For correct sizing and application of water softening
equipment, a water test is required. a basic water test includes tests for the
following: * Hardness * Iron * Manganese * PH * TDS Water samples should be
taken as near the source as possible and represent the average water
condition. Clean containers must be used. When performing the analysis, the
test equipment must be clean and rinsed with the test water and the test water
should be between 68 degrees and 77 degrees. Do not use your fingers as
contaminants and acids could affect test results. Additional tests can be
performed for tannins and hydrogen sulfide. The test for hydrogen sulfide must
be performed on-site for accurate results. Special tests can be performed for
chlorides, sulfates and alkalinity by special laboratories. If you suspect the
water supply is contaminated with coliform bacteria or nitrates, a sample must
be collected in an approved sterilized container and submitted to a government
approved laboratory . Iron bacteria will not be detected with the standard
iron test and should be tested by a government approved laboratory (National
Testing Laboratories). If TDS is over 1000ppm and hardness is less than 30% of
the TDS, a complete water analysis should be performed to discover what other
contaminants exists in the water. If a contaminant exceeds the limits
detectable by any test method, the raw water sample can be diluted with
distilled water until a reading can be taken. A calculation must then be
performed to determine the actual degree of contamination. Alkaline test
chemicals are subject to age and extreme temperatures. Proper storage
techniques and expiry dates should be observed.