For some people, pop quizzes and tests were not the best part of a school day, but in the world of water, we love testing. Water quality testing ensures that we know that our water supplies are safe, and all of our partner agencies work every day to meet or exceed all local, state and federal drinking water requirements. Our member agencies test tap water to detect several elements, like the following:
What is pH and how does it impact drinking water?
The pH of water measures the level of acidity or alkalinity based on the level of hydrogen ions in the water. The pH scale ranges from 0 to 14 with 7 considered neutral. If there are more H+ molecules, the pH increases, and it’s classified as alkaline. The inverse is true with fewer H+ molecules; the pH level would dip below 7 and be considered acidic on the pH scale. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), safe drinking water should have a pH level between 6.5 and 8.5. Water agencies use pH test kits, pH paper and pH meters and probes to monitor pH levels every day.
What is salinity and why should it be tested?
Salinity is a measurement of salt dissolved in water. While various salts naturally occur in drinking water, common table salt – sodium chloride – is the most commonly found. Local groundwater has natural salinity levels and is one of several ways Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies source drinking water. Just like pH levels, it is tested daily, and if salinity levels are high, our member agencies use desalination technologies – a process that separates salt from water – to remove excess salt so it’s safe and high quality.
What are the constituents of interest in water and who sets the constituent level standards?
Constituents found in water are a mixture of minerals and chemicals. Chemicals refer to both natural and manmade compounds like PFAS, and the EPA administers strict water quality standards to limit the levels present in drinking water to ensure it is safe for drinking. Oh, and California has some of the strictest water quality standards throughout the nation.
Your SoCal Tap Water member agencies prioritize the delivery of clean and safe drinking water year-round, 24/7. That’s why our member agencies test your drinking water like clockwork to ensure it consistently meets or exceed federal and state water quality standards. Check with your local water agency to learn more about your water quality through their annual Consumer Confidence Report.
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