Water Quality Test

About this test

Key Benefits

• Checks 14 water quality parameters: Screens key indicators linked to water quality, taste, smell and safety.

• Fast at-home testing: Most parameters can be read within minutes.

• Includes bacteria screening: Screens for coliform bacteria, including E. coli.

• No lab or shipping required: Test your water directly at home.

• Suitable for different water sources: Can be used for well water, municipal water, filtered water and tap water.

What This Test Measures

Water Balance and General Quality
Assesses whether the water’s basic chemical profile may affect taste, mineral balance, pipe interaction or overall usability in the home.

Taste, Smell and Mineral Indicators
Looks at common factors that may contribute to unpleasant taste, odour, staining, mineral build-up or changes in perceived water quality.

Disinfection and Chlorine Levels
Provides insight into chlorine-related water treatment markers, which can affect both drinking water quality and taste.

Metals and Minerals
Screens for metal and mineral-related indicators that may come from plumbing, natural mineral content or environmental exposure.

Nitrate and Nitrite Screening
Helps identify nitrogen-related compounds that may enter water through soil, fertilisers, runoff or septic systems.

Bacteria Screening
Checks for signs of possible bacterial contamination. If bacteria screening suggests contamination, further action or confirmatory testing may be needed.

Understanding Your Results

Most parameters are read by comparing the test colours with the included colour chart. This gives a rapid indication of whether each marker appears within the expected range or is elevated.

The bacteria screening requires longer development time. Results are usually checked after 48 hours, and in some cases after an additional 24 hours depending on the colour result.

If your results suggest possible contamination, or if your water has a strong smell, unusual taste, visible changes or comes from a higher-risk source, confirmatory laboratory testing may be recommended.

How It Works

• Order Your Kit: Purchase your Water Quality Test online.

• Collect Your Sample: Use water from the source you want to test, such as a tap, well, filter system or stored water container.

• Perform the Test: Follow the included instructions for each test strip or vial.

• Read Your Results: Compare the results with the colour chart provided.

• Follow Up if Needed: Consider further testing or action if results suggest possible contamination.

Sample Collection

The test is performed using a urine sample collected at home. No laboratory analysis, blood sample or sample return is required.

Test Quality

This test is designed as a rapid at-home screening tool for common water quality indicators. It provides results directly at home and does not require laboratory analysis or sample return.

