With the recent events in Flint, Michigan on everyone’s mind, people are starting to question how truly safe their water is in their homes and businesses. In Maryland the Water Treatment facilities tap into a variety of different sources, including aquifers, rivers, and reservoirs, each presenting its own set of potential contaminants. The Safe Water Drinking Act of 1974 set standards for municipally supplied drinking water, these standards set the minimum requirements that must be met for water to be considered safe to drink. The EPA regulates these standards and set the limits at levels that are minimize potential health hazards (i.e. the number of deaths attributed to the contaminant will be relatively small as compared to the effort and cost of treating the problem). These levels can be found on the annual drinking water reports and are defined as the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), the Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG) is what the EPA would prefer the water to be, if price and effort where not an issue.  Unfortunately, the number of items that are regulated is quite small compared to the huge number of potential contaminants. Compound the problem is that we only know how a single contaminant will affect an average person, we have no idea how the addition of other contaminants could compound these effects.

By reading your annual water report you can identify how many of the tested contaminants are showing up in your water supply. Some will be at low levels, but even at low levels, who wants lead, arsenic, radium, pharmaceuticals, or pesticides in their water???

Contact Hague Quality Water of Maryland today and discuss your water concerns with a Water Quality Association Master Treatment Specialists who is Maryland Certified for Water Sampling. We can help you decide what testing is prudent and what treatment options you have to solve these issues.

The following FAQs are provided to help you determine the most appropriate way to test your water and, based upon those results, choose appropriate water treatment systems for your home or business.

Q: What is the most effective way to test the water in my home or business?

A: The first thing you need to decide is what exactly you want to test for. Are you testing for radiological materials, volatile organic chemicals, bacteria? If you are not sure, then it is highly recommended to contact a reputable water treatment professional for a consultation. Hague Water Of MD was established in 1993 and employs Water Quality Association Master Treatment Specialists who are Maryland Certified for Water Sampling. Call us today to discuss your needs.

Q: How often should I test the water at my home or business?

A: If you are on a well, the EPA recommends you test your water annually. If you are concerned about specific contaminants in your municipal supply, spot testing is available. Call us today to have a certified water sampler discuss your testing needs.

Q: Isn’t it cheaper and faster to just test the water myself with a kit I buy online?

A: While there is a wide array of “personal” water test kits you can find online and even at your local home improvement stores, these kits are not always accurate and can be provide inaccurate results if not performed correctly. This is why it is better to find a qualified professional and allow them to test the water in order to obtain accurate results for a broader spectrum of possible contaminants.

To schedule a test of your water for your home or business, or to learn more about water treatment solutions, please feel free to call Hague Water Of MD at (410) 757-2992 or (410) 213-2380 today!