How to determine the property of water at home. How to understand that the waters have broken? Determination of groundwater movement

Instruction

There are at least three methods that do not require any special equipment. The first is to check if the soap lathers. If it foams, then the water can be not very hard, if it does not foam, then vice versa. The method is very, but gives only a superficial idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe hardness of water. The second is to reveal the intensity of the appearance of the already mentioned scale, stony deposits on the surface of water heaters. The disadvantage of this method is that it takes into account temporary rigidity. The third is for real "gourmets", checking with language receptors. Hard water bitter taste. Of course, the hardness of water in these ways can only be considered approximate.

For a more accurate check, you can use the hardness indicators. As a rule, you can buy them in stores that sell goods for laboratories, hospitals, schools and universities (sets for laboratory work) or in pet stores (special formulations for water samples).

Among other things, you can measure the hardness of water using the so-called TDS meter. The abbreviation TDS stands for total dissolved solids, i.e. total dissolved solids. The TDS meter is a portable, battery operated instrument. It is easy to use: you need to pour the test water into some container, remove the protective cap from the device, lower the electrodes into the liquid and measure.

Related videos

Sources:

  • The concept of "water hardness" in the Chemical Encyclopedia
  • In what units is the hardness of water measured?

It is worth every housewife to learn how to determine the hardness of water in order to prevent breakdown of household appliances, damage to linen, and also try to protect your body from undesirable consequences in the form of dry skin and kidney stones. There are several easy ways to find out what the hardness of your tap water is.

Instruction

In general terms, you can get an impression of how hard your water is by tracing the presence on household appliances and. If the water hardness is increased, then the kettle spiral, taps, metal surfaces will be covered with a considerable layer of scale. It has a yellowish gray color and a somewhat crumbly texture upon impact.

In very hard water, soap-based substances completely refuse to lather, so if the soap in your hands does not lather, and the shampoo only runs down your hair, this means that the water in your home has exceeded the hardness. If the soap suds are hard to wash off your hands, it means that your tap water is very soft.

But all these methods for determining hardness speak only about the approximate state of the water, and for accurate indicators it is necessary to use special devices and technologies. For example, aquarists use the so-called rapid water hardness test, which you can find in specialized stores.

There are TDS-meters that measure the level of minerals and salts, as well as the electrical conductivity and hardness of water. The device costs a lot of money, but it is thanks to it that you will find out the exact level of salts contained in your water and, if their amount exceeds the norm, you will be able to start fighting water hardness in a timely manner with the help of protective equipment.

Related videos

Sources:

They say that gentleness and kindness are the properties of noble natures. But, unfortunately, not always in the world there is a place only for nobility. If you do not learn to show rigidity in time, you can seriously pay. Unfortunately, this quality is now in demand in relationships with relatives, colleagues, and friends.

Instruction

Believe that softness is not always. Softness often comes from a desire to please everyone. A person tries not to hurt anyone by refusing, until he himself begins to “sink” under the burden of his obligations. By doing things for others, you deprive them of the opportunity to learn the same thing themselves. But life is not always their trouble-free people in the number of friends or relatives. Sooner or later, they may be faced with the need to solve their problems on their own. And if they don’t succeed, you may not get a portion of gratitude, but a portion of hatred for not giving people a chance to try their hand.

Related videos

Sources:

  • Measuring total water hardness with soap
  • GOST R 52407-2005 "Drinking water. Methods for determining hardness"
  • Water hardness - Wikipedia

And in all cases it turned out that all the “structures” of water cannot be tested in practice. Of course, some talk about snowflakes, and some talk about nuclear magnetic resonance. However, the question remains: how to determine the structure of the water at home? Because in ordinary houses neither water crystals can be grown nor nuclear magnetic resonance can be tested (and why is that? 🙂)

How to determine the structure of the water at home? - finally found a practical answer to this question. It is found on the site "Water can be useful". The site itself sells ionizers-structurizers of water, which is not our profile. But interesting evidence was found on it, how to determine the quality of water structure at home.

The basis for determining the level of structural water at home are two points:

  1. Water molecules cluster together
  2. In structured water, these clusters are small in size.

Due to the small cluster size (compared to ordinary water), structured water acquires a number of properties, such as

  • increased ability to dissolve
  • increased permeability (particularly through cell membranes)

These two basic properties, according to sellers of structurizers, underlie useful properties structured water. We cannot talk about the benefits of such water, since neither clinical trials nor the water itself are available to us.

But we can turn to ways check the increased solubility of this water and the increased permeability. And it really can be done.

How it's done:

Checking the structure of water with green tea.

All you need is ordinary water and structured water. A bag of green tea is placed in ordinary water and in structured water. Different bag in different glass 🙂

In both cases, the water is cold.

In a glass of structured water green tea begins to brew - the substances go into solution, the color of the water changes. In normal cold water green tea just doesn't dissolve.

Why is this a validation method? Because he proves about a greater ability to dissolve in structured water compared to ordinary water.

Checking the structure of water with unpolished rice.

Unpolished rice is rice that retains outer shells containing a maximum of vitamin D. When the peoples of the East switched to polished rice, epidemics of the beriberi disease began among them. As it turned out, the cause of diseases is a lack of vitamin D. When people in the East ate unpolished rice, they received their norm. When they began to eat polished rice, then vitamin D deficiency is evident.

