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NDSU EXTENSION NDSU EXTENSION

WQ1341 (Revised August 2019) It’s All In Your Water

Drinking Water Quality:

Testing and Interpreting Your Results
Public water systems in This publication will answer the following questions:
North Dakota cooperate with
• What should your water be tested for?
the North Dakota Department of
• What samples do I need?
Environmental Quality (NDDEQ)
to ensure compliance with safe water • Where can I have my water tested?
guidelines set by the Environmental • How do I interpret my results?
Protection Agency’s (EPA) Safe • How do I correct my problem?
Drinking Water Act. These rules
The following chart provides a quick overview of acceptable levels for
do not cover private wells.
drinking water. A more detailed explanation is on Pages 4-6 of this publication.
The owner of a private well is
responsible for testing the water,
interpreting the results and making A Quick Look at Safe Levels in Drinking Water
necessary changes to the system. (most are based on EPA recommendations)
Although the EPA cannot force private mg/l means milligrams per liter
well owners to comply with the EPA
Coliform bacteria No coliform bacteria is acceptable
guidelines, the agency’s maximum
contaminant levels can serve as a pH 6.0 to 9.5*
reference for safe drinking water. Nitrates Less than 10 mg/l as NO3 –N
An unacceptable water sample Less than 45 mg/l as NO3
may be based on bacterial analysis, Total dissolved solids (TDS) Less than 1,500 mg/l
chemical characteristics of the water Chloride Less than 250 mg/l
(such as chlorides, iron and hardness)
Fluoride 0.7 – 1.2 mg/l
or physical characteristics (such as
Calcium and magnesium Calcium – limits not set by EPA
odor, taste and color). Magnesium greater than 125 mg/l may show laxative effects
Iron and manganese Iron less than 0.3 mg/l
Manganese less than 0.05 mg/l
Sodium Less than 100 mg/l
Sulfates Less than 250 mg/l
Arsenic Less than 10 parts per billion
Reviewed by Conductivity Less than 2.1 millimhos per centimeter
Tom Scherer, Ph.D. Total hardness Less than 270 mg/l
Extension Agricultural Engineer Turbidity 1 turbidity unit (TU).
North Dakota State University Note: greater than 5 TUs are detectable easily in a glass of
water and usually are objectionable for aesthetic reasons.
Potassium No maximum limit has been set
Color Less than 10 color units
* Many public water supplies in North Dakota use lime-soda softening in one step of the water treatment process.
To comply with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Lead and Copper rule and prevent leaching of these
North Dakota State University elements from piping systems, they have to maintain the pH above 9 to be effective.
Fargo, North Dakota
1  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results
 How Do I Collect Where Do I Have
What Should My a Sample? My Water Tested?
Water Be Tested For? Sample collection methods are based A list of laboratories in North Dakota
New wells or homes: on the type of analysis you desire. can be found on the last page of
this publication, on the Internet at
• Bacteria
Bacterial Analysis www.ndsu.edu/waterquality,
• Routine water analysis, at your local Extension office or at
A sterile container provided by the
including: the North Dakota Department of
testing laboratory is required for a
– Conductivity Environmental Quality at 701-328-6140.
bacteria test. Check with the laboratory
– Magnesium for sampling and timing instructions To select a lab, consider convenience
– Manganese (total) because samples must reach the lab and services offered.

