How to Test Water Purity

Fill a clean, clear glass with water from your tap., Hold the glass up to the light and take a look at the water., Smell the water., Buy a water purity test kit, which can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.

6 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Fill a clean

    Is it clear or cloudy? Can you see particles floating in the water or settling to the bottom of the glass? Anything other than clear liquid could be a sign of bacterial or particulate contamination. , Does it smell like rotten eggs, a swimming pool, nail polish remover, or anything else unpleasant? These odors could indicate the presence of high chlorine content, organic solvents, or naturally-occurring sulfur. , The tests typically measure chlorine, nitrates and nitrites, minerals such as iron, copper, and lead, and the hardness of your water.

    The results will be more accurate than you can get by simply looking at your water.

    Water purity test kits typically cost less than $40.

    Test kits are not difficult to read.

    For the test itself, you'll dip test strips into your water.

    Your kit will come with a chart that will help you read the test strips and determine what is in your water.

    Not only will you be able to see what kinds of contaminates may be in your water, you will also be able to see if they are present in safe or dangerous levels.

    Based on the results of your test kit, you may want to purchase a water filtering system for your home or call your water utility for other options on purifying your water.
  2. Step 2: clear glass with water from your tap.

  3. Step 3: Hold the glass up to the light and take a look at the water.

  4. Step 4: Smell the water.

  5. Step 5: Buy a water purity test kit

  6. Step 6: which can be purchased online or at a local hardware store.

Detailed Guide

Is it clear or cloudy? Can you see particles floating in the water or settling to the bottom of the glass? Anything other than clear liquid could be a sign of bacterial or particulate contamination. , Does it smell like rotten eggs, a swimming pool, nail polish remover, or anything else unpleasant? These odors could indicate the presence of high chlorine content, organic solvents, or naturally-occurring sulfur. , The tests typically measure chlorine, nitrates and nitrites, minerals such as iron, copper, and lead, and the hardness of your water.

The results will be more accurate than you can get by simply looking at your water.

Water purity test kits typically cost less than $40.

Test kits are not difficult to read.

For the test itself, you'll dip test strips into your water.

Your kit will come with a chart that will help you read the test strips and determine what is in your water.

Not only will you be able to see what kinds of contaminates may be in your water, you will also be able to see if they are present in safe or dangerous levels.

Based on the results of your test kit, you may want to purchase a water filtering system for your home or call your water utility for other options on purifying your water.

About the Author

J

Jerry Peterson

Writer and educator with a focus on practical crafts knowledge.

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