But that's beside the point 🙂

Relevantly, in ordinary water, brown rice can only give off a little haze from rice flour.

Whereas in structured water, the color of rice passes into water (the water becomes yellow-brown), substances from the surface layers of rice dissolve better.

Consequently, structured water has a greater ability to dissolve and greater permeability, because it still had to pass through the membranes of plant cells.

Checking the structure of water with lard.

It is no secret that lard does not dissolve in water. Sunflower oil, by constant agitation, can be brought into a state of emulsion (tiny bubbles of oil in water), and it may seem that dissolution has occurred. But fat cannot be emulsified with water - fat molecules are too large.

However, oddly enough, structured water washes away fat from fat cells and intercellular substance.

That is, this experience proves the increased permeability of water (passes through the cell membranes of animal cells), and increased solubility.

Here are some simple homemade ways to check the structure of water.

We do not know if these figures refer to all structured water from any structurers, or only to water from under these models. Perhaps the point is a change in the chemical composition of water (since the experiment takes place with water whose pH is greater than 7).

  1. Methods for testing the properties of structured water are logical
  2. They are easy to reproduce in practice.

So we turn to you:

Please, if you have any type of water structurizer readily available that sells small water clusters, please apply these techniques to structured water and email us the results!

Your help will greatly contribute to the structurer comparison!

Water is life and hardly anyone wants to argue with that. It is needed not only in apartments, but also in your own summer cottage, from drinking, cooking and ending with various household needs. Therefore, every summer resident sooner or later thinks about how to make water supply from a well or well in the country. After all, every time it is unprofitable to buy water, even if only for drinking. However, before embarking on the implementation of the plan, first you need to decide how to find water on the site.

A little information regarding groundwater will not hurt:

Their accumulation occurs due to the filtration of precipitation through the topsoil. Penetrating lower and lower, the water reaches the waterproof layer, where underground reservoirs of various sizes subsequently form. Moreover, they can not be located strictly horizontally, but bent. In this case, a kind of lens is formed, the volume of which can range from several cubic meters to kilometers.

Thus, depending on the depth of occurrence, the following water layers can be distinguished:

  • top water;
  • ground water;
  • interstratal waters;
  • artesian waters.

At a depth of the first 4 meters is the upper water layer. Appears after rains and due to melt water. In dry times, the layer dries up. In addition, such water is not purified, polluted and, as a result, not suitable for drinking.

The depth of the next water layer can be up to 10 meters. Unlike perch water, water does not disappear from here. Under the groundwater there is a waterproof layer of soil that prevents water from seeping even deeper. There is no pressure here, and therefore if you drill a well, the water level will not change. Such water is better filtered by the upper layer of soil and is noticeably cleaner than in perched water. This layer can be considered drinking, and it is it that is used for water supply.

The interstratal water layer is located below groundwater - up to 40 meters and is separated from them by a waterproof or semi-permeable layer of soil. This is where the water comes from above.

Water from the artesian layer is the best option for the water supply system. The water here is better purified and often under pressure, so special costs it doesn't need to be lifted. If you drill a well to such a depth, you can provide water not only for yourself, but also for several houses. As a vivid example, springs and springs, when water from the drinking layer finds its way to the surface.

Methods for determining water

People have been able to search for water underground for a long time. It has become a kind of art. There are several ways that can lead to the desired water source, but not everyone gives a complete guarantee. Nevertheless, it's worth a try.

Such a method as dowsing will help solve the problem of how to find water for the well. People have been using it for a long time and quite successfully. The tool is a lozinka, which is easy to do with your own hands. Usually it is made from a branch of hazel, willow or cherry with a fork, as long as it is flexible enough. Having parted the whiskers of the branch, you need to give it the shape of the letter “U”, which you need to keep them parallel to the ground, just do not pinch it too much. In this position, the dowser slowly walks around the territory and carefully watches the branch. When approaching a site with a shallow depth of groundwater, the branch should bend down.

Use this method better people who have an increased sensitivity to magnetic vibrations and well-developed intuition. Otherwise, nothing may work.

Nowadays, the old way of finding water for a well has been slightly improved. Instead of a branch, you can make a frame with your own hands. To do this, a metal wire is taken from any metal (steel, copper, aluminum), even electrodes for welding are suitable, and it is bent into an L-shape. The optimal length of the wire is 40 cm, while the length of the short ends is 10 cm. You can take two tubes of elderberry with the core removed and insert the ends of the wire into them, or you can do without them - as you like.

Picking up the frames with the long ends forward and slightly holding them so that they rotate freely in the same way, walk around the site slowly. When approaching the water, the wires will cross.

This method is best to search for water during periods:

  • from 5 to 6 am;
  • from 16 to 17;
  • from 20 to 21;
  • from 24 to 1.

And on an empty stomach and in a sober state! Undesirable time - from 18 to 19 and from 22 to 23 hours.

silica gel

Finding water for drilling a well can use another old method. Take an unglazed clay pot, dry it well and place it upside down over the intended source of water. After some time, if there is water in this place, then the pot fogged up from the inside.

Nowadays, in addition to the pot, silica gel is used, which is a good moisture-absorbing material. To do this, you need to take a liter or two of material, dry it well in the oven and pour it into the same pot. It is better to pre-weigh dishes with gel and preferably on accurate scales. After that, the pot must be wrapped in a dense fabric or non-woven material and buried in the place of the calculated occurrence of water to a depth of half a meter.

