Katz Family Environmental Testing

Whether your home's water supply is drawn from a well or has municipal service, knowing the quality and make-up of that water supply is critical.

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the presence of certain contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for illness.

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For well owners, it is up to you to make sure that your water is safe to drink. The EPA recommends all private wells be tested annually for coliform bacteria, nitrates, arsenic and other dangerous contaminants.  It is our opinion that this is especially true when there is not a filtration system installed in the home.

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Those receiving city water are not immune to water issues.  Tap water in and around the Minneapolis / Saint Paul region may still have unwanted levels of minerals, chemicals, and other contaminants present. In some cases, pollutants are picked up during water transport and infiltrate water before it reaches the tap.

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Testing Services and Cost:

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FHA/VA Level Water Analysis: 

This test is based on FHA & VA minimum tests for drinking water contaminants. Water samples will be analyzed for Total Coliform, E. coli, Lead, Arsenic, Nitrate, Nitrite, and Turbidity plus Iron, Manganese, and pH.  The corresponding informational water quality testing report will be issued within three business days of sample receipt and will compare your sample results to national standards that are defined within the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (not intended to be used for state or regulatory compliance).  Quicker turnaround times can be accommodated, but at a higher cost; details upon request.

Cost: $295.00

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Legionella:

Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac Fever are collectively known as Legionellosis, a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. Legionnaires' disease is a serious, potentially deadly, lung infection (i.e., pneumonia); and Pontiac Fever is a less serious infection with milder symptoms similar to the flu (i.e., seasonal influenza).

Legionella can become a public health problem in manmade water systems, where it can grow and spread, causing disease. Most healthy people who are exposed to Legionella do not become sick. However, people aged 50 years or older, smokers, and those with underlying medical conditions such as chronic lung disease, or those with a weakened immune system, are at higher risk of becoming sick from Legionella or legionellosis. This test will look for Legionella pneumophila, Legionella micdadei, Legionella sainthelensis, and Legionella maceachemii.  

Cost: $325.00

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