Parameter Descriptions
For Drinking Water

Ammonia - A gas that's an indication of organic waste. EPA Max = NOT SPECIFIED

Arsenic (P) - A heavy metal that is naturally found in some well waters. EPA Max = 0.05 mg/L

Calcium - A naturally occuring mineral that contributes to total hardness. EPA Max = NO LIMIT

Chloride (S) - A component of salt. High concentrations may result in salty taste of water. EPA Max = 250mg/L

Chlorine - A disinfectant that may affect taste and/or ordor. EPA Max = NOT SPECIFIED

Coliform (P) - A bacterial indicator of contamination. EPA Max = 0

Color (S) - Color is considered an asthetic problem and can be used to confirm problems such as high iron and/or manganese. EPA Max = 15

Conductivity - The ability of water to carry electrical current. EAP Max = NOT SPECIFIED

Copper (S) - Usually the result of a low pH water corroding copper-containing alloys in a pipe system. EPA Max = 1.3 mg/L

Hardness - 0-75 mg/L: soft, 76-150 mg/L: moderate, >151 mg/L:hard EPA Max = NO LIMIT

Iron (S) Can discolor the water, affect taste, and cause brown staining on laundry and porcelain. Naturally occuring element in well waters. EPA Max = 0.3 mg/L

Lead (P) - Generally originates from lead solder and/or lead pipes. EPA Max = 0.015 mg/L

Magnesium - Naturally occuring mineral that contributes to total hardness. EPA Max = NO LIMIT

Manganese (S) - Can discolor water, affect taste, and cause staining on laundry and plumbing fixtures. Naturally occuring element in well waters. EPA Max = 0.05 mg/L

Nitrate (P) - Indicates possible contamination from decayed plant material, fertilizers, or septic systems if high levels of nitrate are present (>10 mg/L). EPA Max = 10 mg/L

Nitrite - An intermediate form of nitrate that is part of a naturally ocurring nitrogen cycle, EPA Max = 1.0 mg/L

Odor (S) - The intensity of odor is reported in a threshold odor number, with zero indicating that no odor is present. EPA Max = 3

pH (S) - >7.0: basic, =7.0: neutral, <7.0: acidic EPA GUIDELINES=6.5-8.5

Potassium - An abundant element generally found in water systems. EPA Max = NOT SPECIFIED

Sediment - A visual determination of the presense or absense of sediment in water. POSITIVE/NEGATIVE

Sodium - An element found in most natural waters. Sodium is a component of salt. EPA ADVISORY LIMIT = 28 mg/L

Sulfate (S) - Widely distributed in nature and usually found in ground water. EPA Max = 250 mg/L

Turbitity (P) The clarity of water. EPA Max =5 NTU

Legend:

P = Primary EPA Parameter (health standards)

S = Secondary EPA Parameter (may affect the aesthetics of the water)

* Note: Test package chosen may not include all parameters described above. Some descriptions aided by the definitions of parameters from STANDARD METHODS FOR THE EXAMINATION OF WATER AND WASTE WATER, 18th Edition, 1992.