Water testing kits are very important appliances that every household should probably have. This kit is used in the testing of various properties to prevent possible poisoning or other health problems especially to pregnant ladies and little babies. They are cheap and easily accessible from shops and stores that stock related products. The low-end models can go for as little as ten US Dollars.

Public water suppliers are required by most governments to have their water tested for various contaminants and the test results provided to clients annually. However private supplies are solely the responsibility of the property owner and there are no laws that require people to have their wells tested. Even with no laws demanding for analysis of private sources of water, an individual should take the initiative to ensure that it is done at least ones in a year or unless there is a demanding emergency for doing so.

Materials that have to be tested for their presence in wells annually include total dissolved solids, nitrates, coliform bacteria, and the pH. Others that must get tested for annually are pesticides, lead, copper, and arsenic among others. Manganese, corrosion, chlorides, iron, sulfates, and hardness should be assessed against ones in three years. Failing to test can result into some very terrible effects on individuals who use and/or consume such waters.

Coliform refers to a bacteria that resides in the human intestine. Its presence inside stomachs results into serious recurrent intestinal diseases. Therefore, any types of stomach ailments may be indicators that coliform bacteria should be assessed for its presence. If residential plumbing has traces of lead or in case plumbing system was repaired, installed, or replaced recently, lead is the stuff to test for.

Laundry can also be of great help in determining if there is need for carrying out any analysis. Normally the laundry catches stains after washing a clear indication that chlorides, iron, sulfate, and manganese compounds are available. Hardness is indicated by washing waters requiring too much soap to become soapy and easy to wash with. Major compounds responsible for hardness are normally calcium chloride and magnesium chloride.

Other major indicators are odor and color. The color can be observed by the naked eye while the smell can be smelled using the nose. Color problems are indicated by the waters appearing frothy, cloudy, or not clear. The odor depends on the type of contaminant that is present at the source. Treatment equipment that wear off so fast could indicate that the pH is not set at the right value.

Pregnant women and babies are the most susceptible for getting affected by contaminants particularly nitrates because of multiple reasons.Tap or well waters should be assessed for nitrates before babies are delivered, after delivery, and regularly until 6 months. If babies are exposed to nitrates, they cause methemoglobinemia, a blood disorder which affects hemoglobin. This disorder causes lowers the supply of oxygen in the blood to dangerously low levels.

Water testing kits come in a wide variety to suit different environments. They come in different shapes and colors for people to choose according to their needs. Most of them are cheap.