It is universally accepted that water is one of the most vital resources contributing to life in humans, plants and animals. Although water is commonly regarded as healthy, water may contain chemicals or pathogens if untreated. Water is important for maintaining life, but untreated, polluted water is the leading cause of death and disease throughout the world. In poorer, underdeveloped countries, water pollution is a noticeable problem, and causes disease and death on a daily basis. For this reason, water is tested to ensure that chemicals, bacteria, or any other harmful substances are removed before it is used for consumption or dispersed throughout a household.
It is important to test water in households to prevent illness, as well as ensuring that water is aesthetically pleasing (it does not have an offensive odour, and that it tastes fresh, for example). Reasons that water may need to be tested could be due to the fact that water is hard, leaving soap scum behind in bathtubs and sinks, a household contains pipes made of lead, the household is near a septic tank, which may interfere with the water being transported throughout the house, or because gas tanks in close proximity to the building may be leaking, causing chemicals to enter the water supply. Also, if water appears cloudy or is discoloured, water tests are able to determine the cause, which ultimately prevents health issues to inhabitants of a home.
In order to test water, samples can be sent to laboratories to have a series of tests run. These tests can detect whether there are any harmful substances in the water source, such as chemicals, lead, or any harmful bacteria that may lead to health issues. Water tests may also be helpful in indicating whether water filters need to be replaced or purchased. Water filters are an efficient method in removing harmful particles from water sources used for drinking or hygienic reasons. Also, the use of soft water raises the quality of water, and reduces the chances of lime scale or soap scum build ups around a household.
Although every household or building should have water tested routinely, there are special circumstances which may require certain buildings to have water tested more frequently. Buildings or homes near areas of agricultural use, gas drilling operations, junkyards, or factories should have water tested to ensure that chemicals such as pesticides or bacteria from rubbish doesn’t enter the water supply.