Whether you are testing your water at home, at the office, or at your café or business, the first step is understanding what you’re testing for. There are a number of different methods for testing your water supply, depending on what results you are after. When protecting coffee equipment, for example, we recommend testing for the following: calcium, magnesium, total hardness, PH, chloride, alkalinity, and total dissolved solids (TDS) content. Each of these will have a profound effect on the taste, smell, hardness, and mouthfeel of your water, as well as the life of your appliances and equipment.
Once you have identified all of the fields that are relevant for you to test for, the level of testing should be decided. There are four leading methods of testing your water: water sample test strip kits, titration test kits, photometer test strip combination, and laboratory testing.
1. Water Sample Test Strip Kits
These kits use test strips that cause a change in colour when exposed to water. The colour on the test strip can then be matched to the closest colour on the colour chart provided in your kit. Matching the colours as closely as possible is important in gaining the most accurate data for your water testing so you know if you need to add or remove anything from the water supply.
Pros: This method allows you to have a basic understanding of your water quality at a rudimentary level, for a low-investment cost.
Cons: The results are usually only correct to a figure of +/- 10 parts per million (ppm) providing that the strips are in-date and not exposed to extreme weather events. This method also uses single-use test strips.
2. Titration Test Kits
The titration test method provides greater accuracy over most test strip kits available, and is similar to what is used to test water in backyard pools. Using this method, simply fill a small vial with water up to the prescribed mark on the side, and add the chemical reagent that is supplied in the kit to the vial. The level of chosen contaminant in your water will be revealed by the number of individual drops it takes from the applicator to change colour.
Pros: This method is not for single-use, so it is suitable for people who have a number of sites to check for the same contaminant. It will provide a basic understanding of the site’s water for a reasonable price.
Cons: The results are usually only correct to a figure of +/- 5ppm to 10ppm (providing that the strips are in-date and have not been exposed to extreme weather conditions).
3. Photometer and Test Strip Reagent Combination
The next method is using the combination of a photometer and test strip reagent, such as the iDip. This method enables the end-user to easily monitor their water quality, and with over 35 individual tests available, it provides an accurate reading of common Australian water contaminants at a fraction of the cost of laboratory testing.
Pros: These devices are portable, waterproof, and compatible with apps so technicians can take them where they are required. They have an accuracy that is within 1.0 ppm and can be used for years, only requiring the test strips to be replaced after use.
Cons: It will require an upfront investment of a few hundred dollars.
4. Sending Your Water to a Laboratory
This method allows NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) accredited professionals to analyse your water source within a controlled laboratory environment. Once a 500ml water sample has been taken, each of your chosen contaminants will be measured and reported within a structured document. This document is a professional report and is recommended for individuals and businesses that are experiencing unusual water issues or who are about to invest in significant equipment purchases. This document can then be used when in discussions with equipment suppliers, local councils, and water authorities.
Pros: This method will provide you with a detailed analysis of your water source and has an accuracy of up to +/-0.02 ppm.
Cons: Each report will generally be somewhere between $60-$120, depending on the service provider.
Depending on your available budget, quality of report needed, and type of application, our friendly team will be able to assist you in choosing the right water testing method for you. Give us a call today on1300 115 754 or send us an email at [email protected].
