Pro-Lab – Water quality test

PRO-LAB® Water Quality Test Kit

Manufacturer: Pro-Lab

It is a well-known fact that man-made chemicals, which entered widespread use after World War II, have long been polluting the surface waters we rely on for drinking. For decades, these substances have been leaching through soil layers, contaminating our underground drinking water sources as well.

Experts believe that toxins in our drinking water represent one of the greatest threats to human health, potentially contributing to cancer, heart disease, and lead poisoning. These chronic conditions often result from the long-term absorption of harmful substances in the body. Furthermore, water contaminants do not only affect our health; they can also corrode plumbing, stain laundry and household surfaces, and alter the taste of food and water.

What is Water Quality?

Water quality is defined by the level of contaminants present in drinking water. If these levels remain within acceptable limits, the water is considered safe for consumption. However, even if your water looks and tastes good, it may not be safe to drink if contaminants exceed acceptable thresholds. Therefore, it is essential to know the specific types and concentrations of substances in your water.

How Do I Know if My Water is Contaminated?

To ensure the safety of your water, you must test it. With the Pro-Lab Home Water Quality Test Kit, any user can easily test their water at home or in the workplace for chlorine, nitrates, nitrites, iron, and copper, as well as water hardness, pH, and total alkalinity.

• Fast & Reliable: Each test takes less than 5 minutes.

• Professional Grade: Test strips are of laboratory quality.

• Versatile: Accurately measures tap water, well water, rainwater, and spring water.

• Maintenance Tool: Ideal for checking the efficiency of home water filtration systems.

• Recommendation: It is recommended to test your water every 3 months.

What’s Inside the Kit:

The kit includes 4 individually wrapped, lab-quality test strips in a clear zip-lock bag:

• WaterWorks™ 5-in-1: A single strip that tests 5 parameters at once (Total Hardness, Total Chlorine, Free Chlorine, Total Alkalinity, and pH).

• Iron Test: A dedicated strip to detect iron levels.

• Copper Test: A dedicated strip to detect copper levels.

• Nitrate & Nitrite Test: A strip to detect nitrogen-based contaminants.

• Bonus Guides: Instructions on how to perform two additional tests at home without strips (for Iron Bacteria and Hydrogen Sulfide).

Nominal Sensitivity Levels:

• Total Hardness: 0 – 425 ppm

• Total Chlorine: 0 – 10 ppm

• Free Chlorine: 0 – 10 ppm

• Total Alkalinity: 0 – 240 ppm

• pH: 6.2 – 8.4

• Iron: 0 – 5 ppm

• Copper: 0 – 5 ppm

• Nitrates: 0 – 50 ppm

• Nitrites: 0 – 5 ppm (ppm = parts per million)

Key Parameters Explained:

• Total Hardness: Measures dissolved minerals (calcium and magnesium). While not harmful to health, "hard" water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reducing their lifespan and efficiency. It can leave spots on fixtures and make hair look dull.

• Total & Free Chlorine: Used for disinfection in public systems. High levels can affect taste/odor, irritate skin/eyes, and are linked to increased long-term health risks.

• Total Alkalinity: The water's ability to neutralize acidity. Low alkalinity can lead to a metallic taste, pipe corrosion, and potential lead leaching. High alkalinity can cause skin dryness and is usually linked to high pH.

• pH (Acidity): Measures how acidic or basic the water is. Low pH (acidic) water is corrosive and can damage copper or galvanized pipes and water heaters, while also increasing the risk of lead entering the water.

• Iron: A common mineral that causes reddish-brown or orange stains on fixtures, dishes, and laundry that are very difficult to remove.

• Copper: Often found in small amounts, but higher levels can cause gastrointestinal distress or headaches, leave a bitter taste, and cause blue-green staining on porcelain sinks and tubs.

• Nitrates & Nitrites: Chemicals from fertilizers, sewage, or animal waste. High concentrations are a severe health risk, especially for infants under 6 months (linked to "Blue Baby Syndrome"). Pregnant and nursing mothers should avoid water with high nitrate levels.