– Sodium absorption ratio (SAR) within 36 hours. Do not to rinse

containers because most contain
– pH
preservatives. Now That I Have the
– Sodium
Results, What Do
– Nitrates
Routine Water Analysis for These Numbers Mean?
– Total dissolved solids (TDS) Minerals and Chemicals Figures 1 and 2 are examples of water
– Calcium A “raw” water sample is preferred for analyses reports. The report will
– Iron (total) a routine water analysis. If possible, contain a list of contaminants for
– Hardness bypass water treatment units, such as which the water was tested and the
water softeners, reverse osmosis (RO) measured concentration of each.
Existing wells: systems and iron removal systems, The report also may highlight
Annual testing when collecting the sample. A second any problems.
sample taken after the water has passed
• Each year, general indicators, The concentration is the amount
through the treatment equipment will
including: of a given substance (weight) in a
help you determine if your equipment
– Bacteria, pH, nitrate and specific amount of water (volume).
is functioning properly.
total dissolved solids The most common concentration unit
– Any constituents that were Give special attention to contaminants used is milligrams per liter (mg/l),
at or near the drinking water that have tested high in the past or which, in water, is approximately
standard in previous years when concerns arise from health issues. equal to one part per million (ppm).
Use a clean plastic or glass container
Many compounds are measured
Existing wells: to collect a 1-quart sample. Contain-
in smaller concentrations, such as
Every five years or ers previously used for bleach, soap or
micrograms per liter or parts per
if you notice a change other substances will contaminate the
billion (ppb). Some contaminants
in water quality water sample. Rinse the container and
lid three times with the water that will have units that are specific to the
• Comprehensive water analysis test and others are expressed as an
be tested. Laboratories recommend
• Routine water analysis, plus: samples reach them within two weeks. index number and not in terms of
– Potassium concentration, and therefore have
no units.
– Alkalinity Water Sampling in
– Chloride Active Oil Drilling Areas An online water quality interpretation
– Fluoride If you are concerned about water tool has been developed to assist you
quality due to present or future oil in evaluating your drinking, livestock
– Sulfate
activity, a list of suggested tests is and irrigation water quality test reports.
available in NDSU publication A link to the interpretive tool can be
Note: Keep copies of all results
WQ1614, “Baseline Water Quality found at: https://erams.com/wqtool.
so you can track changes
in your water quality in Areas of Oil Activity,” or through
through time. the laboratories listed on pages 7
and 8 of this publication. continued on page 4

2  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

 Analytical Laboratory Report
Figure 1.
Client: Client Name Collected by: KM
Sample Analytical
Project: Analytical Laboratory Services Project Number: CL000001
Date Collected: 1/5/14 Time Collected: 7:35 a.m.
Laboratory Report
Sample Identification: Kitchen tap Lab Number: 01000

Analysis Results Units

Total coliform bacteria 50 #/100ml
Nitrate-nitrogen 4.55 mg/l
pH 7.50
Iron 0.55 mg/l
Hardness as CaCo3 280 mg/l
Sulfate-sulfur 32.0 mg/l
Chloride 25.4 mg/l
Specific conductance 344 umhos/cc

The test results indicate this water sample does not meet EPA drinking water standards.
The following notes apply to this sample:
  The total coliform bacteria exceeded the acceptable level of no bacteria.
  The iron level exceeded the limit of 0.3 mg/l.

Submitted by: __________________________  Laboratory Manager

Your City Public Health Environmental Laboratory

Figure 2.
Sample John Doe Order Number: 03-659
1234 West Drive Sample Number: 03-1230
Bacteriological Great Town, ND 58000
Testing Report Phone: 701-222-2222 Receive Date: 4/11/2014
Fax: Receive Time: 9:30 AM

Owner: John Doe

Collection Site: North Well Crete Area
Collection Date: 4/10/2014 Collected by: John Doe
Collection Time: 2:30 PM Source: Water

Analysis
Analyte Result Date Time Analyst
Total Coliform Absent 4/11/2014 1:45 PM D. Johnson
E. coli Absent 4/11/2014 1:45 PM D. Johnson
Nitrate-Nitrate as N <2.0 mg/L 4/11/2014 1:45 PM D. Johnson

Interpretation of Results
A total coliform bacteria and E. coli bacteria result in “Absent” indicates that none of these bacterium
were detected in the sample. The water may be considered safe for human consumption.
A total coliform bacteria result of “Present” indicates that bacteria was detected in the sample. This water
should not be consumed until corrective action is taken. If you need instructions on ways to correct this
problem, call (701) 222-2222.
The maximum contaminate level for Nitrate-Nitrite as N in drinking water, as determined by the E.P.A.,
is 10 mg/L (or parts per million (ppm)). Water with Nitrate-Nitrite as N less than 10 mg/L is considered
safe for human consumption. If the level is higher than 10 mg/L, the water should not be consumed until
corrective action is taken. If you need instructions on ways to correct this problem, call (701) 222-2222.

