We are often asked about water testing. I have enclosed a typical response in the hope that some people will find it helpful.

“With regard to your spring, if it is a true spring then it may not require filtration. However, true springs are very rare and most springs can best be described as surface derived sources. Even if the water comes from deep underground (which is unlikely) it may be mixed with surface water.

Bacteria can live in water for up to 3 months. So, the question is, can your ‘spring’ water get into your drinking tap within 3 months. Assuming the answer is yes, then from a risk assessment point of view you can assume that the water will fail to meet the standards for microbiological contamination. With regard to testing, research tells us that the quality of a surface derived source is determined by the prevailing weather conditions. This in effect means you could test in the morning and get a microbiological pass and test in the evening and get a fail.

However, one contaminant in water tends to remain the same throughout the year and that is pH. Anything below 7 means that your water is likely to cause corrosion of your copper pipes and hot water cylinder and lead to green / blue staining of fixtures and fittings.

Both microbiological contamination and pH are easily treated. We would however recommend a free of charge site survey before we provide a quotation as the type of equipment will vary according to water usage, space available and the overall quality of the water.”