Northern Health Required Water Quality Parameters

What it tests

This package includes the following parameters listed below:

Total Coliforms – Exist naturally in soil, water, and vegetation. Total Coliforms are generally harmless but their presence indicates inadequate processing or contamination

Escherichia coli – E.coli are members of the fecal coliform group and their presence is an indicator of direct fecal contamination.

Heterotrophic plate count (HPC) –  is an analytic method that is a useful operational tool for monitoring general bacteriological water quality throughout the treatment process and in the distribution system. HPC results are not an indicator of water safety and, as such, should not be used as an indicator of potential adverse human health effects. Each drinking water system will have a baseline range of HPC bacteria levels depending on the site-specific characteristics. Unexpected increases in the HPC baseline range could indicate a change in the treatment process, a disruption or contamination in the distribution system, or a change in the general bacteriological quality of the water.

Background Growth: Usually seen as yellow colonies. An indicator of a general bacterial population in a sample. This can lead to many other health concerns. Any microbiological test can determine if there is bacterial background growth.

Anions – These compounds include Chloride, Fluoride, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Sulfate. Each of these compounds has different symptoms and effects on our body. If enough organic and inorganic salts enter into the water system, they make the water toxic and poisonous to drink. Provides the Cation-Anion Balance.

Total Metals – This includes: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Lead, Magnesium, Manganese, Mercury, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium, Sodium, Uranium, Zinc.

Arsenic:  Even low amount of this can kill a human. You cannot smell, taste, or see arsenic in water. This is a common contaminant for the Northern Health Region of BC.

Chemical and Physical:   Alkalinity, Color, Electrical Conductivity, Hardness, Langelier Saturation Index, Metals Scan, Nitrogen Species (Organic N, Ammonia, Nitrate, Nitrite), pH, Total Dissolved Solids, Total Organic Carbon, Turbidity, UV Transmittance, Sulfide

Sulfide: Two forms of sulphur are commonly found in drinking water: sulphate and hydrogen sulfide. Sulfate minerals can cause the scale to build up in water pipes similar to other minerals and may be associated with a bitter taste in water that can have a laxative effect on humans and young livestock. Hydrogen Sulfide gas produces a “rotten egg” or “sulphur water” odour and taste in the water.

This test is performed on water sources to look for concentrations of hazardous organisms/substances, to identify trends in water quality, for source protection planning and water system design process. This package includes bacteriological parameters, chemical analysis as well as parameters affecting aesthetic concerns. Additional testing and analytical adjustments for specific contaminants may be recommended based on the results of the original analysis. If additional testing was recommended by Northern Health, please list the extra items in the comments of your order and we will contact you to finalize your order.

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