Understanding Your Rural Property's Water Quality Test
If you own a rural property in Alberta, ensuring the safety and quality of your drinking water is crucial. Water quality testing isn't just a real estate requirement—it's essential for your family's health and your property's value. Let's dive into what those test results mean and how to address any concerns they reveal.
Key Testing Parameters
Bacterial Content and Contamination Risks
One of the most critical aspects of water testing is checking for bacterial contamination. The presence of total coliform bacteria can indicate potential microbial contamination. If any total coliform is detected, your water should be retested and additionally checked for fecal coliform and E. coli.
Mineral Content and Hardness Levels
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) or conductivity measurements can identify changes in water quality. Significant changes in TDS (more than 100 mg/L up or down) may indicate a shift in water quality and could affect your treatment process.
pH Balance and Chemical Composition
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, pH balance and chemical composition are important factors in water quality. These parameters can affect the taste, smell, and safety of your drinking water.
Dissolved Solids and Turbidity
Turbidity testing can help identify if your groundwater is under the influence of surface water or flooding1. This is particularly important for wells that may be affected by surface conditions.
Testing Frequency
For rural drinking water sources:
Groundwater: Test at least 2 times per year
Surface water or groundwater under direct influence of surface water: Test 2-4 times per year
Professional Interpretation
Professional interpretation of your test results is crucial. The Alberta government provides resources to help you understand your water quality:
The Environmental Quality Guidelines for Alberta Surface Waters document outlines guidelines for surface water quality, sediment quality, and tissue residue.
The River Water Quality Index (RWQI) for Alberta offers a general assessment of water quality at 28 Long-Term River Network sites.
Addressing Water Quality Concerns
If your test results show contaminants above the recommended guideline values, take corrective action as soon as possible. This may involve treating your well or implementing a water treatment system.
Recommended Sources
For more information on water quality testing and interpretation, consider these resources:
Alberta Health Services Environmental Public Health
Health Canada's Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality
Alberta Environment's Water Quality Index
Remember, regular testing is key to maintaining a safe and sustainable water supply. As a private well owner, you're responsible for monitoring and maintaining your water quality.
Call to Action
Understanding your water quality is an important step in maintaining your rural property and ensuring your family's health. Share this information with your neighbors and on social media to spread awareness about the importance of water quality testing. Tag us in your comments (@allswell_brett on Instagram) and let us know your experiences with water quality testing!
By staying informed and proactive about your water quality, you can ensure that your rural property continues to provide safe, clean water for years to come.