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Water Testing FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about drinking water testing.

Why should I have my well water tested?
Will Cook Inletkeeper test my well water?
How do I get my water tested?
How much does well water testing cost?
What if I can’t afford the test?
How do I interpret my well water test results?
Where do contaminants come from?
What do I do if I have contaminants in my water?
What about cisterns and catchment systems?
Where can I find out about the quality of the public water?
Where can I learn more?

Why should I have my well water tested?
Contaminants in drinking water may cause chronic (i.e. long term) health effects as a result of digesting small doses over a period of time.  High levels of contaminants can also pose acute (short term) health effects. Pregnant women, babies and young children may be more vulnerable to certain drinking water contaminants. In addition to risks posed by consumption, showering and other uses can pose health risks with certain contaminants. For more information on human health concerns, click here.

Will Cook Inletkeeper test my well water?
No—but we can help you get your well water tested by a state-certified water quality laboratory (see the next question for more information)!

How do I get my water tested?
Inletkeeper works with Analytica Laboratory, a state-certified laboratory in Anchorage which has agreed to provide discounted well water testing services to project participants.  We can help you fill out the correct paperwork and take the water sample. In the summer, we may be able to coordinate shipping samples as well because we send water samples regularly to Anchorage. Contact rachel@inletkeeper.org for more details and visit the Analytica website http://www.analyticagroup.com.  (disclaimer: Analytica is a private company and Inletkeeper does not warranty information or services provided by Analytica

How frequently and under what circumstances should I test my well water?
It is best to test your well water annually, preferably each spring. It is also a good idea to test your well water after flooding or when you experience any noticeable change in water color, taste or smell. In addition, you should test your well water when changes or repairs are made to your well or water system, when activating a well or water system that has not been used in a long time and when land uses change in the vicinity of you well.

How much does well water testing cost?
Analytica offers three different types of water testing kits at three different prices. If you call Analytica to order your test and mention Cook Inletkeeper you can receive a 10% discount. Below are the three test kits and their 2010 prices (subject to change):

  • Well-Safe I
    Cost     (before discount): $140.00
    Tests for    : Arsenic, Coliform, Nitrates
  • Well-Safe II
    Cost     (before discount): $232.00
    Tests for    : Arsenic, Coliform, Nitrates, Hardness, Iron and Manganese, Langelier Index
  • Well-Safe III
    Cost     (before discount): $279.00
    Tests for: Arsenic, Coliform, Nitrates, Hardness, Iron and Manganese, Langelier Index, Lead and Copper, Sodium

For more details: http://www.analyticagroup.com/wellsafe/index.htm

What if I can’t afford the test?
Inletkeeper works to get grant funding to subsidize some well tests in the fall, through the Homer Rotary Health Fair in November.  Stay tuned as the date draws closer for more information!

How do I interpret my well water test results?
Click here to view the “interpreting results and next steps” section of our website. This page includes a demo of what test results looks like and a step-by-step explanation of what it all means. There is also a chart that lists what the hazardous levels of each contaminant are and what treatment is suggested. In addition, Inletkeeper is available to help if further assistance is necessary.

Where do contaminants come from?
Some contaminants occur naturally, while others flow from human activities.  For example, arsenic is a naturally occurring contaminant that poses significant health risks.  On the other hand, human activities – such as leaks, spills, land use changes, septic systems, landfills, fertilizers/pesticides, sewage, animal waste, fuel storage tanks, etc. – can produce contaminants that enter aquifers and groundwater. For more details on specific types of contaminants, see “Why should I be concerned about my well water?” (link)

What do I do if I have contaminants in my water?
Click here to obtain information on a number of different sources explaining treatment options for specific contaminants (link to “treatment procedures”). For a list of local water treatment businesses, click here (link to “additional resources and contacts”)

What about cisterns and catchment systems?
Inletkeeper will help you test whatever private drinking water you and your family uses.

Where can I find out about the quality of the public water?
Call Homer Department of Public Works at (907) 235-3170 or check out their “Drinking Water Quality Report” on their website: http://publicworks.ci.homer.ak.us/drinking_water_quality_report_4.htm

Get the answers to more FAQs at the following sites:
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/drinking/private/wells/faq.html
http://www.epa.gov/ogwdw000/privatewells/index2.html