If you rely on a private well or even suspect issues with your home’s water supply, getting a professional water quality test in Washington State is one of the smartest steps you can take. Washington’s diverse geology, from volcanic rock to glacial sediments, means that water quality can vary widely, even between neighboring properties. A professional test can detect a range of contaminants, both natural and man-made, that may affect your water’s taste, odor, and safety.
Bacteria and Biological Contaminants
The most common concern for homeowners with private wells is bacterial contamination. Professional tests screen for:
- Total Coliform Bacteria – These are indicator organisms that show whether your water system is vulnerable to contamination.
- E. coli – A specific type of coliform bacteria linked to animal or human waste. Its presence means the water is unsafe to drink without treatment.
- Iron and Sulfur Bacteria – While not typically harmful to health, these bacteria can cause staining, foul smells, and slime buildup in pipes or filters.
Bacterial contamination can occur after heavy rains, flooding, or if your well casing or seal is damaged, all common issues in Washington’s wet climate.
Nitrates and Nitrites
Nitrates and nitrites often enter groundwater from fertilizers, septic systems, and animal waste. In rural areas or agricultural regions of our area, these compounds are a major concern. High nitrate levels are particularly dangerous for infants, and can also be harmful to adults with certain health conditions. Professional testing will detect even trace amounts and help you decide whether treatment, like reverse osmosis, is necessary.
Metals and Minerals
Washington’s unique bedrock can naturally release minerals and metals into groundwater. A comprehensive water test may include screening for:
- Iron and Manganese – Common in many private wells, these can cause staining and a metallic taste but are not typically harmful at low levels.
- Arsenic – Naturally occurring in certain areas of Eastern and Central Washington, arsenic is a serious contaminant linked to long-term health risks like cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- Lead and Copper – Usually not found in groundwater itself, but it leaches from old household plumbing, especially in homes built before 1986.
Because arsenic and heavy metals can’t be detected by sight, taste, or smell, professional testing is the only reliable way to find them.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Pesticides
Professional water testing can also identify man-made chemical contaminants such as gasoline additives, industrial solvents, and pesticides. In regions near agricultural zones or industrial sites, these pollutants can seep into groundwater through spills or runoff. Even low levels may affect long-term health and require specialized treatment systems like activated carbon filtration.
pH, Hardness, and Other Aesthetic Factors
Finally, a water quality test measures non-hazardous characteristics that influence household comfort and plumbing health, such as pH level, hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Knowing these levels helps homeowners protect appliances and extend the life of their plumbing.
Schedule an appointment with American Pump and Drilling to begin testing your water in Olympia, WA.