3  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

Instructions on how to use the E.coli outbreaks related to food Alkalinity is not considered
interpretive tool are on the website. contamination have received media detrimental to humans but generally
After you enter the numbers from attention. These outbreaks are caused is associated with high pH values,
your water test report, the tool will by a specific strain of E. coli known as hardness and excessive dissolved
provide guidelines for acceptable E. coli 0157:H7. A positive E. coli result solids. High-alkalinity waters also
or unacceptable concentrations. does not necessarily mean this specific may have a distinctly flat, unpleasant
strain is present. However, it does taste. Treatment is an ion exchange
For more information: indicate recent fecal contamination, via the addition of a tank media or
n U.S. Environmental Protection which should be interpreted as an reverse osmosis.
Agency, Safe Drinking Water Act indication of a greater risk that
water.epa.gov/drink pathogens are present. Arsenic
n North Dakota Department of Arsenic is a semimetalic element
Disease-causing microbes (pathogens)
Environmental Quality that is odorless and tasteless.
www.deq.nd.gov/WQ in these wastes can cause diarrhea,
cramps, nausea, headaches or other It enters drinking water supplies from
symptoms. These pathogens may pose natural deposits in the earth, or from
Interpreting a a special health risk for infants, young agricultural and industrial practices.
Bacteriological Test children and people with severely According to the EPA, long-term
All water has some form of bacteria compromised immune systems. exposure to arsenic in drinking
in it. The presence of bacteria does water is linked to cancer of the bladder,
Shock chlorination should be
not mean the water is unsafe to drink. lungs, skin, kidneys, nasal passages,
performed on a well that reports a
Only disease-causing bacteria known liver and prostate. Noncancerous
positive E.coli or fecal coliform test.
as pathogens lead to disease. Your test effects of ingesting arsenic include
For instructions on chlorination,
results should include total coliform cardiovascular, pulmonary, immuno-
watch a video at https://www.youtube.
bacteria. Total coliform bacteria are logical, neurological and endocrinal
com/watch?v=MZJ6FxK6cwk.
a group of several kinds of bacteria (for example, diabetes) problems.
commonly found in the environment, Repeat the bacteria test within
including soil, vegetation and untreated seven days to confirm the Treatment depends on the level of con-
surface water. They also are found in effectiveness of the chlorination. tamination. Typical recommendations
the intestinal tract of warm-blooded include the addition of an anion filter
animals, including humans. or tank media.
Interpreting a n Refer to the list of publications on page 8
A laboratory commonly will report
the bacteriological test as positive or Mineral Analysis for more information on filtration.

negative, indicating the presence or Alkalinity Calcium and Magnesium

absence of total coliform bacteria. Alkalinity is a measure of the Calcium and magnesium are the
A negative total coliform bacteria capacity of water to neutralize acids. main contributors to water hardness.
result means the water is safe for The predominant chemicals present When water is heated, calcium breaks
human consumption from a in natural waters are carbonates, down and precipitates out of the
bacteriological standpoint. bicarbonates and hydroxides. The solution, forming scale. Maximum
bicarbonate ion is usually prevalent. limits have not been established for
A positive total coliform test would
However, the ratio of these ions is a calcium. Magnesium concentrations
indicate unsanitary conditions and the
function of pH, mineral composition, greater than 125 mg/l may have a
possible presence of disease-causing
temperature and ionic strength. laxative effect on some people.
organisms. Further testing should
Water may have a low alkalinity Treatment for calcium is softening
include the subgroup fecal coliform
rating but a relatively high pH or (tank media) and reverse osmosis.
and its subgroup, Escherichia coli
vice versa, so alkalinity alone is not Magnesium levels can be controlled
(E. coli). A positive fecal coliform
of major importance as a measure through distillation.
would indicate possible recent sewage
of water quality.
or animal waste contamination.

4  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

Chloride Fluoride Adults can drink water with
High concentrations of chloride Fluoride concentrations of 0.7 to considerably higher concentrations
ions can cause water to have an 1.2 mg/l in drinking water will than infants without adverse effects.
objectionable salty taste and corrode protect against dental cavities. Treatment of such water includes
hot-water plumbing systems. However, excessive levels (more than anionic ion exchange, reverse osmosis,
High-chloride waters have a laxative 1.5 mg/l) may cause discoloration, or distillation and/or deionization.
effect for some people. An upper limit mottling of the teeth. This occurs only n Refer to the list of publications on page 8
of 250 mg/l has been set for chloride in developing teeth before they push for more information on softening.

