chemicals in water.
• Identify causes of sudden changes in the colour, taste or smell of water.
• Control of excessive water temperature.
• Monitoring levels of nitrates and other nutrients that can cause health problems or environmental pollution.
• Monitoring water quality during construction projects.

One of the above causes is enough to do a chemical analysis of water and see if we are really drinking clean water. But beyond domestic use, normal drinking water values are also very important for aquaculture, as through the aquifer and pipelines, pollutants will sooner or later reach our glass. Therefore, a chemical analysis of water every 6 months or 1 year, depending on the region, is necessary to know the values and to take measures for clean water.

How much does a chemical water analysis cost?;

Now, with the development of technology and the interest of the general public in having clean water in their homes, a wide range of chemical water analysis services have been developed to provide chemical water analysis depending on the type of analysis, the region and the company providing the service and will present various parameters such as the physical, chemical and bacterial properties of the water. The price range for a domestic chemical water analysis ranges from 50€ to 200€, depending on the scope and variety of parameters tested, for normal drinking water values. Such parameters are:

• pH
• Nitrates Nitrates
• Chlorination
• Alkalinity
• Heavy metals
• Oxygen

These are some of the main parameters that judge the clean water or whether it is necessary to use an over-the-counter water filter. The elements and prices differ when it comes to residential use, as does the cost of chemical water analysis when it comes to commercial use such as crops. It is important to understand that chemical water analysis is often considered a small cost compared to the value it adds to the health and safety of people and the environment, as it can prevent health problems and improve the clean water we consume in a timely manner.

Sampling instructions for analysis

Water quality is crucial for our health as from drinking water in our homes to water used in agriculture and industry, water quality directly affects our lives and the environment. A chemical water analysis will give us important information about the quality and safety of the water we consume, helping us to take the necessary measures in time. In order to take a proper sample for more accurate results it is advisable to follow a few steps:

• Use a clean, disinfected, stainless steel or glass container to collect the water sample.
• Pumping water from the source using a pump.
• Collecting water samples from different parts of the spring (high, low and middle) so that the sample is as representative as possible.
• Store in clean and sealed containers, marked with the date, for transport to the laboratory.

Take care to follow all safety and hygiene instructions when collecting and transporting samples for chemical water analysis to ensure that the results are accurate and, most importantly, that there is no contamination. If there are obvious signs of contamination, use a mask and gloves to collect samples.