Water
Quinn Home Inspections can perform the following water testing at time of Home Inspection, if requested.
TOTAL COLIFORM BACTERIA
Coliform Bacteria is present in the feces of all warm-blooded mammals, as well as birds and some plants. Coliform is used by the EPA as an indicator of the sanitary quality of a water supply. When a high bacteria count is coupled with high nitrates and chloride it can be an indication of septic contamination or another pollution source. Total coliform coupled with the fecal coliform can be an indication of septic contamination.
- COLI BACTERIA
- Coli is associated with the presence of warm-blooded animal feces, and can be an indication of septic contamination
NITRATES, NITRITES & NITROGEN
A recent study conducted by the EPA estimated that over 600,000 households had nitrate levels above the safe drinking standard of 10 milligram NO3 -N per liter (nitrate as nitrogen). A study by the US Geological Survey showed that at least 6% of the nation’s rural wells exceeded the drinking water standard. The primary sources of nitrogen include: excessive or improper fertilizer use and improper storage of manure, inadequate storm water management and erosion protection, improper siting, design and maintenance of septic systems, landscaping fertilizers for lawn maintenance, and airborne sources of nitrates. Nitrate contamination is typically a problem in agriculture areas, but other rural non-agricultural communities are also at risk.
There are two common tests for well water: bacteriological and chemical. Bacteriological is used to determine if the water is safe for human consumption. This “Bare Minimum Test” test is around $85 and results are usual available in a week. A chemical test can also be done at the same time. This test is more comprehensive, cost is higher and results will be available in 2-3 weeks
We also offering the following additional water tests if requested
call for prices
(406) 755-5322
(some of the samples may take up to two weeks for results)
FHA / VA Loan Package:
Lead
Conductivity
Total Nitrates/Nitrites
Total Coliform Bacteria & E-Coli Bacteria
A BIT MORE “Than Bare Minimum”(suggested by EPA for Private Well Usage) which includes the following:
Arsenic
Conductivity
Fluoride
Total Nitrates
Total Coliform Bacteria
PH
SUGGESTED ANALYSIS FOR DOMESTIC DRINKING WATER
(Includes the following)
Total Coliform Bacteria
Total Nitrate/Nitrates
Magnesium
Chloride
Conductivity
Sulfate
Fluoride
Calcium
Hardness
Arsenic
PH
Comprehensive Domestic Drinking Water Analysis
(Includes the Following)
Arsenic
Iron
Calcium
Lead
Chloride
Magnesium
Conductivity
Nitrate
Copper
Total Nitrates/Nitrites
Fluoride
Total Coliform Bacteria
Hardness
Sulfate
PH