Help
Options
Didn't know it?
click below
click below
Knew it?
click below
click below
Don't Know
Remaining cards (0)
Know
retry
shuffle
restart
0:00
Embed Code - If you would like this activity on your web page, copy the script below and paste it into your web page.
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Normal Size Small Size show me how
Water Quality Testin
As a home inspector you should know the following about Water Quality Testing
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Who is responsible for monitoring the water quality of private wells? | The well owner is entirely responsible, as private well water supplies are not monitored by government or municipal agencies |
| Why is water quality testing required during a home purchase? | It is required by many banks and mortgage lending institutions, including FHA, VA, and HUD mortgages |
| How often should private water supplies be tested for nitrate and bacteria? | Private water supplies should be tested for nitrate and bacterial contamination annually |
| When is the best time of year to test for coliform bacteria? | In the spring during wet weather, when runoff is most likely to carry contaminants into the groundwater |
| Why is testing for bacteria in dry or frozen weather less reliable? | Bacteria are likely to be at lower, harder-to-detect concentrations under these conditions |
| Name 2 health-related events that trigger an immediate water test | 1) people suffer from a suspected waterborne illness 2) pregnant woman or infant under 6 months becomes sick |
| Name 2 physical well events that trigger a water test | 1) flood or large storm affecting the wellhead 2) Anytime maintenance work is performed on the well |
| What physical changes in tap water signal a need for testing? | Any noticeable change in water taste, color, or smell |
| What is the most basic test for bacterial contamination? | The test for total coliform bacteria, which indicates the general sanitary condition of the water supply |
| Where are total coliform bacteria naturally found? | In the soil, in water influenced by surface water, and in human or animal waste |
| Where are fecal coliform bacteria specifically found? | They are present specifically in the gut and feces of warm-blooded animals |
| Which specific bacterium is the best indicator of fecal pollution? | E. coli, because it is generally not found growing or reproducing freely in the environment |
| What are the 3 categories used to define water quality? | 1) Biological content (bacteria/viruses) 2) Chemical content (metals/nutrients) 3) Physical content (turbidity/color/odor) |
| What can happen if water pH is less than 6.5 or greater than 8.0? | It may cause pipes to corrode and release toxic metals like copper, lead, and zinc into the water |
| What are the symptoms of a high concentration of iron in water? | A metallic taste, stained clothing and fixtures, and the growth of iron bacteria |
| What health hazard is caused by excessive nitrate in drinking water? | It can cause methemoglobinemia, also known as blue baby syndrome, in infants and ruminant animals |
| Where do nitrites in groundwater typically originate from? | Runoff from fertilizer use, leaching from septic tanks, sewage, and erosion of natural deposits |
| What is water hardness, and how does it affect soap? | It is water's ability to produce soapsuds. Hard water requires more soap and leaves a white film on plumbing |
| What health issues have been linked to water that is too hard? | Calcification of the brain and the development of kidney stones. |
| Where does lead contamination in drinking water usually come from? | Not the water supply itself, but the household distribution piping, fixtures, and solder used at pipe fittings |
| Where do you send your collected samples of water? | Local Water Testing Treatment facility |
Created by:
normandesch