Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
Chemical Analysis of Farm Water supplies <br />http://www.agric.gov.a...dex/700/16d04.htm1#top <br />rrGG~•r ~ yam, <br />+4GRi0UlTUPE, FAGO ANO <br />RIRAI O~VELO~MI MT <br />[Alberta Agriculture. Food and Rural Development Home Page] <br />Chemical Analysis of Farm Water Supplies <br />Adapted Aram A=de:716 (D04) Pnbllshed April 1991 <br />~C <br />9S <br />.; <br />A routine chemical analysis tests the water for 15 chemical parameters. It will reveal the hardness and <br />iron concentration as well as the presence of other chemicals such as chlorides,. sulphates, titrates and <br />nitrites. Chemicals, other than those listed below, can be tested but arrangements should be made with the <br />lab before the sample is submitted. These special requests' must be clearly specified on the request form. <br />Your farm water supply should be analyzed whenever a new water source is constructed, or when a <br />change in water quality is noticed. <br />Your local health unit can provide you with the necessary water sample containers. Water samples <br />specifically for human consumption must be submitted to the health unit. <br />The water sample you take should be representative. Choose an outlet as close to the source as possible. <br />For most domestic samples, allow the water to run through the faucet for about five minutes and then fill <br />the sample container. <br />Once you have obtained a good water sample, take it to your local health unit for forwazding to the <br />appropriate laboratory. After the laboratory analysis is completed, the health inspector or technologist <br />will receive a copy of the analysis and will be able to help you interpret the results. <br />Water Quality Criteria <br />It is not essential for private supplies to meet these guidelines. People have different reactions and <br />tolerances to different minerals. If any chemical in your water exceeds drinking water limits consult you <br />family doctor or local health unit. <br />All levels listed below (except pITj aze listed in parts per million (ppm). 'Many labs report results in <br />milligrams/Litre (mg/L), which is equivalent to ppm. <br />Sodium <br />Sodium is not considered a toxic metal, and 5,000 to 10,000 milligrams per day are consumed by normal <br />adults without adverse effects. The average intake of sodium from water is only a small fraction of that <br />consumed in a nonmal diet. <br />Persons suffering from certain medical conditions such as hypertension may require a sodium restricted <br />diet, in which case the intake of sodium from drinking water could become significant. Sodium levels as <br />low as 20 ppm are sometimes a concern to them. A maximum level of 300 ppm sodium has traditionally <br />been used as a guideline but the "Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality" list no maximum <br />acceptable concentration. <br />1 of 4 12/31/97 08:52:29 <br />