The Water Quality Association :
Tools and Resources :
Informed Consumer :
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
How do I know what's in my water?
There are several ways you can find out what's in your water. A water treatment professional can test water hardness, chlorine taste, odor problems, and other aethetic concerns. If you suspect health-related contamination (lead, microbes,radon, etc.), have your water tested by a state approved laboratory. Ask your state health department for a list of certified labs or call the EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800 426 4791)
You can also buy home water analysis kits that test for a variety of contaminants, both aethetic- and health-related. They are sold in home improvement, hardware and do-it-yourself stores.
Listed below are some WQA member laboratories and testing services.
- CSL Water Treatment Inc., Warren, NJ,
908-647-1400 - National Testing Laboratory, Cleveland, OH 800-458-3330 www.watercheck.com
- Spectrum Labs, St. Paul, MN, 651-633-0101
Home Water Analysis Kits:
American Water Service, Matthews, NC, 704-821-3200 www.americanwaterservice.com
Which water treatment products should I purchase?
Know what contaminant you want to reduce or remove from your water and use this site to find the right treatment technology. Then talk to a WQA Certified Water Specialist for specific recommendations. Check the products' capabilities, warranties, maintenance provisions, and general operational instructions. Investigate which contaminants a product reduces, and to what level.
Where do I shop for water treatment products?
Water treatment products vary in complexity and contaminant-reduction capabilities. They are sold by local water treatment dealers as well as mass merchandisers. Look for WQA member dealers under "Water Treatment Companies" in the Yellow Pages. WQA members pledge to abide by the association's strict industry Code of Ethics. You may want to get customer references and inquire about after-market service agreements.
Look for the WQA Gold Seal on a product. It indicates a prototype unit was tested and met industry performance standards. If you are purchasing equipment to remove health-related contaminants, make sure the equipment has been independently tested for removal of those contaminants, or tested to NSF International standards. Don't let price be the only determining factor. Capacity, special features, or company services are other options to consider when making a decision about home water treatment.
How do I take care of my water treatment product?
All home water treatment systems need periodic maintenance and replacement of filters, membranes, or other media. Determine whether you or your local water treatment professional will care for your equipment. Make sure you follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure proper operation of your water treatment system.
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Water Quality Association:
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Sat, Jul 31, 2010
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Copyright 2010 by the Water Quality Association – All rights reserved.
Water Quality Association
International Headquarters & Laboratory
4151 Naperville Road
Lisle, IL 60532-3696
USA
630 505 0160, Fax 630 505 9637
info@wqa.org, www.wqa.org
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