Water Test Kits

Water Test Kits

Water coming from various natural sources contains bacteria, chemicals, heavy metals, particulate matter, and so on. The water we use for various chores as well as drinking on a daily basis must be clean and free of contaminants. While water is filtered and treated at the supply as well as usage levels, testing it on a regular basis is crucial to ensure safety. At Cannon Water Technology, we offer various types of water testing kits which are easy to use and ensure the water is fit to drink and use. Our water quality test kits help you determine harmful levels of nitrates, iron, lead, pesticides, chlorine, pH, and so on. Our kits are calibrated to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards and guidelines.

Why is Water Testing Essential?

The primary purpose of water testing is to ensure the safety and quality of water for consumption and other purposes. Here are some other reasons why water testing is essential.

  • Health Protection: Water, even in its purest form, may contain bacteria, mixed gases from air in rain water, dust, and more. This could pose a health risk if consumed regularly without filtering. Ensuring clean and safe drinking water prevents diseases and protects public health. 
  • Environmental Monitoring: Natural water bodies, such as rivers and lakes can be affected by discharge of waste materials, which can have significant ecological impacts. Therefore, testing water quality helps monitor and assess the health of aquatic ecosystems. Experts can detect pollution sources by measuring parameters, assessing ecosystem health, and more.
  • Industrial Use: Many industrial processes release water as a byproduct, while some other require extremely pure or distilled water as part of the process. Water as a byproduct needs to be recycled or released into the environment. This water requires testing to ensure it is safe for the environment. 
  • Compliance with Regulations: Governments and regulatory agencies proactively establish standards and regulations for water quality to protect human health, ecological parameters, and the health of animals, trees, and so on in their habitat. These regulations provide a legal framework for water management while ensuring water resources are managed sustainably, with consideration for both human and environmental health. These regulations and standards include the Safe Drinking Water Act in the United States or the European Union’s Water Framework Directive, depending on the region.

How Does a Water Quality Testing Kit Work?

The quality testing kit comprises small strips treated with certain chemicals which react with specific contaminants in the water sample. The strips are color coded and the color changes to a specific one after they identify a certain ingredient in water, such as pH or iron, that is above the EPA specified level. They need to be completely submerged in the water sample for a few seconds for accurate output. The color chart and the output is printed on the packet. These water quality testing kits do not offer the exact output in terms of value but are initial indicators of the water quality. While the physical appearance of water must also be checked for color, turbidity, particulate matter, and so on. Most times, the water would appear clear and still be contaminated. So, these kits help determine the overall quality of water based on the above parameters. If the results are not as expected, it is recommended to get the water checked from a lab to know the exact quantities of contaminants and use a proper filtration or RO system as required. Alternatively, you can use our digital testing meters which offer accurate and quantifiable outputs.

What Parameters Water Test Kits Can Measure?

Water test kits are important tools for analyzing various water parameters, which are essential for assessing the suitability of water for various purposes. Here are some parameters water test kits can measure:

  • pH: It is the alkalinity or acidity of any solution. The hydrogen ions in the solution determine pH; lower concentrations result in acidic pH, while higher concentrations result in alkaline pH.   
  • Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): This indicates the total concentration of dissolved substances in water, including salts, minerals, metals, and more. TDS levels can impact the suitability of water for various purposes and indicate potential sources of contamination. High TDS levels can affect odor, taste, turbidity, density, and water clarity. 
  • Dissolved Oxygen (DO): DO levels are crucial for aquatic life as most of these organisms require dissolved oxygen to survive. Low dissolved oxygen levels indicate poor water quality and can also kill aquatic creatures. 
  • Temperature: Water temperature can influence various chemical and biological processes in aquatic ecosystems. This includes metabolic rates of aquatic organisms, dissolved oxygen levels, solubility of substances, and more. 
  • Conductivity: These test kits can measure water conductivity. It presents the ability of water to conduct electrical current, which is related to the concentration of dissolved ions. Also, it indicates the presence of salts, minerals, and pollutants in water.
  • Heavy Metals: Excess consumption of heavy metals can be toxic to humans and aquatic organisms. Water test kits can precisely measure concentrations of heavy metals, such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and cadmium. 
  • Chlorine: It is a commonly used disinfectant in water treatment processes. Monitoring chlorine levels to ensure adequate disinfection while avoiding harmful concentrations is essential. At the same time, excess chlorine levels need to be controlled.
  • Chemical Contaminants: Test kits may also include assays for chemical contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial chemicals, which can pose significant health and environmental risks.

Water Test Kits Offered By Cannon Water Technology

At Cannon Water, we offer different types of water testing kits which are easy to use and cost effective. Here are some common types.

  • Chlorine Dripper Kits: Our chlorine dripper kit is designed to measure the free or total chlorine concentration in the samples. The intensity of the color change depends on the concentration of total chlorine present in the sample. This chlorine dropper kit is used in industrial and process water applications, drinking water monitoring, influent and wastewater effluent, and more. 
  • Sentinel Rapid Dose Quick Test Kits: This test kit checks that a system treated with Sentinel inhibitor has been dosed appropriately against corrosion and limescale. These are the two culprits of system breakdown. 
  • Warewash Test Kits: These tests are commonly found in commercial kitchens to verify proper sanitation procedures are followed while maintaining dish machine water quality. 
  • Cleaner Test Kits: This test kit determines when cleaning chemicals are flushed from the system. These test kits showcase the presence of cleaner in the solution. Once the cleaner has been flushed out, the test will be clear and no longer show color.

