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Fredericktowne Labs is now offering 3
testing packages for homeowners. For an explanation of each test,
click on the name of the test on the list below. Please call
for package pricing.
The Basic Package
Bacteria
pH
Nitrates
Nitrites
Chloride
Sulfate
Fluoride
Turbidity
Hardness
Iron
The Intermediate Package
Bacteria
pH
Nitrates
Nitrites
Chloride
Sulfate
Fluoride
Turbidity
Hardness
Iron
Aluminum
Manganese
Lead
Copper
Zinc
Calcium
Magnesium
Sodium
The Comprehensive Package
Bacteria
pH
Nitrates
Nitrites
Chloride
Sulfate
Fluoride
Turbidity
Hardness
Iron
Aluminum
Manganese
Lead
Copper
Zinc
Arsenic
Mercury
Calcium
Magnesium
Sodium
Selenium
Potassium
Trihalomethanes (4
compounds)
Regulated VOC’s (20 compounds)
Unregulated VOC’s (38 compounds)
MCL = Maximum Contaminant Level in drinking water as recommended by
the EPA
Aluminum
(Guidance Level = 0.2 mg/L)
Aluminum occurs naturally in water and is also used in water
treatment processes to flocculate suspended particles. No standard
has been set, but at high levels it has been suggested that it may
cause skeletal and neurological problems.
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Arsenic
(MCL = 0.05 mg/L)
Arsenic in water can result from both natural processes and
industrial activities, including smelting operations, use of
arsenical pesticides and industrial waste disposal. Exposure above
the MCL may cause skin damage, cancer, or problems with the
circulatory system.
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Calcium
Calcium is the major source of “hardness” in water where it can be a
nuisance. It builds up on the interior of pipes, water heater coils,
boilers and plumbing fixtures, but it also makes the water taste
good and is good for you. At low levels, it is helpful in water
supplies as it tends to form a coating on pipes and helps prevent
corrosion.
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Chloride
During the past 20 years there has been a general rise in chloride
levels in wells resulting from salt being used for road de-icing.
High levels contribute to the corrosiveness of water on pipes and
heating equipment. It’s usually accompanied by high sodium levels,
which can be a health concern to some individuals.
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Coliform Bacteria/E. coli
Coliform bacteria are present in soils and E. coli in human and
animal feces. The presence of these bacteria may indicate surface
water intrusion contamination or contamination from a septic system.
EPA considers them to be the indicator organisms for “safe” drinking
water.
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Copper
(MCL = 1.0 mg/L)
Water can be a significant source of copper intake depending upon
the geographical location, the character of the water, the
temperature of the water and the presence of copper pipes. Copper
has toxic effects at high dose levels and may cause kidney or liver
damage; but it is an essential element at lower levels.
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Fluoride
(MCL = 4.0 mg/L)
Fluoride at an optimum level of 1 mg/L has been shown to be
effective in reducing dental caries. At levels over 2.4 mg/L it
may cause mottling of teeth and bone disease.
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Hardness
Hardness is a measure of how much calcium and magnesium carbonate is
dissolved in the water. Hard water is generally good tasting and
good for you; however it can produce scaling on plumbing fixtures
and give poor sudsing characteristics. FTL measures hardness in
mg/L. Low = 0-75mg/L; moderate = 76-150mg/L; hard = 151-250mg/L;
very hard 251 or more mg/L. 1mg/L is equal to 0.058 grains/gallon.
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Iron
(Guidance level = 0.3 mg/L)
When iron comes in contact with oxygen, it changes to a reddish
compound that can discolor bathroom fixtures and laundry. It can
also impart a metallic taste to the water.
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Lead
(MCL = 0.015 mg/L)
Lead enters drinking water primarily as a result of the corrosion of
materials containing lead that are in the water distribution system
and household plumbing such as lead-based solder, brass, and chrome
plated brass faucets. In some cases, it could come from pipes made
of lead that connect your house water to service lines. High levels
may cause delays in physical and mental development in children. In
adults it may contribute to kidney problems and high blood pressure.