After a day, the pot can be dug up and weighed. The heavier it is, the closer the water is. For greater effect, you can bury several of these pots. For a control measurement, you can once again bury the pot in the found place.

To find water on the site, instead of silica gel, you can use salt or ordinary red brick. They, too, must first be dried, weighed, and then determine the difference in performance.

Exploration drilling

The efficiency of drilling a small exploration well gives a 100% result. You can do it yourself, but with assistants, things will go easier and a little faster. For this work, you can attract specialists, which will be expensive, or you can do everything yourself. Normal is fine garden drill. If there is no drill and there is not enough money, then you can do it yourself. The drilling depth will be 6-10 meters, so it should be possible to increase the length of the handle during work. To save the tool, you need to remove the soil every 10-15 cm. You can find out about the presence of water by moist soil.

Searching for water by exploratory drilling with your own hands will allow you to determine not only the depth of groundwater, but also give a description of the soil that is under and above the aquifer.

natural indicators

If you show sufficient observation, then you can determine whether there is water in any area by characteristic natural features. For example, there are such indicator plants:

  • goose cinquefoil;
  • autumn colchicum;
  • coltsfoot;
  • sedge;
  • horse sorrel;
  • digitalis.

These plants grow near the flow of groundwater to the surface of the earth. Willow, alder, oak, fern, nettle grow well in such places, but apple and cherry, on the contrary, slow down growth. It is worth paying attention to the behavior of various trees. Alder, birch and willow deviate towards the water layer.

If a bedstraw grows on the site, you can immediately dig a well or well.

When searching for water, you should pay attention to the behavior of animals and insects, which will also help determine whether there is groundwater anywhere in the area. Cats often choose places to rest in areas with underground water. Red ants always gather in such areas, and midges and mosquitoes gather in heaps after sunset.

If there is too much moisture in the soil, it will surely evaporate. This will be evidenced by fog, which can be observed early in the morning or in the evening after a hot day. Especially if it swirls or stands like a pillar. There is definitely water here, there is a lot of it, and its depth is small. It should be borne in mind that water will definitely be present in the lowlands and pits surrounded by hills.

Every adult should consume at least one and a half liters of water per day. This is the norm that will allow your body to work like a clock. But not always the water that comes from the tap will meet the desired quality. It is in this case that you should check all the characteristics in order to protect your health.

Why check water quality?

Water is consumed daily. It is very difficult sometimes to identify all the flaws, because they may not have a pronounced smell or taste. The main distinguishing features are the following:

  1. Change of characteristics. If you notice some differences in color, smell or taste, then you need to immediately conduct an examination. This does not mean that the water has become polluted and dangerous. But to avoid subsequent problems, it is best to play it safe.
  2. Construction of an industrial enterprise. If any industrial facility is being built near your house, then in most cases the water is polluted.
  3. A man-made accident near the house. In such a situation, you need to immediately check whether toxic waste has leaked into the soil and whether it has contaminated the water.
  4. Water treatment. If you install filters, then you need to know the composition of your water.
  5. Buying a plot. If you purchase a site, and there is a well on it, then you first need to check the condition of the water from it. You should stock up on knowledge on how to test the quality of well water.

What are the standards?

If you do not know how to check the quality of water at home, then first you need to determine its type. For each type there are some specific characteristics.

On the territory of Russia, a number of regulatory documents have been developed to date, which just regulate the quality system drinking water. The list includes the following:

  1. State type standards.
  2. Specifications.
  3. hygiene regulations and much more.

Each of them carries some specific data.

What kind of water is tested for quality?

At the same time, among the main types of drinking water, the following can be noted:


Where can I check the water quality?

If you do not know how to check the quality, then you need to think about enterprises specializing in this. Organizations involved in verification include the following:

  1. Rospotrebnadzor.
  2. Private laboratory.
  3. Waterworks laboratory.
  4. Laboratory of epidemiological stations.

It is best to contact those organizations whose activities are confirmed by a license. This will allow you to get a competent check that will help you in the future.

How to check the quality of water at home?

Before taking water to some highly specialized organization, it is better to carry out the process at home. To do this, you need to know some properties:

  1. Smell. Everyone knows that water has no odor. But when any unnecessary substances appear, the smell will become grassy, ​​swampy or whatever. If there are dissolved gases in the water, there will be an ammonia or chlorine smell. Saturation will be measured on a five-point scale.
  2. Taste. It will depend on how much and what organic substances are present in the water. If it has a salty taste, it contains dissolved salts. If the taste is metallic, then a lot of iron. A sour taste will indicate that acids are present. If there are no impurities in the water, it will taste fresh.
  3. Colour. It indicates that there are any foreign impurities in the water. Pure water has no color. But it can be bluish or greenish. If the water contains a large amount of impurities, it may be yellow-brown.
  4. Turbidity. Cloudiness can be seen in clear water. This indicates that it has a high content of suspended particles.
  5. Mineralization. The concept indicates how many dissolved salts are present in water. When checking, you need to know that good water should have data on this characteristic from 200 to 400 mg / l.

Check the quality with improvised means

How to check the quality of water at home? If you suspect that the water has any harmful impurities, then you can use several methods to check.

