Metals Water Tests
Fast Turnaround, Accurate Results
| Test | Description |
|---|---|
Arsenic |
Naturally occurring with sulfide minerals (e.g. pyrite). Used in storage batteries, ammunition, pesticides, and wood preservatives. Severe poisoning at 100mg; chronic effects from accumulation at low intake levels. WI State Standard for Drinking Water: 10 µg/L |
Chromium |
Used in alloys, electroplating, and in pigments. Non-essential for plants. Carcinogenic via inhalation and are corrosive to tissues. Concentrations in drinking water are correlated to alkalinity and hardness (the softer the water, the less chromium). WI State Standard for Drinking Water: 100 µg/L |
Copper |
Widely used in electrical wiring, roofing, alloys, cooking utensils, and piping. Corrosion of copper pipes may introduce measurable copper amounts into the water system. Considered and essential trace element. WI State Standard for Drinking Water: 1.3 mg/L. |
Iron |
Naturally occurring (e.g. minerals: hematite, magnetite, taconite, and pyrite). Used in steel and other alloys. Elevated levels of iron in water can promote staining, taste, and color. U.S. EPA Secondary Drinking Water Standard: 0.3 mg/L. |
Lead |
Used in batteries, ammunition, solder, piping, insecticides, and alloys. Lead in water supply may originate from industry, mining, or plumbing. Non-essential for plants and animals. Toxic by ingestion and cumulative poison. WI State Standard for Drinking Water: 15 µg/L. |
Manganese |
Elevated levels cause black staining on plumbing, laundry, and cooking utensils. Essential trace element for plants and animals. WI Secondary Drinking Water Standard: 50 µg/L |
**Information obtained from the Standard Method for the Examination of Water and Wastewater
22nd Edition. (2012). Washington : American Public Health Association