At-Home Water Testing Vs Laboratory Testing

Water quality is a serious talking point in the UK at the moment. A recent report by the Environmental Audit Committee found that only 14% of English rivers met the standards for good ecological status; while a joint statement from Professor Chris Whitty, Ofwat chair Jonson Cox and Environment Agency chair Emma Howard Boyd recently warned of the growing risk of sewage to public health in the UK. If you’re worried about the quality of the water in your building – whether it’s the drinking water supply, or the non-potable water in your plumbing, HVAC systems, washing machines and toilet facilities – it’s always best to get it tested. DIY water testing strip kits offer a low-tech testing solution; while laboratory testing provides a more thorough analytical overview of your water quality. But which one is right for you? Let’s compare… Advantages of at-home water testing kits Lower cost With laboratory water testing, you’re effectively paying for the time and expertise of highly-qualified scientists, as well as the upkeep of specialised testing equipment. Do-it-yourself water testing doesn’t have the same overheads; which is one of the reasons why home testing kits are far cheaper. You can pick them up at most pharmacies and DIY stores, or on Amazon and other online stores. Fast results Professional water testing can take several days or even weeks for the results to arrive. In contrast, many home water testing strips will show you the results in a matter of minutes (or sometimes just mere seconds). Having faster access to results is also more important for ensuring the accuracy of certain testing parameters. For example, the pH balance of a water system can change rapidly in the time between taking a test sample and getting the test results back.

For more information on At-Home Water Testing Vs Laboratory Testing talk to Dynamika UK Ltd