If you do not know how to check the quality of water at home, then you should use the following methods:

  1. Dilute the water. There is an opinion that what cleaner water the less it will weigh. To do this, take water from the cooler and from a regular water supply. Measure identical samples and then weigh them.
  2. Brewing tea. To do this, you need to brew tea and pour ordinary tap water into it. If the color has turned peach, then you don’t have to worry. If the tea is cloudy, the water is undrinkable.
  3. Bottled water. This is the most elementary way. You just need to pour water into a bottle and put it in a dark place for 2 days. After that, check the contents of your bottle. If the water has turned greenish, and a plaque has appeared, then it is not suitable for consumption. If there are no changes, then the water is clean.
  4. Boiling. Boil water in a perfectly clean container. Do this for 15 minutes. Then drain and look for suspicious scale. If there is a large amount of iron oxide in the water, the scale will be dark gray.
  5. Mirror or glass. In order to conduct an experiment, you need to drop water on the surface and wait a few minutes for the liquid to evaporate. If a trace remains, then the water has some impurities.
  6. Potassium permanganate. You can check the quality of water at home using potassium permanganate as follows: dissolve a little of the product in plain water and look at the reaction. If the water turns yellow, it should not be consumed.
  7. Hand washing. If the soap lathers poorly, then the water is very hard. It is better to boil it before use.
  8. Dip the soap in hot water. If it dissolves completely, the water is pure.

There are other ways to check the quality of water at home - with a testometer. This device allows you to quickly set all the data and find out the necessary information.

Why check water quality?

Many are accustomed to the fact that you can not drink tap water. This is what my parents said when they were kids. But today this is not the case. Many houses are equipped with various appliances, and water can be drunk directly from the tap without boiling.

Very often, water in many areas is clogged from nearby enterprises or landfills. That is why it is not always necessary to drink it raw, otherwise you can catch the disease.

How can water be purified?

Many grandmothers used the silver spoon method. They simply threw such an object into the water and thought that the water would be purified. But it's not. Silver does not react well with ordinary water and does not change anything.

Boiling is one of the most commonly used methods for water purification. The water heats up and most microorganisms die in it.

In addition, water can be passed through various filters. One of them is coal. This is a rather expensive slow method. But coal allows you to purify water from almost all elements.

There are several methods of how to check the quality of water at home after the filter.

Water ozonation is a method that has recently entered the lives of many people. But he's expensive. In just a few seconds, you can eliminate all microorganisms and harmful substances from the water. In addition, you will leave only useful elements, as well as improve taste.

findings

If you do not know how to check the quality of water at home using soda, then you should contact the professionals. All methods for cleaning at home give only approximate results. Therefore, if defects are found, you should immediately contact special organizations.

Every adult, regardless of lifestyle, needs to drink at least 1.5 liters of water per day, because the human body is 75% liquid. At the same time, it is important to use clean water without impurities that adversely affect our health. Where and how can you check the quality of drinking water? Can this procedure be done at home?


From this article you will learn:

    How to Prepare Water for Laboratory Testing

    How can you check the quality of water at home

Who needs to test water quality and why?

Despite the fact that our body has plenty of fluid, we need to drink water every day. Why is regular water quality testing so important? Sometimes it is very difficult to identify water pollution, because not all of them have a pronounced character. However, there are distinguishing features that you should pay attention to if you plan to test the quality of the water:

    Change in color, taste and smell. If you notice even the slightest change in the color, taste or smell of water, an examination is urgently needed to identify the cause of the problem. It is not at all necessary that the water has become dangerous, but it is still worth checking its quality in order to avoid subsequent health problems that can occur with the constant use of unsuitable liquids.

    Construction of an industrial facility next to a site with a well. Basically, people themselves are to blame for water pollution. Construction next to a site with a well is more than likely to become a source of water pollution. Therefore, be careful and better once again check the quality of the water.

    Technogenic accident near the site. In such a situation, checking the quality of the well water is simply necessary to make sure that toxic waste has not seeped into the soil and contaminated the water.

    Buying a plot with a well. If you have become happy owner site with a well, then first check its contents for suitability for use.

    Installation of a water treatment system. When choosing a filter, you need to know exactly the composition of the water. After a few months have passed after the installation of the water treatment system, the water quality should be re-tested.

Not always testing water for quality is just a recommendation, often this is a direct requirement of the law. Medical, children's and health institutions undergo mandatory water examination. Industrial enterprises in without fail inspect wastewater.

What drinking water quality can be tested

Before moving on to testing the quality of drinking water, it is important to understand that there are several types of water, each of which has its own individual characteristics. On the territory of the Russian Federation, there are many regulatory documents, based on which the quality of drinking water is tested. This list includes: SanPiN, hygienic standards, pharmacopoeial articles, state standards, specifications and much more. Each of these sources carries standards for testing water quality. If some are responsible for hygiene and epidemiological problems of drinking water in general, then others are focused strictly on checking the quality of water used for medical purposes or in a particular production. Either way, the goal of testing water quality is the same: to prevent contamination of drinking water in order to avoid gastrointestinal diseases and various kinds of infections.

