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Water Testing

Frequently Asked Questions:

 

Why have your water tested?

Private water supplies in Pennsylvania are not monitored by any regulatory agency, so it is up to the homeowner to have their water tested on a regular basis to ensure the water they are consuming is safe to drink. Safe water meets the federal standards for bacteria and chemical levels.
The following Penn State Fact Sheet is available on water testing including what to test your water for:

How can you get your water tested?

In Mercer County you can get your water tested for coliform bacteria by visiting the Penn State Cooperative Extension office in Mercer. The office located just North of Mercer on Route 19. Water bottles for testing can be purchased for $10 Monday through Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm.
Here are the steps for taking a water sample:
  1. If you are taking the sample from an indoor faucet, remove the aerator.
  2. Use a lighter or match to flame the end of the faucet.
  3. Run cold water for several minutes.
  4. Reduce the water flow to a stream about 1/4 inch in diameter.
  5. Carefully remove the cap from the sample bottle. Be sure that nothing besides the water comes into contact with the inside of the bottle.
  6. Fill the the bottle to the neck leaving a small amount of air space.
  7. Tighten the cap to prevent leakage.
  8. Complete the accompanying form.
  9. Return the bottle to the Penn State Cooperative Extension office on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday soon after you have taken the sample.

You will receive your results in the mail within a few weeks.

The following Penn State Fact Sheet is available on water sampling:

 
 

What if your water test is positive for coliform bacteria?

If your water testing is positive for coliform bacteria, you may want to refer to the following Penn State Fact Sheets:
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This page last updated Monday, June 3, 2002 17:27
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