Having your water analyzed is a crucial preliminary step to ensure that your drinking water is actually potable! Whether due to a move, or an unusual appearance of water, it is important to check the quality of the water coming out of your tap before consuming it. An annual check of your water quality gives you peace of mind.
At first glance, water analysis results can seem difficult to understand. Many people make the mistake of treating each element one by one. Instead, you should consider the entire analysis. Furthermore, it should be noted that to provide you with informed recommendations, several aspects must be considered: type of water supply (surface, artesian well, or lake), your needs, your budget, etc.
How is a water analysis test performed?
PLEASE NOTE: Depending on the types of analyses to be performed on your water, the procedure for a bacteriological analysis test below may differ. We recommend that you consult one of our specialists beforehand; they will be able to guide you through the process.
Take a water sample, following strict steps:
- The container provided by the laboratory is sterilized. It must be opened only at the time of sampling and should never be rinsed, as it contains preservation agents required for the analyses. The internal walls or the inside of the lid must not be touched with fingers.
- The sample must come from the most frequently used cold water tap, and the water from this tap must not have been modified by a filtration system.
- The faucet must be free of any accessories complementing its spout, such as aerators, screens, spray nozzles, hoses, etc. If it is impossible to remove these accessories, another faucet must be chosen.
- The exterior and interior of the faucet spout must be cleaned with a clean cotton swab soaked in a bleach solution (approximately 5% sodium hypochlorite) or rubbing alcohol.
- To ensure that the collected water is representative of that circulating in the distribution system, the water must be allowed to run for 5 minutes before taking a sample.
- The container must be filled at least to the level indicated on the bottle, and below the air space, by at least 2.5cm between the liquid surface and the cap.
- The carefully completed analysis request form must always accompany the sample.
- The sample must be kept at approximately 4°C between the time of sampling and receipt at the laboratory.
- The sample must arrive within a maximum of 24 hours.
- The water quality results are then shared with you. Our specialists will provide you with their recommendations to improve them, according to your needs.
We will take a closer look at the results of water analysis tests, including bacteriological analysis and physico-chemical analysis. This will help you better understand what the numbers and measurements of each analysis mean.
Bacteriological analysis
A maximum of 24 hours should be allowed between sample collection and deposit at the laboratory, and results are generally available within 3-4 business days following the water analysis test.
Bacteriological analysis makes it possible to check the health-related aspects of water, to determine whether it is potable or not. In a bacteriological water analysis, the presence of bacteria in the water is sought. Samples are placed in A culture media that promoteS bacterial growth. The two most commonly tested types of bacteria are total coliforms and fecal coliforms.
Total coliforms
Total coliforms are bacteria that naturally live in our environment (soil, plants, animals, etc.). Their presence in water can indicate contamination by fecal matter. Bacteriological test results are interpreted based on acceptable levels of bacteria in drinking water established by public health authorities.
Although their presence in water is not necessarily dangerous, it can nevertheless indicate water contamination by fecal matter (in 10 to 15% of cases). Consuming contaminated water can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses.
The regulatory standards for total coliforms in drinking water are less than 10 CFU/100ml.
Fecal coliforms (E. coli)
Fecal coliforms are bacteria found in the intestines of mammals, including humans. The most common bacterium is Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, which is very risky for health if ingested.
Consuming water contaminated with fecal coliforms can cause gastrointestinal illnesses with symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting. Prolonged consumption of contaminated water can even lead to death if no action is taken.
The regulatory standard for fecal coliforms in drinking water is 0 CFU/100ml.
If you would like to know more, you can consult our page dedicated to bacteriological analysis and discover other bacteria that may be present in your water.
Microbiological (bacteriological) analysis determines the potability of water. In case of non-compliant water, two solutions are possible: either disinfection of your well or water source, or treatment of it with an ultraviolet system. Please note that well disinfection may give you compliant results in the short term. We recommend frequent analysis of your water in this case to ensure its long-term potability. Water treatment remains the most reliable and permanent solution, thus offering you peace of mind.
Physico-chemical analysis
Results are generally available within 24-48 hours following the water analysis test. Depending on specific parameters, additional delays may apply. During a physico-chemical water analysis, we are interested in its physical and aesthetic aspects, for example, color and odor. This analysis makes it possible to evaluate the concentration of dissolved minerals in the water. Samples are subjected to different tests to measure parameters such as pH, hardness (limescale), turbidity, conductivity, and the presence of heavy metals in your drinking water. Here are some examples of elements that are analyzed during a physico-chemical analysis.