Types of drinking water that can be explored:

tap water

Periodic quality checks are required tap water, since it is the main source of liquid in settlements. According to SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 “Drinking water. Hygienic requirements for water quality of centralized drinking water supply systems. Quality Control”, there is a certain list of standards that tap water must meet:

    Hydrogen activity level in water – pH (6-9);

    General mineralization (1000 mg/l);

    Hardness (no more than 7.0 mg-eq/l);

    Phenolic index (0.25 mg/l), etc.

This is only a small part of all the standards specified in SanPiN, which are important to adhere to when checking water quality. Their total number is approaching the mark of 1000 standards.

bottled water

Indicators for checking the quality of bottled water must comply with SanPiN 2.1.4.1116-02 “Drinking water. Hygienic requirements for the quality of water packaged in containers. Quality control". Hence the water is divided into two categories: the first and the highest. Water of the first category does not have a harmful effect on the human body. It fully complies with the established organoleptic characteristics, is safe both at the epidemiological and radiation levels. Water of the highest category not only meets the above standards, but is also extracted from environmentally friendly natural sources. Of course, the requirements for bottled water are much higher than for tap water. When checking the quality of bottled water, the salt and gas composition, the presence of toxic metals and non-metallic elements are analyzed. Also, checking the quality of bottled water helps to identify the level of radiation and bacteriological safety of the liquid.

Drinking water from natural sources

Natural sources mean wells, wells, rivers, lakes, etc. When testing the quality of drinking water from natural sources, organoleptic characteristics and the presence of chemical impurities hazardous to health are taken into account. Water from natural sources has a variable chemical and bacteriological composition, which is influenced by the seasons and atmospheric phenomena.

Where can I check the water quality

Today, there are many organizations that are engaged in testing water for quality. The investigated liquid must comply with the standards established by GOST. Not only drinking water is sent for examination, but also waste, technical, mineral, purified, etc. Individual standards apply to each variety.

So, where can you check the water for quality:

    Waterworks laboratory.

    Laboratory of sanitary and epidemiological stations.

    Independent private laboratories.

    Rospotrebnadzor.

At the same time, pay attention to the accreditation and availability of a license of the selected organization, since unlicensed companies deprive you of all guarantees for quality control. In the event of problems, the water quality test will have no legal effect. Therefore, it is important that the organization obtain a license issued by the State Standard of the Russian Federation.


Also pay attention to the laboratory equipment: how modern it is. The newer the equipment, the faster the water quality test will be.

Upon completion of the examination, you will be given a protocol or act with all the necessary information on checking water quality. The document will indicate quantitative indicators of the chemical and mineral composition of the liquid, the concentration of substances, as well as conclusions on suitability and recommendations. If you are not satisfied with the results of the water quality test, you can always contact another laboratory.


What you need to do to test the quality of water in the laboratory

For quality testing of water, it is very important to take its sample correctly. If you decide to test the water for substances harmful to health, it is better to call a laboratory worker to take a sample. If you still wish to deliver the fluid sample yourself, please follow the instructions below:

    Dishes for sampling for bacterial analysis are taken in the laboratory. When taking a water sample yourself, it is important that the bottle is from plain drinking water. Do not use plastic bottle. It is important that it be glass, sterile clean.

    It is necessary to allow the liquid to drain for about 5-10 minutes. Before you start drawing water to check its quality, it is important to start a strong stream from the tap and wait 5-10 minutes. You don't need to fill the bottle completely.

    Rinse the bottle and cork several times thoroughly with the same water that is taken for analysis.. A sample for testing water quality should not contain foreign impurities, therefore, before taking a sample, rinse the bottle and cork several times without detergents.

    It is better to pour the liquid carefully along the wall of the bottle. This is done to avoid the formation of oxygen bubbles in the water, which will cause the oxidation process. This fact may affect the results of water quality testing.

    Fill the bottle completely with water. It is necessary that the liquid overflows over the edge so that there is as little air as possible in the bottle. Then screw the cap on tightly.

    It is advisable to immediately deliver the sample to the laboratory. The longer the water is in the bottle, the more its composition changes, as various chemical reactions take place in it. If you are not able to deliver a water quality sample right away, then put the bottle of liquid in the refrigerator - this will reduce the rate of change as much as possible.

The amount of water for the sample should not be less than 1.5 liters, however, for more accurate information, it is better to call the laboratory itself. It is important to know that each water quality test requires its individual quantity. Some examinations oblige to take a water sample only in a glass or only in a plastic bottle. This should also be clarified in the laboratory where you will test the water for quality.

If you follow the above instructions, then checking the water for quality will allow you to get an accurate result.

How to check water quality at home using sensory analysis

Before moving on to the actual water quality test at home, let's figure out what it is. organoleptic properties. The organoleptic properties of water can be determined using ordinary human senses. Organoleptic analysis of water at home– quick and easy water quality testing without laboratory equipment. With this water quality test, you can determine:

    Smell water. As you know, water is odorless. However, with the advent of organic substances, the smell of water becomes putrid, grassy, ​​fishy, ​​swampy, depending on which substance prevails. Depending on the dissolved gases, water may have a hydrogen sulfide, chlorine, ammonia or other smell. The saturation of the smell of water is measured on a five-point scale. If, in your opinion, the smell exceeds 3 points, then this sample of liquid is not suitable for drinking.