ions, although noticing the taste at through. Elevated fluoride levels

this level is difficult, and even higher also may cause skeletal damage and pH
concentrations do not appear to cause bone disease. Because low levels of The pH of water is a measure of acidity
adverse health effects. An increase in fluoride are common in groundwater, or alkalinity. The pH is a logarithmic
the normal chloride content of water most municipalities add fluoride to scale based on a measure of the free
may indicate possible pollution from the water. hydrogen ions in the water. The scale
human sewage, animal manure or runs from 0 to 14, where 7 is considered
industrial wastes. Iron and Manganese neutral, 0 to 7 is acidic and 7 to 14 is
Iron in concentrations greater than alkaline. Because pH can be affected
Color 0.3 mg/l and manganese in concentra- by dissolved minerals and chemicals,
Color may indicate dissolved organic tions greater than 0.05 mg/l may cause it is an important indicator of the
material, inadequate treatment and brown and black stains on laundry, change in water chemistry.
high disinfectant demand, and may plumbing fixtures and sinks. A metallic According to the U.S. Environmental
indicate the potential for the production taste also may be present, and it may Protection Agency, drinking water with
of excessive amounts of disinfectant affect the taste of beverages made a pH between 6.0 and 9.5 generally
byproducts. Inorganic contaminants, from the water. High concentrations is considered satisfactory. Several
such as metals, are also common of iron and manganese do not appear public water supplies that use the
causes of color. In general, the point to present a health hazard. Treatment Missouri, James or Red River as their
of consumer complaint is variable, includes a water softener or iron filter source of water have to maintain the
ranging from 5 to 30 color units, for iron and reverse osmosis for pH above 9 keep them in compliance
although most people find color manganese. with the Lead and Copper rule of the
objectionable in excess of 10 color n Refer to the list of publications on page 8 Safe Drinking Water Act, which details
units. Other contaminants that may be for more information on softening, and how to prevent leaching of these
related to change in water color include iron and manganese removal.
elements from piping systems.
aluminum, copper, foaming agents,
iron, manganese and total dissolved Nitrates Water with a pH below 6 or above 9.5
solids. Treatment is reverse osmosis. The results reported for nitrates can be can be corrosive to metal plumbing
confusing because they may be report- pipes and fixtures. The pH of water
Conductivity ed as nitrogen (N) or nitrate-nitrogen can affect the performance of
or as nitrate (NO3). The following are pesticides, particularly herbicides.
Conductivity is a measure of the
conductance of an electric current in the maximum levels for each:
water. This is an easy measurement to • Nitrogen (N) or nitrate-nitrogen Potassium
make and relates closely to the total (NO3-N) should not be higher than Potassium concentrations in water
dissolved solids (mineral) content of 10mg/L. are generally very small. Although
water. The maximum contaminant • Nitrate (NO3) should not be higher excessive amounts may have a laxative
level (MCL) is 0.4 to 0.85 micro than 45mg/L. effect, the EPA has not established a
Siemens per centimeter. Treatment maximum limit. Potassium (chloride)
with reverse osmosis is effective High nitrate levels may cause is used as a replacement for salt in
for drinking water purposes. methemoglobanemia (infant cyanosis water softeners when dietary sodium
or “blue baby disease”) in infants who intake is a health issue.
drink water or formula made from
water containing nitrate levels higher
than recommended.

