| Recently someone asked me "can I perform a water | | | | indication - presence of brown stains on washed |
| quality test at home"? Though this is not a very | | | | clothes, presence of yellow stains of washed dishes, |
| common question, I thought of sharing my views by | | | | accumulation of silt on tubs, yellow stains on |
| writing this article. | | | | bathroom tiles etc. |
| There are a number of simple tests that you can do | | | | Having your question answered, I would like to add |
| at your home. Some of them are listed below. | | | | one basic fact that these tests are good but not |
| (i) The simplest water quality test is for clarity. Take | | | | good enough to catch the presence of all |
| a glass full of water and try to see through it. If you | | | | contaminants. |
| notice any sort of cloudiness, it means the water is | | | | The list of impurities present in water is endless- |
| not absolutely clean and has some contaminants in it. | | | | chlorine, fluoride, arsenic, selenium, pesticides, |
| The general rule of thumb is that clean water looks | | | | fertilizers, cleansers, bacteria, viruses, cysts, lead, |
| clean. It should be absolutely free from cloudiness. | | | | copper etc. Many of them are known carcinogens! |
| (ii) The next test can be done by smelling or tasting | | | | Since a water quality test may not be able to |
| the water. Take a glass full of water and cover it for | | | | determine the presence of these contaminants, it is |
| a few minutes. After some time, uncover it, smell | | | | better to have a water purifier installed. It sits in |
| and taste it. Any kind of smell or bitterness in taste | | | | between your faucet and you, making sure that you |
| clearly shows the presence of contaminants in water. | | | | always consume water which is free from all types |
| (iii) Litmus test is another way by which you can | | | | of impurities |
| check the quality of water at your home. Take a | | | | In conclusion, being alert and performing a water |
| litmus strip and use it on the water. The darker it | | | | quality test is good but it is not the complete solution. |
| turns; more is the presence of contaminants in water. | | | | The best way to ensure high quality water is to use |
| (iv) There are home testing kits available in the | | | | an effective and efficient water purifier. If you need |
| market. These kits are easy to use and are available | | | | any assistance in finding one for your family, feel |
| with detailed instructions at a reasonable price of $6. | | | | free to visit my website mentioned below. |
| (v) Though not a water quality test, but a definite | | | | |