    Taste water. The taste of water is also determined by the amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in it. If the water tastes salty, it means that it contains dissolved salts. If a metallic taste is detected during a water quality test, it means that there is too much iron in the liquid. Water with dissolved acids has a sour taste, and calcium sulfate contained in it gives an astringent taste. If there are no impurities in the water other than dissolved oxygen, then it will have a refreshing taste. The taste qualities of water are also measured on a 5-point scale. Again, if when testing water for quality, its taste properties turned out to be higher than 2 points, then it requires a laboratory analysis.

    Colour water. The color of water also depends on the content of impurities in it, on flowering in reservoirs or other reasons. Pure water has no color, however, it can be bluish or greenish. If the water contains too much organic impurities, it becomes yellow-brown in color. Depending on what chemical element dominates in the composition of water, the liquid can also change the color palette.

    Turbidity water. Often, when testing water, turbidity can be detected, which is caused by a high content of suspended particles. Unlike the previous indicators, the turbidity of a liquid is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Against the background of purified distilled water, the level of turbidity of the liquid taken for the sample becomes apparent. At the same time, the same lighting regime is observed, and special devices are used: a turbidity meter, a photocalorimeter, etc. If water from underground sources is practically transparent, then water, for example, flood water, has a strong turbidity, since the earth's surface contains a huge amount of undissolved chemical compounds and suspended particles.

    Mineralization water. Mineralization refers to the amount of salts dissolved in water. It is measured in mg/l. When testing water for quality, it is important to know that water with a salt content of 200-400 mg / l is considered healthy. In addition, underground water is more mineralized than on the surface of the earth. If the liquid contains too much dissolved salts, then it has a salty or even bitter taste.

9 ways to check the quality of drinking water at home

Method 1.

There is an opinion that the purer the water, the lighter it is. It is enough just to weigh several different samples of water and thus find the best quality. For example, to test the quality of tap water, take a sample of it and compare it with a sample of water taken from a cooler.

Method 2.

You can also check the quality of drinking water at home by brewing strong tea. To do this, take a sample of water with tea and compare it with pharmacy water, which has a small amount of minerals. In the case of a large visual difference, water with tea is considered undrinkable. Another test of water quality with tea brewing: add a little raw water to freshly brewed tea. If the tea turns peach in color, then the water is clean and you can safely drink it, but if the tea becomes cloudy, then the water is undrinkable.

Method 3.

Perhaps this is the easiest way to test the quality of drinking water at home. To do this, simply fill the bottle with water and put it in a dark place for two days. After this period, check the condition of the contents of the bottle. If the water has turned greenish, an oily film has formed on its surface, and plaque has appeared on the walls of the bottle, then the water is undrinkable. If there are no changes, then the water is clean.

Method 4.

You can also check the quality of drinking water at home by boiling it. Boil water in a previously thoroughly washed container. This must be done within 10-15 minutes. Then drain the contents of the dishes and carefully inspect its walls for suspicious scale. If the water contains a large amount of iron oxides, then the scale will be dark gray. If the water contains an increased amount of calcium salts and oxides, then the precipitate will have a light yellow tint.

Method 5.

To check the quality of drinking water at home, you can use a simple clean glass or mirror. For an examination, simply drop a small amount of water onto the surface of a glass or mirror and wait a couple of minutes for the liquid to evaporate. If a trace remains after evaporation, then the water has some amount of impurities, and it is better to conduct a full check of the water quality; if the surface of the glass or mirror remains clean, then the water is not polluted.

Method 6.

Checking the quality of water at home is possible using ordinary potassium permanganate. Dissolve a small amount of this substance in water and observe the reaction of the liquid. If the water acquires a yellowish tint, then it is unfit for consumption.

Method 7.

If you have an aquarium with Unionidae mollusks in your house, then you can also check the quality of drinking water with their help. If Unionidae mollusks close their shells while in water, then this liquid has some amount of impurities.

Method 8.

by the most in a simple way to check the quality of tap water for the degree of hardness is to wash your hands with soap and water. If the soap does not foam well, and a strong scale forms in the kettle during boiling, then the water has a high degree of hardness. It is important to boil such water before drinking.

Method 9.

You can check the quality of water at home by rubbing soap into hot water. If it dissolves completely, then the water is pure.


Use to purify water

How to check the quality of water in an apartment using test systems

You can also check the quality of the water in the apartment using a testing kit, which is sold in the most ordinary pet store in the aquarium department, or in water filter companies. So, to test the water at home, you will need:

    Hydrogen test kit (pH);

    Special test to determine the level of water hardness (GH hardness);

    Test for the determination of dissolved iron Fe2+ and Fe3+, while Fe3+ will need a separate test;

    Tests for nitrates, nitrites, manganese, ammonium, sulfides, fluorides.

There are also universal kits for testing water quality at home: “Spring”, “Well”, “Well”, “Professional”, etc. The price is more than affordable: from 275 to 1500 rubles. When choosing a test kit for testing water quality at home, pay attention to the manufacturer: imported kits are more accurate.

When checking the quality of water, the pH acidity level (according to GOST it does not exceed 6.5-9) can be measured in two ways:

    Dip litmus paper into the test water sample and compare its color with the instructions on the test package.

    Take a certain amount of water and pour it into a flask with a reagent. Shake well and then dip the test strip into the resulting solution. Compare the result with the instruction.