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Magnesium
Along with calcium, a contributor to the hardness of water. See
comments on calcium. Both calcium and magnesium enter the water when
it is in contact with limestone. Water softeners remove “hardness”
by replacing the calcium and magnesium with sodium.
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Manganese
(MCL = 0.05 mg/L)
Manganese is similar to iron, but it produces a brown/black
discoloration rather than the rust red of iron. A high level
produces a very unpleasant odor and taste in water and may produce
black deposits. Chlorine bleach should not be used in laundry washed
in high iron or manganese water because it causes stains to set in
clothing.
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Mercury
(MCL = 0.002 mg/L)
Almost all mercury detected to date in drinking water is in the form
of inorganic mercury. Inorganic mercury is poorly absorbed through
the gastrointestinal tract, does not penetrate cell membranes
rapidly and is less toxic than methyl mercury. However, inorganic
mercury may cause liver damage.
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Nitrate
(MCL = 10 mg/L)
Nitrite
(MCL = 1.0 mg/L)
Major sources of nitrates or nitrites in drinking water include
fertilizer, sewage and feedlots. Infants who drink water containing
nitrates in excess of the MCL may develop shortness of breath and
blue baby syndrome.
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pH
(Recommended range 6.5-8.0)
pH is a measure of how acid or alkaline the water is. Low numbers
(around 5) indicate acid water and are usually associated with
corrosion problems, pin hole plumbing leaks and can contribute to
high lead and copper levels.
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Phosphate
Ortho-phosphates are applied to agricultural land or residential
cultivated land as fertilizers and are carried into surface waters
as runoff which may then penetrate into wells or aquifers. Can
indicate a possible contamination of the water by agricultural
practices.
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Potassium
Potassium is an essential element in both plant and human nutrition,
and occurs in groundwater as a result of mineral dissolution, from
decomposing plant material, and from agricultural runoff.
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Selenium
(MCL = 0.05
mg/L)
Selenium occurs naturally in some rocks and soils but can also
indicate contamination from mines and refineries. Selenium is an
essential nutrient at low levels but at high dose levels it is
toxic.
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Sodium
A guidance level of 20 mg/L in drinking water is suggested by the
EPA for the high risk population of hypertensives and heart
patients. Food accounts for approximately 90% of the daily intake of
sodium, whereas water contributes up to the remaining 10%
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Sulfate
(Guidance Level = 250 mg/L)
Sulfate is found in almost all natural waters. At high levels it may
indicate septic or agricultural leaching into the water supply. Can
be a precursor to hydrogen sulfide or “rotten egg” odor and taste in
the drinking water.
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Trihalomethanes
THM compounds have been found in most chlorinated water supplies in
the US; typically they are produced in the treatment process as a
result of chlorination. Toxicological studies suggest that
chloroform is a potential human carcinogen. Exposure above MCL may
cause liver, kidney or central nervous system problems.
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Turbidity
Turbidity refers to the degree of cloudiness in water due to
suspended particles. If turbidity increases after a rain, it can
indicate that surface water intrusion is occurring in the well. High
turbidity levels are often associated with disease-causing
microorganisms such as viruses, parasites and some bacteria.
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Volatile Organic Compounds
VOC’s include 62 different organic compounds. None of them occur
naturally in water. They can indicate gasoline contamination if
benzene, ethylbenzene, toluene, xylenes or methyl tertiary butyl
ether (MTBE) are observed, or they can detect other organic
compounds and solvents such as methylene chloride, tricholroethylene
(TCE), tetracholorethylene (PERC/PCE) or carbon tetrachloride.
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Zinc
(Guidance level = <5 mg/L)
Zinc most commonly enters the domestic water supply from
deterioration of galvanized iron and dezincification of brass. In
such cases lead and cadmium also may be present because they are
impurities of the zinc used in galvanizing. Zinc in water also may
result from industrial waste pollution.
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"Ensuring public health and safety is
a process. Fredericktowne Labs Inc. is proud to make an
important contribution to that process."
-Dr. M. L. Miller, Laboratory Director
Comprehensive Analytical Testing Services
Certified in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia
  
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