Biomarkers included

• Bacteria: Bacteria in water are microscopic organisms that can be either harmless or disease-causing. While some bacteria support ecological balance, others can pose health risks. Pathogenic bacteria often enter water sources through sewage, animal waste, or natural environments, making proper water management essential to prevent illness.
• Nitrates and Nitrites: Nitrates (NO₃⁻) and nitrites (NO₂⁻) are nitrogen-oxygen compounds commonly found in water, either from natural sources or as a result of agricultural runoff and industrial activity. Both are indicators of water quality and, at elevated levels, can pose health risks, particularly in vulnerable populations.
• Total Alkalinity: Water Balance and General Quality — Total alkalinity measures the capacity of a solution to neutralize acids, primarily reflecting the concentration of bicarbonate, carbonate, and hydroxide ions. This is crucial for maintaining a stable pH balance in biological systems, impacting enzyme function and cellular processes.
• Total Hardness: Water Balance and General Quality — Total hardness is a measure of the concentration of dissolved multivalent cations, primarily calcium and magnesium, in water. It's important in drinking water for taste and as a source of essential minerals, but high hardness can cause scaling in pipes and appliances.
• pH Level: Water Balance and General Quality — The pH level in water is a measure that reflects its acidity or alkalinity on a scale from 0 to 14. A pH of 7 indicates neutral water, values below 7 represent acidity, and values above 7 indicate alkalinity. The pH level plays an important role in determining water’s chemical behavior and its interaction with pipes and other materials.
• Sulfate: Taste, Smell and Mineral Indicators — Sulfate in water refers to the concentration of sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) dissolved in water. Sulfate is a naturally occurring anion present in many water sources and can also originate from industrial processes, mining, and agricultural runoff. It is an important water quality parameter, influencing both water characteristics and potential environmental effects.
• Chloride: Taste, Smell and Mineral Indicators — Chloride is an anion (negatively charged ion) composed of chlorine atoms and is a naturally occurring component of many water sources. It originates from the dissolution of chloride-containing salts, such as sodium chloride and calcium chloride, in the Earth's crust. Chloride is commonly present in both fresh and saltwater, and its concentration can vary based on geological and environmental facto
• Hydrogen Sulfide: Taste, Smell and Mineral Indicators — Black tea intolerance is a condition characterized by difficulty digesting black tea, which is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Unlike a black tea allergy, which triggers an immune response, intolerance typically leads to gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, cramps, or nausea after consumption.
• Total Chlorine: Chlorine and Disinfection — Total chlorine in water is a measure that reflects the combined concentration of free chlorine and chlorine that has reacted with other substances, such as organic matter, ammonia, or other contaminants. It indicates the total chlorine available for disinfection and is important for assessing the effectiveness of chlorine in eliminating harmful microorganisms during water treatment.
• Free Chlorine: Chlorine and Disinfection — Free chlorine is a measure of the chlorine available in water for disinfection. It is a strong oxidizing agent that exists primarily as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or hypochlorite ion (OCl⁻), depending on the water’s pH. Free chlorine plays a key role in killing harmful bacteria and viruses, helping to ensure water safety, but must be carefully controlled due to its high reactivity.
• Copper: Metals and Minerals — Copper is an essential trace mineral involved in many biological functions, including iron metabolism and red blood cell formation, connective tissue and bone development, and immune function. It serves as a cofactor for numerous enzymes and supports energy production as well as antioxidant defense systems. Both low and high copper levels can affect health, with potential impacts on neurological f
• Iron: Metals and Minerals — Iron is an essential mineral critical for oxygen transport, energy production, and cellular function throughout the body. It is a key component of hemoglobin in red blood cells and myoglobin in muscles, enabling oxygen delivery to tissues. Iron also plays vital roles in DNA synthesis, immune function, and cognitive development. Measuring iron levels helps diagnose anemia, assess nutritional status
• Water Metals: Metals and Minerals — Water metals are metallic elements found in water, either dissolved or as suspended particles. Common examples include iron, copper, lead, arsenic, and mercury. They may come from natural sources such as soil and rock formations, or from human activities like industrial discharge, plumbing corrosion, and agricultural runoff.
• Total Nitrate: Nitrate and Nitrite — Total nitrate is a measurement of both nitrate and nitrite, which are nitrogen-containing compounds found in the body. These compounds play a role in regulating blood pressure and blood vessel function, and their levels can be influenced by dietary intake and certain physiological processes.
• Nitrite: Nitrate and Nitrite — Nitrite is a byproduct of the metabolism of nitrates, which are found in many foods, particularly leafy green vegetables. Elevated levels of nitrite in the body can be indicative of increased nitric oxide production, which plays a role in various physiological processes including blood pressure regulation.
• Coliform bacteria, including E. coli: Bacteria Screening — Coliform bacteria are a group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals and in the environment. Their presence in water or food often indicates potential fecal contamination, which can be linked to the presence of harmful pathogens. Specifically, E. coli is a common coliform that can cause illness and serves as a strong indicator of such contamination.

How to prepare

Use a clean glass or container to collect a fresh water sample. For a more representative result, let the tap run for a few seconds before collecting water from the source you want to test. Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling the test strips, and follow the included instructions carefully for timing and colour comparison.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use this kit for well water?

Yes, this kit is highly recommended for well water users. Since private wells are not regulated by municipal authorities, homeowners are responsible for testing for bacteria, nitrates, and minerals that can naturally occur or leach into the groundwater.

Does this test detect lead and mercury?

This test screens for a broad range of heavy metals. If you specifically suspect high levels of lead or mercury, this kit serves as an excellent initial indicator.

What should I do if the bacteria test is positive?

If the bacteria result suggests possible contamination, the water should be considered unsafe until further testing or guidance confirms otherwise. Use an alternative drinking water source and consider confirmatory laboratory testing.

Customer reviews

4.7/5 (35)

• 4/5 — Overall very helpful, but make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the strips.
• 5/5 — Good value for money.
• 5/5 — Exactly what I needed to check my old pipes.
• 4/5 — Good kit, though I found reading the color chart for the pH a bit tricky under kitchen lights. Reassuring to see the bacteria test came back negative though.
• 4/5 — Glad I checked as we have old pipes, though the dashboard was a bit slow to load.
• 5/5 — Exactly what I needed to check our tap water quality.
• 5/5 — Really happy with how quick the results were. Peace of mind for our new home.
• 5/5 — Clear results and gave me peace of mind about our old lead pipes. Useful kit.