Checking your water’s quality is vital in ensuring it is suitable for drinking and use. The process entails evaluating your water’s physical, chemical, and biological characteristics according to safety standards and regulations.
You can test the water at home using a DIY testing kit or hire professionals to assess it. If you’re unsure which one to use, you’ve come to the right place. To help you make an informed decision, let’s examine the differences between the two tests based on several crucial aspects.
Convenience and Quick Turnaround
Home water testing kits require minimal effort and can deliver results in minutes. On the other hand, a professional water analysis is generally more time-consuming as it involves advanced technology and various procedures.
Moreover, DIY water testing kits are undoubtedly affordable and more accessible options. On the contrary, professional water tests may cost more since they follow more rigorous procedures and typically employ specialized equipment.
Testing Methods
DIY water testing kits usually come with test strips and vials; others may have tablets, disks, and portable digital meters. These test strips are soaked in a water-filled container and typically change color to indicate the presence of lead, pollutants, and other toxic substances.
Certified water treatment experts take it further by conducting a thorough laboratory analysis. Additional tests may be necessary, depending on the source and intended purpose of the water.
Precision
Although home water testing kits may give you an idea of your water’s condition, it’s critical to note that their results aren’t always accurate, with false positives or negatives. These kits can only read high levels of contaminants and sometimes miss low levels of chemical substances.
Professional water tests, however, provide more accurate readings using specialized equipment and scientific methods. The experts can give you further details about what’s in your water, including heavy metals, nitrates, fungi, bacteria, parasites, and other microorganisms.
The test results are assessed according to regulatory guidelines to confirm whether your water is safe to consume. Professional water testing also allows you to identify the risks of using private wells or residing in areas prone to particular contaminants. These data could certainly help treat or prevent water quality problems in the future.
Never Compromise Safety; Test Your Water Quality
Simply put, both at-home testing kits and professional water testing offer valuable information about your water’s quality, regardless of their advantages and limitations. However, with a professional analysis, you can have peace of mind and the confidence that your water is completely safe.
Consult with Adams Water Conditioning today for a free water analysis or expert insights. You can trust our dedicated team to help address your water treatment concerns.