Water Hardness
Water hardness represents the quantity of minerals such as calcium and magnesium dissolved in water.
Hard water can have an impact on the taste and color of tap water. It also causes limescale problems, which reduce the lifespan and efficiency of your household appliances.
The recommended hardness level in drinking water is between 60 and 120mg/L.
pH
pH measures the degree of acidity of water. A too low pH can be acidic, which will cause considerable damage to your plumbing and water heater if the water is not treated quickly.
A too high pH, on the other hand, can be caused by the presence of alkaline substances. It risks causing itching of the skin and eyes.
The recommended level of acidity in drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5 on the pH scale.
Iron + rust stains
Water loaded with iron can cause aesthetic and functional problems, such as rust stains on clothes and in the toilet bowl, while negatively affecting the taste of the water, which may appear yellowish.
Iron in water requires special attention as it can also damage household appliances by accumulating in pipes.
The maximum level of iron in drinking water must be less than or equal to 0.3 mg/L.
Hydrogen sulfide (sulfur)
Water that smells like rotten eggs is a telltale sign of the presence of hydrogen sulfide, also known as sulfur. This unpleasant odor can become more intense when the water is heated and can also leave black deposits in sinks and toilets.
In addition to strong, unpleasant scents, hydrogen sulfide can also make water corrosive, which risks damaging your pipes and appliances.
The maximum level of hydrogen sulfide in drinking water must be less than or equal to 0.05 mg/L.
If you wish to learn more about bacteriological water analysis, we invite you to consult our page dedicated to physico-chemical analysis.
Experteau advisors will take the time to explain your water analysis results in detail. Then, we will assist you in choosing the appropriate water treatment if needed, until your water has reached the desired quality.
I bought a new house with a well. When would be the best time to have the water analyzed?
Ideally, schedule your water analysis three to four weeks before your move. This gives you enough time to install a water treatment system if needed. Water naturally contains minerals, and even a well-built well can exceed recommended levels. For example, iron content may be higher than suggested.
I have a new well—what type of water analysis should be performed?
For a new well, two tests are essential: a physico-chemical analysis and a bacteriological analysis. Health Canada recommends performing a bacteriological test every six months to ensure your drinking water remains safe. Unlike municipal water, which is tested regularly, the responsibility for your well water quality is yours!
A physico-chemical analysis is usually required only once during the well’s lifetime—unless you notice changes in color, odor, or other unusual signs.
How do you treat contaminated or mineral-rich water?
After a water analysis, you may receive different diagnoses. Mineral-rich (hard) water requires a different treatment than contaminated water, which contains bacteria levels above recommended limits. Some issues affect health standards, such as coliform bacteria, while others are aesthetic, like water hardness.
| Substances | Type of Problem | Recommended Standard | Impacts and Problems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium (Hardness) | Aesthetic | 60–120 mg/L | Scale buildup, unpleasant taste, appliance damage |
| Iron | Aesthetic & Health | 0.3 mg/L | Metallic taste, staining, appliance damage |
| Chlorine | Health | 0.3–1.0 mg/L | Unpleasant taste and odor, skin and eye irritation |
| Hydrogen Sulfide | Aesthetic & Health | 0.05 mg/L | Rotten egg odor, corrosion, black stains |
| Tannins | Aesthetic | 0.45 mg/L | Water discoloration, unpleasant taste |
| pH | Aesthetic & Health | 6.5–8.5 pH | Pipe corrosion or deposits, skin/eye issues |
| Fecal Coliforms | Health | 0 CFU/100 mL | Waterborne diseases (Hepatitis A, Listeriosis, Salmonellosis…) |
There are several solutions to treat your water—whether it’s hard, contaminated, or simply unpleasant to taste. Options include water softeners, UV sterilizers, and reverse osmosis systems, each with its own unique benefits.
Can all water problems be treated?
Absolutely! No matter your water problem, we have the solution! Every type of water can be treated—and our experts will make sure yours meets the highest standards. Whether you’re dealing with unpleasant odors, stains on clothes, or health concerns, we’ll bring your water to the level of perfection you deserve.
