Interpretation of Common Tests
All results are measured in milligrams per liter.
Test |
Excellent |
Satisfactory |
Objectionable |
Chloride |
ND - 20 |
20 - 250 |
Over 250 mg/L |
Fluoride |
0.7 - 1.2 |
ND - 0.7 or 1.2 - 4 |
Over 4.0 mg/L |
Hardness |
50 - 125 |
125 - 250 |
Over 250 mg/L or less than 25 (17.1 = 1 grain) |
Iron |
ND - 0.2 |
0.2 - 0.3 |
Over 0.3 mg/L |
Nitrate |
ND - 3 |
4 - 10 |
Over 10 mg/L (USEPA drinking water standard) |
Nitrite |
ND - 0.3 |
0.4 - 1 |
Over 1 mg/L (USEPA drinking water standard) |
Sodium |
ND - 20 |
See below | See below |
Sulfate |
ND - 50 |
50 - 250 |
Over 250 mg/L |
|
|
|
Over 500 mg/L (See Related Problems) |
ND = "Not Detected"
TEST |
RELATED PROBLEMS |
Chloride |
Taste and corrosion. |
Fluoride |
Lower levels are beneficial in preventing tooth decay. High levels may cause mottling of enamel. |
Hardness |
Scaling of water fixtures, soap scum at high levels, corrosion at low levels. |
Iron |
Staining, turbidity, taste, and odor. |
Nitrate |
Levels greater than 10mg/L are a health hazard. Methemoglobinemia (blue baby) especially infants. USEPA requires analysis within 48 hours. |
Nitrite |
Levels greater that 1.0 mg/L are a health hazard. Methemoglobinemia (blue baby) especially infants USEPA requires analysis within 48 hours. |
Sodium |
Special diets may require water of low sodium content. NOTE: all persons on severely restricted sodium diets should consult with their physician regarding continued use of the water supply. Acceptability of sodium concentration varies with sensitivity to taste. |
Sulfate |
Taste, odor, scaling in boilers & heat exchangers. Over 500 may have laxative effect especially for new supply users (travelers diarrhea). |