When checking water for the level of hardness, take the required amount of water and add a reagent drop by drop to it. After that, the contents of the flask are shaken until the color of the liquid changes. When the color of the solution turns olive green, stop shaking the flask. The result of the analysis is determined by the number of drops of the reagent. According to GOST, it should not exceed 7.

Checking water for quality also involves determining the level of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions in water. To do this, mix a sample of water with the provided reagents in a flask. By the brightness of the resulting color of the liquid, we determine the level of Fe2 + content. By mixing a new pure sample of the same water with other proposed reagents, we set the number of Fe3+ ions according to the same scheme.

Checking the quality of water in an apartment using test systems gives very approximate results. If you want to get the most accurate result of testing water for quality, then it is better to contact a special laboratory, which contains everything you need.

How to check water quality with special meters

There are other ways to test water quality. There are special devices, the so-called TDS-meter, PH-meter, and ORP-meter. These meters allow you to get the most accurate results at home.

With the help of meters, you can evaluate the following water parameters:

The level of acidity of water pH is an indicator of the activity of hydrogen ions in the liquid. When testing water for quality, by measuring the amount of hydrogen, pay attention to the fact that at room temperature the pH level should be equal to 7, then this is a neutral aquatic environment. If the pH is greater than 7, then the aquatic environment is considered alkaline, if less, it is acidic.

At birth, the fluid in the human body has a pH level of 7.41 - an indicator of a slightly alkaline environment. Drinking water with this level of acidity is considered beneficial for the body. Due to the use of poor-quality water, the acidity level of the fluid in the body can drop to a critical level of 5.41, which will lead to death. Therefore, it is very important to check the quality of the water you drink daily.

Salts dissolved in water are measured in mg/l. When testing water for quality with an assessment of the amount of salts dissolved in it, it is necessary to remember the following indicators:

    Distilled water - 0-50 mg / l.

    Weakly mineralized water - 50-100 mg / l.

    Bottled water, from wells and springs - 100-300 mg / l.

    Water from reservoirs - 300-500 mg / l.

    Technical / industrial water - over 500 mg / l.

There are no exact indicators of the measured level of salts dissolved in water. Even the World Health Organization cannot set a recommended amount. Checking the water for the content of dissolved salts in it different countries has absolutely individual indicators for suitability for consumption: from 500 to 1000 mg / l.

Remember that mineral water cannot be taken continuously. The level of its TDS can be up to 15 g / l. Mineral water is prescribed for medicinal purposes.

Otherwise, it is also called redox potential. When testing water for ORP (redox potential), you should know the designation of a measure of the ability of a chemical to attach electrons - mV. At the same time, the level of human ORP has a negative indicator: (-200; -70). ordinary water has strictly positive indicators: (+100; +400). These measurements depend on several factors: temperature, pH level and dissolved oxygen in the water.

When water enters the human body, it penetrates into our tissues and thus takes electrons from cells that are made of water. As a result, the biological structure of the body is oxidized, which leads to gradual destruction.

The human body needs energy to recover. Its consumption leads to wear and tear of internal organs and aging.

Drinking water has an ORP level close to that of a human. Then the body will spend less energy on the absorption of such a liquid. At the same time, the electrical potential of cell membranes is not consumed, which has a positive effect on human health. Therefore, when testing water for quality, it is imperative to take into account the level of ORP.

How and where can you check the quality of water from a well

Checking the quality of water from a well is required at least once every few years. Above, we have already said that the composition of water from a well is constantly changing depending on the influence of external factors: natural and human. Soil located near factories and factories is constantly exposed to toxic and chemical contamination, which negatively affects the water it contains. Therefore, it is very important to check the quality of water from a well at least once every couple of years, because the owners of factories and plants will not warn you about the poisoning of nearby water bodies.

If the well was drilled quite recently, then it is worth checking the quality of the water from the well 3-4 weeks after the work done.

Water analysis from wells is carried out in laboratories. Testing the quality of water from a well in the laboratory has a different set of services and the corresponding cost, depending on the organization chosen. Of course, it is better to give preference to a reliable company with a high rating and good reviews. Such organizations are much more interested in quality water testing than fly-by-night companies. In addition, often small companies do not have their own laboratory, unlike large enterprises. This fact slows down the process of checking the quality of water, because samples for analysis are taken to other institutions. When choosing an organization, pay attention to the presence of a laboratory and state accreditation.

The laboratory you have chosen, which will test the quality of the water from the well, is obliged to conclude an agreement with you. It will list all the tests and analyzes carried out, and will also indicate the type of document that will be issued to you after the examination. It also reflects the time and cost of the work.

After completing the documentation, a specialist will be sent to you to take a water sample for quality control. The liquid will be collected in a sterile container designed for this purpose, on which the time and place of sampling are immediately indicated. The specialist will take two samples: for chemical and microbiological testing of water quality.

As soon as the samples are ready, the expert immediately delivers them to the laboratory, and the water quality test begins.

First, the organoleptic properties of the liquid are examined. Then the chemical and microbiological composition of the water is determined.

As soon as the water quality test is completed, you will be given a special document, which will indicate the numerical indicators of water according to various data. The protocol will contain the results of the study and recommendations for the elimination of identified contaminants. If the examination was carried out in a small organization that does not have its own laboratory, then it will take one and a half to two weeks to receive the protocol.