5  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

Sodium Sulfates Total Hardness
Sodium is a very active metal that Water containing high levels of sulfates, Hardness is the property that makes
does not occur naturally in a free particularly magnesium sulfate water form an insoluble curd with
state. It always is combined with other (Epson salts) and sodium sulfates soap and primarily is due to the
substances. In the human body, sodium (Glauber’s salt) may have a laxative presence of calcium and magnesium.
helps maintain the water balance. effect on people unaccustomed to the Very hard waters have no known
Human intake of sodium is mainly water. These effects vary among adverse health effects and may be
influenced by the consumption of individuals and appear to last only more palatable than soft waters.
sodium as sodium chloride or table until they become accustomed to Hard water is primarily of concern
salt. The contribution of drinking using the water. High sulfate content because it requires more soap for
water is normally small, compared also affects the taste of water and effective cleaning; forms scum and
with other sources. forms a hard scale in boilers and curd; causes yellowing of fabrics;
heat exchangers. The upper limit toughens vegetables cooked in
The treatment for certain heart
recommended for sulfates is 250 mg/l. the water; and forms scale in
conditions, circulatory or kidney
Treatment includes reverse osmosis. boilers, water heaters, pipes
diseases, or cirrhosis of the liver may
and cooking utensils.
include sodium restriction. Diets for
these people should be designed with
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) The hardness of high-quality
the sodium content of their drinking High concentrations of TDS may water should not exceed 270 mg/l
water taken into account. affect taste adversely and deteriorate (15.5 grains per gallon) measured as
plumbing and appliances. The EPA calcium carbonate. Water softer than
The National Academy of Sciences has recommends that water containing 30 to 50 mg/l may be corrosive to
suggested a standard for public water more than 500 mg/l of dissolved piping, depending on pH, alkalinity
allowing no more than 100 mg/l of solids not be used if other less and dissolved oxygen. Water softeners
sodium. This would ensure that the mineralized supplies are available. will correct hard water of more than
water supply adds no more than However, water containing more than 270 mg/l.
10 percent of the average person’s 500 mg/l of TDS is not dangerous
total sodium intake. n Refer to the list of publications on page 8
to drink. for more information on softening.
The American Health Association Exclusive of most treated public
recommends a more conservative water supplies, the Missouri River, Turbidity
standard of 20 mg/l to protect heart a few freshwater lakes and scattered Turbidity is a measure of suspended
and kidney patients. wells, very few water supplies in minerals, bacteria, plankton, and
North Dakota contain less than the dissolved organic and inorganic
Softening by ion exchange or lime-
recommended 500mg/L concentration substances. Turbidity often is
soda ash increases the sodium content
of total dissolved solids. Many house- associated with surface water sources.
approximately 8 mg/l for each gr/gal
holds in the state use drinking water Treatment includes mixing with a
(grain per gallon) of hardness removed.
supplies with concentrations up to substance such as alum that causes
Treatment includes the use of
2,000 mg/l and greater. Treatment coagulation of the suspended materials,
potassium chloride instead of sodium
for household use is reverse osmosis. which then can be removed by sand
chloride softener pellets (softener salt)
filter filtration.
or, alternatively, restricting drinking
water from this source.

Water Testing Labs

in North Dakota
The following chart lists
laboratories in North Dakota
that test drinking water.

6  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

 Lab Information
Also available on:  www.ndsu.edu/waterquality

Bacteria
Lab Name Phone Number Address and Nitrate Chemistries

Astro Chem Lab Inc. 701-572-7355 4102 2nd Ave. W. Bacteria Conductivity, residual sodium carbonate, sodium adsorption ratio
http://astrochemlab.com P.O. Box 972 only (SAR), hardness, total dissolved solids (TDS), sodium chloride,
Williston, ND 58802 calcium, magnesium, sodium, iron, potassium, chloride, carbonate,
bicarbonate, sulfate, nitrate, pH
Others: Alkalinity, filterable residue, copper, manganese, nickel,
silver, zinc, barium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and selenium

Fargo Cass Public Health 701-298-6986 435 14th Ave. S. Bacteria Complete Potable Water: Coliform bacteria, nitrates, calcium,
Environmental Laboratory 701-298-6997 Fargo, ND 58103 and Nitrate sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, magnesium, total hardness
Partial Water Chemistry: Calcium, sodium, magnesium,
potassium, manganese, iron, total hardness
Complete Water Chemistry: pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids,
turbidity, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, manganese,
total hardness, chloride, fluoride, nitrate, sulfate, P&M alkalinity
Irrigation Series: Calcium, magnesium, sodium, sodium
absorption ratio (SAR), conductivity
Trace Minerals: Lead, arsenic, copper, etc.
Others: Alkalinity, dissolved organic carbon, total organic carbon,
UV 254, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, nickel, zinc, antimony,
selenium, thallium, mercury, bromide, orthophosphate, sulfate

First District Health 701-852-1376 801 11th Ave. S.W. Bacteria Chemical Analysis: Conductivity, total dissolved solids,
Unit Laboratory P.O. Box 1268 and Nitrate total hardness, iron, manganese, sodium, nitrate.
www.fdhu.org Minot, ND 58702
Quantitative Tests: Calcium/magnesium, chloride, chlorine, sulfate,
fluoride, potassium, iron, magnesium, nitrates, turbidity, total
suspended solids
Irrigation Water Quality: Specific conductance @ 25 F.
total dissolved solids, hardness, iron, sodium, nitrates, pH

City of Grand Forks 701-746-2595 503 4th St. S. Bacteria Biology and wet chemistries are available to the public.
Environmental Laboratory Grand Forks, ND 58201 only For more information, call the number listed.

