Homeowners:  We offer flexible combinations of test parameters to save you money.     Detailed information about the individual parameters can be found on the parameter information page.    See the FAQ page for help in determining which package of tests are right for you.     If in doubt, feel free to call us and discuss any water issues you may be experiencing and we can suggest the appropriate tests for you.

The price for each package is as follows:

You can also test individual parameters.    Prices are as follows:

Alkalinity – Acid-neutralizing capability of water.

Ammonia – A gas that is an indication of organic waste.

Arsenic – Naturally occurring heavy metal found in some well waters.

Calcium – Naturally occurring mineral which is the primary component of hardness. Used in some road salts.

Chloride – A component of salt. High concentrations may taste salty and may cause corrosion of metals.

Chlorine – A disinfectant that may affect taste and/or odor.

Color – Color is considered an aesthetic problem and can be used to confirm problems such as high iron and/or manganese.

Conductivity – The ability of water to carry an electrical current. Directly proportional to amount of total dissolved solids.

Copper – Present in most home plumbing systems. Blue/green stains in sinks and tubs is a prime indicator of   copper corrosion, usually the result of low pH.

Hardness – Soft 0-60 mg/L; Moderate 61-120 mg/L; Hard 121-180 mg/L; Very hard >181 mg/L. To convert mg/L to   grains per gallon, divide by 17.1.

Iron – Naturally occurring element in well waters. May cause brown stains, discolored water, and bad taste.

Lead – Found in some plumbing fixtures, and older homes that may have used lead solder.

Magnesium – Naturally occurring mineral that contributes to total hardness.

Manganese – Naturally occurring element in well waters. May cause stains, bad taste and odor.

Nitrate – May originate from failed septic systems, agricultural run-off, organic decay, and excessive use of lawn     fertilizers.

Nitrite – An intermediate form of nitrate that is part of the naturally occurring Nitrogen Cycle.

Odor – The intensity of odor is reported in a threshold odor number, with zero indicating that no odor is present.

pH – Acid/Base determination.  Neutral is 7.0; Acidic is <7.0, Basic is >7.0.

Potassium – An abundant element generally found in water systems.

Sediment – A visual determination of the presence or absence of sediment in water.

Sodium – Found in most waters; component of salt. High levels may indicate road salt intrusion.

Sulfate – Widely distributed in nature and usually found in ground water.

Turbidity – The clarity or cloudiness of water.

MCL – Maximum Contaminant Level (or limit)

MRL - Minimum Reporting Level (the lowest we can report)

Any results that exceed the MCL, if one applies, will be flagged with a # sign.

The guideline of 20 mg/L for Sodium when exceeded does not require treatment of the water to reduce the levels to prevent adverse health effects on public health. Rather the guideline represents a level of sodium in water that physicians and sodium sensitive individuals should be aware of in cases where sodium exposures are being carefully controlled.

For further information please visit these web sites:

Information on private well water

Information regarding sodium guideline

Information on ground and drinking water

The cost of this speciation analysis is $50.00 per sample. We will send out a specially preserved bottle for sample collection which is then returned to us for analysis. Please call the lab or email us at info@nashobaanalytical.com to have a sample bottle sent to you.

Bottles

Sample bottles may be obtained from us at no charge. Alternatively, procure a sterile specimen cup (like at the doctors office) from a local drug store for the bacteria analysis. It must be pre-sterilized as boiling bottles at home does not sterilize and increases the likelihood of a false positive. Bottles for chemical parameters may be any clean pint-sized container made of glass or plastic. If you are to test for volatile organics or radon you must get special vials from us.

Prior to sampling

When the sample is collected for bacteria or inorganic chemical parameters, sufficient air space (1/2 inch) should be left in the top of the bottle to facilitate shaking prior to analysis. Keep sample bottles closed until they are to be filled and be careful not to contaminate inside surfaces of containers. Fill containers without rinsing and cap immediately.

Sampling procedure

Special sampling instructions for radon or volatile organics

If sampling for radon or volatile organics, special vials are required and available from us free of charge. They must be filled so that there are no air bubbles present after capping the vials. This is really easier than it sounds and is best achieved by topping off the vial under a slow, steady stream of water to fill it as much as possible. After filling and capping the vial, invert it and observe for any rising air bubbles. If there are bubbles, just add some more water.

Labelling

Label bottles with your name, address, date and time sampled.

Common improper sampling techniques

Do not take bacteria samples from a hose as they will almost certainly fail. Use a faucet that has been cleaned properly.

You can find more information on private wells from the Mass DEP.