Checking the quality of water from a well or a well involves a number of different examinations: organoleptic, chemical, microbiological and complex analyses. As a rule, in laboratories, when testing water quality, they rely on such indicators, as:

    The activity of hydrogen ions. The moderate level of water acidity is 6-9. If the level of dissolved hydrogen exceeds these indicators, then it acquires an unpleasant odor and becomes soapy to the touch. If the indicators are underestimated, then this indicates an increased acidity of the water.

    Hardness level. When checking water quality, attention is also paid to the amount of magnesium and calcium ions. Water with an increased level of hardness has a harmful effect not only on the human body, but also on household appliances, leaving a whitish scum on it. According to the SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 standards, the hardness of drinking water should not exceed 7-10 mg-eq / l.

    Mineralization. This is an indicator of the amount of organic and inorganic substances dissolved in water. According to the established WHO standards, the degree of mineralization of water should not exceed 1000 mg/l. If the water quality test has set a higher mineralization value, then this will significantly worsen the taste of the water.

    Nitrates. The amount of nitrates should not exceed 45 mg/l. Deviations from these standards may indicate contamination of the soil.

    sulfates and chlorides. If sulfates should be in water no more than 500 mg / l, then the level of chlorides is 350 mg / l.

    Oxidability. According to established standards, when testing water for quality, oxidizability should be 5-7 mg / l.

Microbiological analysis when testing water for quality in the laboratory involves counting living microorganisms in 1 ml of liquid. As a rule, there should be no microorganisms in the water from the well, since their presence indicates contamination by human and animal secretions.

When checking the quality of water from a well, organoleptic indicators of water are also evaluated.

Price laboratory testing of water quality from a well is ambiguous, it depends on many factors: the popularity of the company, the availability additional services and required analytical parameters. On average, the price of testing the quality of water from a well in a laboratory will cost 5,000-7,000 rubles.

How to check the quality of distilled water

If in production and everyday life you can get by with ordinary water from natural reservoirs, then for various chemical and biological analyzes it is necessary to use distilled water. Although it undergoes maximum purification from all kinds of impurities, it still needs regular quality checks.

Distilled water is a good solvent because it has no impurities. It is also used in the processing of laboratory glassware. Checking the quality of distilled water is a mandatory procedure, since the deterioration of its properties can lead to false analytical and experimental studies. Distilled water is used in both medicine and pharmaceuticals.

Distilled water is also in demand among drivers who care about the safety of a car battery. While tap water gradually degrades battery performance, distillate prolongs battery life, so it is important to check the quality of distilled water.

Checking the quality of distilled water includes:

Check for impurities

It is known that distilled water is completely purified from all kinds of impurities, so it is impossible to check its quality based on color, taste, smell, etc. However, checking distilled water for quality is possible using special equipment that allows you to determine:

    Sodium chloride and other chemicals.

    Microscopic organisms (bacteria and algae).

    Conductivity of electric current.

    Transparency, etc.

Conductivity test

The more foreign substances in the water, the higher its ability to conduct electricity. In this regard, it is very important to test distilled water for electrical conductivity. To do this, we need to create a circuit from an ordinary light bulb and a battery. The ends of the wires formed from the connecting contacts must be immersed in distilled water. It is important to keep a small distance between them. Watch the light bulb: if it does not light up, then the water is free of impurities.

The use of special devices

In any specialized store, you can purchase salt meters, chlorine meters, pH meters and conductometers, which are designed to test water for quality. They are so easy to use that they can even be used at home:

    Salt meters help to check distilled water for foreign impurities. According to state standards, the amount of impurities in distilled water should not exceed 5 mg/l;

    Chlorometers Ideal for testing distilled water for salt content. At the same time, the norm for distilled water is the amount of salt not more than 0.02 mg / l;

    pH meters help to check distilled water for acidity level, i.e. content of hydrogen dissolved in water. Fully purified water has a pH level of 5.4 to 6.6, not 7. the next moment after receiving such water, a reaction occurs with carbon dioxide from the air. Carbon dioxide appears, upon decomposition into ions, the pH of water decreases;

    Conductometers allow you to check the quality of distilled water for electrical conductivity. If distilled water is state standard quality, then its electrical conductivity should be no more than 0.5 mS/m.

How to check and improve water quality

The quality of drinking water is an important factor influencing the state of human health, so it is necessary to conduct regular water testing. As modern practice shows, water purification from impurities without special equipment is practically impossible. Therefore, the Biokit water treatment system will help you. With its help, your water will be freed from heavy metals, all kinds of chemical and biological impurities, and a specific smell.

You can purchase a water purification system from Biokit online on our website. Also here you will find water filters and other equipment designed to improve water quality.

Water filters are easy to use, so they are perfect for home use. With their help, you can clean the liquid from visible impurities, however, to improve the quality of water, you are better off using more serious equipment, such as a Biokit water treatment system. This is an excellent device that allows not only to improve the quality of water, but to rid it of heavy metals and salts, increase the level of softening, remove rust from the water supply system and enrich the water with a number of elements beneficial to human health.

In addition to the above operations, Biokit specialists are ready to answer your questions regarding improving water quality, removing scale, getting rid of rust and other impurities, water disinfection. Our staff will also help you:

    Collect water filter with your own hands at home.

    Choose a specialized set of filter media.

    Properly select replacement material for filtration.

    Hire professional installers.

    Answer all questions regarding the improvement of water quality in a telephone conversation.