What type of lab to go to for testing my home's tap water?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around finding appropriate testing methods and locations for analyzing tap water quality in homes. Participants explore various testing options, including kits and services, and express concerns about specific contaminants.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest searching online for local tap water testing services and mention that building supply stores offer testing kits.
  • Others propose that city services might conduct water tests if health concerns are raised.
  • One participant mentions a specific low-cost TDS meter available on eBay, noting its ability to measure dissolved solids but downplaying the need for detailed mineral analysis.
  • Another participant highlights the utility of test strips for detecting a variety of contaminants, questioning if any tests specifically check for phosphates, which are reportedly added to combat lead pipes.
  • Concerns are raised about the effects of phosphates on tap water, with one participant sharing personal observations of increased mold growth in their toilet bowl.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of opinions on testing methods and concerns about contaminants, indicating that multiple competing views remain without a consensus on the best approach or specific recommendations.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions include assumptions about the safety of water suppliers and the effectiveness of various testing methods, which remain unresolved.

timeuser84
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I already asked my doctor and he doesn't know. I apologize in advance if this thread is in the wrong part of the forum. What is it called?
 
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Google tapwater testing near me.

There's lots of places - building supply stores such as Home Depot have kits for you to send a sample (though they'll try to sell you a water purifier). Your city will have services to test water. You might as well just choose one that's convenient.

If you are concerned about health and safety, you can probably lodge a complaint with the city and they might come and do a test themselves.
 
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timeuser84 said:
I already asked my doctor and he doesn't know. I apologize in advance if this thread is in the wrong part of the forum. What is it called?
You can buy test kits online or in a hardware store. Testing for anything specific?
 
I think this is what you are looking for .... Just $4 on eBay ! I have one , it comes with a little battery inside it measures the dissolved solids content minerals from rocks the water passes over. You don't really need to know what minerals there's nothing toxic the supplier will make sure of that. The exception to the rule is flouride which a few suppliers put in . Many believe this is not good. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/186906049234?_ul=GB
 
I have a TDS meter too, which is useful, but the kits you get with test strips can test for dozens of different contaminants. Example:

test kit.webp
 
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russ_watters said:
I have a TDS meter too, which is useful, but the kits you get with test strips can test for dozens of different contaminants. Example:

View attachment 367269
Any of those tests for phosphates? Apparently thats what theyre adding here to combat lead pipes.

But it has funny effects on our tap water. I swear I've never seen my toilet bowl get so moldy so fast. Like, two days.
 

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