Water Analysis
Physico-Chemical Analysis
Standard physico-chemical water analyses cover the following parameters :
Color
Recommended level in water:
15 true color units
The color of water can be of mineral origin (ferric iron) or organic (tannin). Colored water is usually yellowish. The presence of turbidity often affects the color of the water. “True color” corresponds to the measurement made on water samples cleared of suspended particles.
Turbidity
Recommended level in water:
5 NTU
Turbidity gives the water a cloudy appearance. This is mainly due to the presence of suspended matter in the water. Turbidity leads to the accumulation of deposits in pipes and tanks, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth. Furthermore, a high level of turbidity reduces the effectiveness of disinfection.
pH
Recommended level in water:
between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale
pH expresses the acidity level of water. It is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. A neutral pH is 7.0. It should be noted that a pH of 6.0 is ten (10) times more acidic than a pH of 7.0, and a pH of 6.0 is one hundred (100) times more acidic than a pH of 8.0. An acidic pH in water will corrode pipes and the water heater, causing irreversible damage.
Iron
Recommended level:
0.3 milligrams per liter
Iron (Fe) is one of the most abundant elements in nature. Present at more than 5% in the soil, it dissolves quite easily in water, giving it a metallic taste and sometimes a yellow color (ferric iron). Its presence is detectable by yellow or brown deposits on sinks, toilets, showers, and clothes. These stains are difficult to remove and require strong detergents, which tarnish the enamel of porcelain and the luster of plumbing fixtures.
Manganese
Recommended level in water:
0.05 milligrams per liter
Manganese (Mn) is much less common than iron, but its presence in drinking water supplies is undesirable. At concentrations greater than 0.05 mg/L, manganese can leave grayish deposits on sinks and clothes. In addition, it imparts or causes an unpleasant taste to beverages.
Total Hardness
Recommended level:
between 3½ and 7 grains per gallon or 60 to 120 mg/l
Total water hardness is a common problem. Hard water is characterized by the presence of a high level of calcium (CaCO3) and magnesium (Mg). Water spoiled by total hardness damages appliances, scales plumbing and water heaters, leading to significant energy losses. Furthermore, the total hardness of the water reduces the effectiveness of soaps, deteriorates fabrics, and dries out the skin.
Chlorides
Recommended level in water:
250 milligrams per liter
Sodium chloride (NaCl), commonly known as table salt, is frequently found in water. Elevated chloride levels not only give water a salty taste but also cause white stains and deposits on surfaces and increases water`s corrosiveness, which can damage plumbing and appliances over time.
Conductivity
Recommended level in water:
750 micro-Siemens per centimeter (µS/cm)
Conductivity is the measure of the ability of water to conduct an electric current. It varies depending on the presence of ions, their concentration, and temperature. The reference point used is 20°C.
Mineral salts are good conductors, while organic matter is not. In general, the higher the conductivity, the more dissolved minerals are in the water.
Total Dissolved Solids
Recommended level in water:
500 milligrams per liter
Total dissolved solids represent a total assessment of the mineral salts contained in water (in solution). This value reflects a total assessment of the rate of minerals that have been dissolved in the water.
More specialized analyses are also offered for different substances such as:
Tannin
Recommended level in water:
0.45 milligrams per liter
Tannin results from the dissolution of organic matter and plants in the water during its infiltration into the soil. Tannins are humic and fulvic acids that give the water an unpleasant yellowish color similar to tea. Tannin can leave very unstable brown deposits in toilets, sinks, and sometimes on clothes.
Hydrogen Sulfide
Recommended level:
between 0.025 milligrams per liter
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a colorless, acidic gas heavier than air that gives an unpleasant odor and taste to water (rotten eggs). It can leave black deposits and corrode plumbing pipes and water heaters. Additionally, the odor becomes more pronounced when the water is heated.
Chlorine
Recommended level:
between 0.3 to 1.0 milligrams per liter
Chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) (NaClO) is widely used in public water systems because it is an effective agent for ensuring microbiological control. Residual chlorine is what is measured after the oxidation of all substances encountered in water.
And many others
Alkalinity, nitrites and nitrates, lead, fluorides, arsenic, barium, sulfates, and others…