Before putting bore water to any use, and more so drinking, cooking and watering kitchen gardens, you should ensure that you test the water quality. How to go about it is quite straightforward, as it involves collecting a sample of the water and sending it to a laboratory.

What you may not be aware of, however, is how frequently you should test your bore water. Here is what you should know.

1.      Initial Analysis

After bore water drilling, quality testing is always a priority even before you can start using it. The initial analysis will go a long way into informing the kind of uses to which you can put the water.

This analysis will also help you to identify what, if anything, that you can do to remedy the situation and make the water suitable for specific intended uses. If there is nothing that can be done, you may need to consider alternative water supplies to cater to your needs.

2.      Periodic Testing

Testing bore water every couple of months for microbial contamination is highly recommended. You can make arrangements for microbiological testing every three months.

Another test you cannot afford to neglect is chemical quality testing. You can have this test every 2-3 years on average.

3.      Immediate Testing

You will need to test your bore water immediately if you notice any changes in the colour or odour. Contamination can occur at any time as a result of human activity or because of natural processes.

It is recommended that you discontinue using the water until you obtain the results of this test. As with everything else, you are better off safe than sorry, and that is why it makes sense to wait.

After a Failed Test

The water quality tests will identify the type and degree or extent of contamination present in the bore water. Further investigation will reveal possible causes of this contamination.

You may want to get a second opinion on the water. It is encouraged that you send samples to another laboratory to confirm the findings.

Whether or not remediating the situation is possible will depend on the findings. There are several remedial measures covering the whole gamut from physical to biological and chemical treatment.

Wrapping It Up

Always ensure that you test your bore water as and when you should. Because there are effective remedial measures to explore, you have no reason to despair if the results of the test are not quite positive.