The Importance of Testing Your Home’s Water: Protect Your Family’s Health
When buying or maintaining a home, most people think about the roof, foundation, or electrical system. But one of the most critical—and often overlooked—elements is your water quality. Whether your home relies on a private well or municipal water, contaminants like coliform bacteria, E. coli, nitrates, nitrites, and arsenic can pose serious health risks if not detected early.
Why Water Testing Matters
- Coliform & E. coli – Indicators of possible sewage contamination that can lead to gastrointestinal illness. Coliforms are a broad group of bacteria found in the environment and the intestines of animals, while E. coli is a specific species within the coliform group, considered a more precise indicator of fresh fecal contamination. The presence of coliforms, especially E. coli, in water suggests contamination from animal or human waste and the potential presence of disease-causing pathogens that could pose health risks, although most coliforms themselves are not harmful.
- Nitrate & Nitrite – Nitrates (NO₃⁻) and nitrites (NO₂⁻) are natural chemical compounds containing nitrogen and oxygen, found in soil, water, and plants. Nitrates are an essential nutrient for plant growth but can be converted to nitrites by bacteria in the body. While naturally occurring in vegetables, nitrates and nitrites are also added to processed meats for preservation and color. In the body, nitrates can form beneficial nitric oxide, but under certain conditions, such as high-heat cooking, they can transform into harmful N-nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer. Especially dangerous for infants, high levels in drinking water can lead to methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” in infants under six months old.
- Arsenic – Arsenic in drinking water refers to the contamination of water supplies by arsenic, a naturally occurring element that can dissolve into groundwater from rocks and soil, or be introduced by human activities like mining. This chemical is a known human carcinogen that increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and nerve damage, even at low levels from long-term exposure. While it is tasteless and odorless, arsenic can be removed from water through treatment processes, but it’s essential to test your water to determine the level of contamination and risk.
Routine water testing ensures that your family is safe and your home’s plumbing system is delivering water you can trust.
Water Quality Testing in Southern Michigan
At Inspected Moore, we proudly serve all of Southern Michigan. From the west side including Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, through the capital region of Lansing down to Coldwater or east to the greater Metro Detroit area, chance are that Inspected Moore can service you. Our water quality inspections are an optional part of our comprehensive home inspection services, giving buyers and homeowners peace of mind.
Learn more about our inspection services including well inspections, septic inspections, radon testing, and thermal imaging. These services work together to give you the clearest picture of your home’s safety and long-term value.
Protecting Your Investment
A home is one of the biggest investments you’ll make. By scheduling a water test with a certified inspector like Inspected Moore, you’ll know if your home’s water meets EPA safety standards. If issues are detected, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to take corrective action before they become larger, more expensive problems.
Schedule Your Water Quality Inspection Today
Don’t leave your family’s health to chance. Contact Inspected Moore to schedule a water quality test or a full home inspection. Our fast, detailed reports and 35+ years of experience as a licensed builder and certified home inspector ensure you’re making the most informed decision possible.
👉 Call us today at 989-245-9459 or schedule online.