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Chemical Analysis of Farm Water Supplies <br />http://www.agric.gov.a...dex/700/16d04.htm1#top <br />`7 <br />•- NO3 Nitrogen (Nitrate) <br />Nitrates are also an indicator of contamination by human or livestock wastes, excessive fertilization or s <br />seepage from dump sites. The maximum acceptable concentration in drinking water is 10 ppm. The figure <br />is based on the potential for the nitrate poisoning of infants. Adults can tolerate higher levels but high <br />nitrate levels may cause irritation of the stomach and bladder. The suggested maximum for livestock use <br />is 1,000 ppm. <br />Fluoride <br />Fluorides occur naturally in most well waters and are desirable since they help prevent dental cavities. <br />Between one and 1.5 ppm is desirable. As fluoride levels increase above this amount there is an increase <br />in the tendency to cause tooth mottling. <br />Fluoride levels less than four ppm are not considered a problem for livestock. <br />TDS Inorganic (Total Dissolved Solids) <br />This is a measure of the inorganic minerals dissolved in the water. As a general rule less than 1,000 ppm <br />TDS is considered satisfactory. Levels higher than this aze not necessarily a problem; it depends on the <br />specific minerals present. <br />The suitability for livestock deteriorates as TDS exceeds the 2,000 to 3,000 ppm range. <br />Conductivity <br />Conductivity is measured in micro siemens per centimetre. It can be used to estimate the total dissolved <br />solids in the water. Multiplying the conductivity by 0.65 will give a good approximation of the total <br />dissolved solids. Conductivity tests are often used to assess water suitability for irrigation. <br />pH <br />pH is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. The pH scale goes from zero (acidic) to 14 (basic) <br />with seven being neutral. The generally accepted range for pH is 6.5 to 8.5 with an upper limit of 9.5. <br />Hardness <br />The hazder the water is the greater its ability to neutralize soap suds. Hardness is caused primarily by <br />calcium and magnesium, but is expressed as ppm equivalent of calcium carbonate. Hard water causes <br />soap curd which makes bathroom fixtures difficult to keep clean and causes greying of laundry. <br />Hazd water will also tend to form scale in hot water tanks, kettles, piping systems, etc. <br />3 of 4 12/31/97 08:52:34 <br />