Beneficial Features of Water Quality Testing Kits at Cannon Water

Our water test kits have been commonly used across residential complexes, government departments, industries, and commercial establishments. These kits are absolutely reliable and provide precise results. Here are some reasons to invest in our water analysis test kit.

  • Our water quality test kits are designed for easy use, allowing individuals to quickly assess the quality of water without any specialized equipment or training.
  • Most water testing kits provide quick results, allowing users to obtain important information about water quality within hours rather than waiting for days for laboratory analysis. 
  • Our water hardness test kits are compact and portable, making them ideal for various settings, including schools, offices, field locations, and more.
  • We provide user-friendly instructions and color-coded indicators with most of our kits. This helps users interpret the results easily and relate them to the required water quality.
  • Depending on specific application requirements, users can test different parameters, such as chlorine levels, turbidity, bacterial levels, heavy metals, and more with the same device. 
  • These water kits can act as a crucial educational tool, raising awareness about water quality and promoting the factors influencing water purity and safety.

Water Test Kits Maintenance Tips Explained

Maintaining water test kits to get accurate and precise results is essential. Now, you may ask how to maintain these kits. Here are some important pointers that will help you maintain these kits. 

  • The storage of these kits holds immense significance as their lifespan depends on how you store them. Store these water quality check kits in a cool place and place them away from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Exposure to heat can degrade the reagent and affect the accuracy of the tests.
  • Do check their expiration dates and replace any expired kits. Using expired kits can lead to inaccurate results. 
  • Avoid contaminating the kits, and follow the instructions provided with them, including proper handling techniques.
  • Most water test kits require calibration before use for precise results. Follow the instructions provided with the equipment for calibration procedures.
  • It is important to clean the testing equipment before and after each use to prevent contamination and residue of chemicals from previous tests that may impact new test results. You can use the appropriate cleaning solution or distilled water for cleaning equipment.
  • Keep track of each test kit and document the same in terms of maintenance and calibration performed. This helps measure the performance of kits and ensures their consistency in providing precise results.
  • With continuous usage, some kits require replacement parts such as color comparison cards. Check the condition of these parts and replace them if needed to maintain the test accuracy. 

These maintenance tips will ensure that water test strips or kits remain accurate and reliable for monitoring water quality.

Factor Considerations When Selecting Water Test Kits

The selection of water test kits seems easy; however, it involves considering several factors to ensure accurate and reliable results. Here are some key considerations.

  • The process begins by identifying the specific contaminants you need to test for in the water, such as bacteria, pH levels, chlorine, and more. Make sure the selected water test kit can detect the targeted contaminants.
  • Ensure the selected kits can provide precise results measurements within the required range for your application. Choose high-quality kits to get accurate results even at low concentrations.
  • These kits must be user-friendly, so that laypersons can also use it with by reading instructions.
  • Next, consider the analysis speed of kits it requires to obtain results. Some tests provide quick results, while others may require longer processing times. Select the appropriate one, considering the application requirements.
  • If you need fieldwork or on-site testing, opt for a portable water test kit that is compact and lightweight. Portable kits must be durable and capable of withstanding the rigors of transportation.
  • Evaluate the overall cost of the test kit, including initial purchase price, maintenance, and other features. Balance the cost of kits against the features and accuracy required for your application.
  • Consider the calibration and maintenance needs of the test kit. Some kits may require frequent calibration or replacement of components. This can impact operational costs and convenience.
  • Measure the compatibility of the kit. Ensure the water kit you select is compatible with the water sample you are testing. 
  • Ensure that the test kit meets relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements. Check these certifications, which must be done by recognized organizations or agencies to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.

Frequently Ask Questions on Water Test Kits

Here are some questions we commonly get regarding water test kits. We have tried to answer them below. 

  • What Types of Water Test Kits Are Available?

Today, water test kits are available in different types- water test strips, water hardness test kits, lead water test kits, and more. Each type is designed to detect specific contaminants or parameters in water. 

  • Can Water Test Kits be Used to Test for Lead in Drinking Water?

Yes, lead water test kits are designed to test for lead in drinking water. These kits typically use chemical reactions to detect the presence of lead ions in the water sample.

  • How Often Should Water be Tested Using Water Test Kits?

This entirely depends on factors such as the source of the water, its intended usage, regulatory requirements, and many more. Authorities test public water supplies. However, experts recommend testing at least once a year for water bodies such as private wells. 

  • How Should I Interpret the Results from a Water Test Kit?

The kits come with guidelines or instructions for interpretation. Users can compare their outcomes to the recommended levels for the tested parameters. In case of doubts, it is always better to consult a water quality professional. 

  • What Precautions do You Take While Using Water Test Kits?

Individuals must follow the instructions provided with the water test kits, including any safety precautions. Some solutions or reagents used can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Therefore, it is essential to wear appropriate protective gear and avoid contact with eyes. Also, proper disposal procedures should be followed if any waste is generated during testing.

Our water quality testing kits help you get an idea about the water quality with regards to various parameters. We are very focused on product quality, whether for our own product or a sourced one. We source the testing kits only from reputed manufacturers to meet EPA specifications. At Cannon Water Technology, we have these kits stocked in our inventory for most times, and hence we can assure immediate shipping or as required. In case you have any further enquiries or questions about our water quality testing kits, you can reach us via phone or email.