Minnesota Valley Testing 701-258-9720 2616 East Broadway Ave. Bacteria Routine Water Analysis: Conductivity, sodium, hardness, pH,
Laboratories Inc. (MVTL) Bismarck, ND 58501 and Nitrate iron (total), calcium, manganese (total), magnesium, nitrates,
www.mvtl.com sodium absorption ratio (SAR), total dissolved solids (TDS)
Comprehensive Water Analysis: Routine water analysis plus
potassium, alkalinity, chloride, fluoride, sulfate
Stock Pond Series: Conductivity, sulfate, total dissolved solids (TDS),
nitrate
Irrigation Series: Conductivity, sodium, total dissolved solids (TDS),
sodium absorption ratio (SAR), calcium, magnesium
Others: Filterable residue, total organic carbon, aluminum, barium,
beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, molybdenum, nickel, silver,
vanadium, zinc, antimony, arsenic, lead, selenium, thallium, uranium,
mercury, cyanide

continued

7  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results

 Phone Bacteria
Lab Name Number Address and Nitrate Chemistries

North Dakota 701-328-6140 Chemistry Division Nitrate Partial Mineral Chemistry: Bicarbonate, calcium, carbonate,
Department
of 2635 Main Ave. E. only conductivity, iron, magnesium, manganese, percent sodium, pH,

Environmental Quality Bismarck ND 58501 potassium, sodium, sodium absorption ratio (SAR)
www.deq.nd.gov/chemistry
or Complete Mineral Chemistry: Partial mineral chemistry

Call for current pricing P.O. Box 5520 plus chloride, fluoride, sulfate
Bismarck, ND 58506
Call
701-328-6140 for a Lead and copper
water sampling mailing kit
Fluoride
Others: Chloroacetic acid, bromoacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid,
dibromoacetic acid, trichloroacetic acid, chloroform, bromoform,
dibromochloromethane, dichlorobromomethane, nitrite, nitrate + nitrite,
cyanide, fluoride, uranium, antimony, arsenic, barium, beryllium, cadmium,
chromium, mercury, selenium, thallium, 2,4,5-TP (silvex), 2,4-D, alachlor,
atazine, carbonfuran, chlordane, dibromochloropropane, ethylene
dibromide, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, nethoxychlor,
pentachlorophenol, polychlorinated biphenyls, toxaphene, banzo(a)pyrene,
dalapon, di(2-ethylhexyl) adipate, di(2-ethylyhexyl)phthalate, dinoseb,
diquat, endothall, endrin, glyphosate, hexachlorobenzene,
hexachlorocyclopentadiene, oxamyl, picloram, simazine,
1,1,1-trichloroethane, 1,1,2-trichloroethane, 1,1-Dichloroethylene,
1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichlorobenzene, 1,2-Dichloroethane,
1,2-Dichloropropane, 1,4-Dichlorobenzene, benzene, carbon tetrachloride,
chlorobenzene, cis-1,2-dichloroethylene, dichloromethane, ethylbenzene,
styrene, tetrachloroethylene, toluene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene,
trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, xylenes (total)

Southwestern 701-483-0171 2869 3rd Ave. W. Bacteria No mineral or other chemistries

District Health Unit Dickinson, ND 58601 and Nitrate
http://swdhu.net/swdhu

Related Publications at:

www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/environment-natural-resources/household-water-supply

WQ1029   Filtration: Sediment, Activated Carbon and Mixed Media

WQ1030   It’s All in Your Water: Iron and Manganese Removal
WQ1031   Water Softening (Ion Exchange)
WQ1352   What‘s Wrong With My Water? Choosing the Right Test
WQ1614   Baseline Water Quality in Areas of Oil Development

• The printing and development cost of this publication was paid, in part, by the
Northern Plains and Mountains Regional Water Program in partnership with the USDA-NIFA.
• NDSU Extension is solely responsible for the content of this publication.
• This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture,
U.S. Department of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2004-51130-022848

This publication was authored by Roxanne Johnson, former water quality associate

For more information on this and other topics, see www.ag.ndsu.edu

NDSU encourages you to use and share this content, but please do so under the conditions of our Creative Commons license.
You may copy, distribute, transmit and adapt this work as long as you give full attribution, don’t use the work for commercial purposes
and share your resulting work similarly. For more information, visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/agcomm/creative-commons.
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8  •  WQ1341  Drinking Water Quality: Testing and Interpreting Your Results
500-9-07; 500-1-08; 500-1-09; 300-4-10; 800-10-10; 800-6-12; 1M-3-15; 200-6-19; 200-8-19