Is there anything more satisfying than an ice-cold glass of water on a hot summer's day? Is there anything more unsettling than not knowing if the ice-cold glass of water you are about to consume contains impurities that may threaten your health?

If you now have sweat beads on your forehead that were not caused by the summer's heat, it might be time that you consider submitting a water sample!

It is a proven fact that all water supplies contain impurities of some nature. Some contaminants, such as lime and calcium, pose no health risk. Others, such as wastewater, serve as a source of bacteria, viruses and parasites that can cause gastrointestinal problems or transmit contagious diseases, while high levels of nitrate can present a serious health risk to infants. The only way to ensure a safe water supply is through water sampling.

I know, some of you are thinking this article does not apply to you as you receive your water from a public water supply or municipality. While you are correct that this water is tested regularly as it leaves the treatment plant, how positive are you that there is not a flaw in the transportation system from the treatment plant to your house? Are you 100 percent confident that your own pipes do not contain corrosion or leaks? To ensure a safe water supply at the faucet, periodic testing is recommended.

Individuals who receive their water through a private source are solely responsible for ensuring the safety of that supply. Water quality can change as the environment around the homestead changes, so yearly tests are necessary.

Testing need not be complicated or expensive. Sampling for a few basic contaminants is sufficient to determine the overall quality of the water. Water should be checked for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH and total dissolved solids (TDS). If one of these contaminants is present at an unacceptable level, then further testing may be warranted.

The best time to submit your yearly water sample is spring or early summer. If possible, gather the sample after a rainy period, as this is when levels of bacteria and nitrates will most likely be the greatest.

A sample should also be submitted when any work is done on the water supply system or there is a noticeable change in water taste, color or smell. If you are pregnant, anticipating pregnancy, or have an infant under the age of six months who has become a water user, a nitrate test should be submitted.

When collecting a sample, be sure to use the faucet in the house that is most frequently used for drinking. It is not necessary to submit a sample from every faucet in the house unless you are trying to determine if there is corrosion in a certain section of pipe. Always follow the directions provided on how to collect a sample.

Local health departments, private companies and the Illinois State Water Survey are the three primary locations one can go to obtain water-sampling kits. It is important to note that the Illinois State Water Survey test does not include bacteria testing. Self analysis kits can be purchased at select locations, but the results of those tests are generally not as accurate as those obtained from a certified water-testing laboratory.

There are several specific subjects to be addressed when obtaining a sampling kit. First, make sure you are provided with the proper container. Second, find out how to submit the sample to the laboratory. Samples should reach the lab within 24 hours of collection to avoid jeopardizing the results. If the sample will need to be mailed, take this timetable into account. Finally, make sure there is someone available to assist you with reading the test results once they are received.

Feel confident that the water you are drinking this summer does not contain a secret ingredient, submit your water sample today!

Jodie Tate is an Extension Educator, Natural Resource Management, at the Springfield Extension Center. You may contact Jodie by phone at (217) 782-6515 or by e-mailjotate@uiuc.edu.

14 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING www.icl.coop