“Water is life, and clean water means health” – Audrey Hepburn.
Photographs from space show that our planet has more water than land. This gives us an image of a world with plenty of water sources, but only 2.5% of Earth’s water is fresh.
Did you know that the water around us could be contaminated with deadly microorganisms? That leaves us with one choice: microbiological testing of water supplies.
Water quality can be affected by a variety of factors such as contamination by microorganisms and other pollutants. This is caused due to poor water quality control and sanitation practices. The best way to ensure water safety is to conduct regular microbiological water testing.
At URS, we are eager to help you ensure the quality of water. As one of the leading water testing laboratories in Dubai, we understand how important it is to safeguard this precious resource. Our tests are conducted by professionals with deep knowledge in the field. We use sophisticated, state-of-the-art technology in our water testing laboratory.
Key Takeaway
- Environmental testing of water is an important factor to ensure water quality for safe consumption and use.
- Routine testing should be conducted to detect microorganisms in the water source and prevent any health risks associated with water contamination.
- Water Testing is done to identify the presence of bacteria and viruses such as Coliforms, Legionella, and other microorganisms.
- Efficient steps and control measures are to be taken to ensure the quality of water.
What is Microbiological Water Testing?
The testing of water is the most effective way to identify microorganisms in a water sample. Various tests and procedures have been developed for testing water quality. These tests are conducted at a water testing laboratory through standard policies and procedures. The testing of water is usually done by owners of water supply systems and commercial and industrial facilities. Private households can do water testing if they suspect water contamination.
The microorganisms tested in microbiological testing of your water include:
- Coliforms
- E. Coli
- Pseudomonas
- Fecal Streptococci
- Legionella SP
Water Testing Methods
The testing of water methods are offered for various water sources. These methods check for microorganisms present in the water. This helps to prevent any life-threatening diseases that could arise from contaminated water.
- Coliform and indicator organisms
Coliforms are gram-negative, non-spore-forming rod-like bacteria that ferment lactose by producing gas at 35ºC or 44/44.5ºC within 48 hrs. It indicates the presence of enteric pathogens or viruses in the water. This makes the water unfit for human consumption. But, the presence of Coliform in itself does not state that the water is contaminated. Thus, further analysis has to be conducted to identify fecal coliforms. A few fecal coliforms include Enterobacter, Escherichia, and Klebsiella. The presence of E. Coli and Streptococci is also evidence of fecal contamination.
- Legionella Testing
Legionella is a pathogenic gram-negative bacteria that cause Legionellosis and Legionnaires’ disease. These microorganisms have a high chlorine tolerance. It occurs in plumbing lines and equipment if the water is not checked often. Legionella Testing is recommended to be conducted quarterly. This helps to prevent fatal diseases and ensure the quality of the water.
- Rapid methods
The Colilert Test uses proprietary Defined Substrate Technology (DST). This test detects both total coliforms and Escherichia coli, with results in 24 hours. It is approved by the U.S. EPA and included in Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewater.
- Membrane Filtration
Membrane Filtration is a technique used to assess water quality. It is done through the use of a special filter called a Membrane filter. This filter is used to trap the microorganisms. This is an effective technique for the isolation and enumeration of microorganisms in the water sample. Thus, the MF method inspects both the quality of the water and the number of microorganisms in the water.
- Culture media
Culture media are mediums/sources that provide essential minerals and nutrients to microorganisms. This helps in their growth in laboratories. Culture media can be classified based on their consistency, composition, and application. They are used to isolate, identify, and study various pathogenic microorganisms. For example, membrane lauryl sulfate broth or agar are recommended media for coliforms and E. Coli.
- Other environmental water testing methods
A wide variety of our environmental water testing methods include temperature tests, pH testing, salinity tests, and metal testing, to name a few.
Benefits Of Routine Microbiological Testing Of Your Water
- To identify bacteria and pathogens present in the water at an earlier stage
- Ensuring the quality of water is essential for the health, economic, and social well-being of people
- Prevent potential risks health risks associated with water contamination
- Take efficient and appropriate steps toward water quality control
- Water testing is mandatory for industries using water sources for consumption or production. This keeps your firm at an advantage in maintaining and providing quality water
URS Water Testing Laboratory
URS Testing laboratory is accredited with DAC for ISO 17025. As one of the leading water testing laboratories in Dubai, UAE we offer professional and reliable water testing services.
We provide expert knowledge and advice on water quality control and carry out an accurate analysis of water samples. At URS, we conduct environmental water testing for Ground Water, Wastewater, Sea Water, Formation water, Process water, and Recreational pool water.
FAQ
1. How often should you carry out water testing?
Water testing can be done on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis. This is based on the type of water sample, and the level of exposure or risk of contamination. We conduct routine and non-routine water testing.
2. How does water testing work?
Water testing usually involves collecting the water sample, and moving it to a water testing laboratory. This is done under specific conditions within a specific time. The sample is then tested to identify the presence of bacteria, viruses, or other pollutants.
3. What should you test for?
Most microbiological water tests check for Coliforms, Pseudomonas, and Legionella. Other water quality parameters such as temperature, pH levels, and mineral composition of the water, are also tested as part of our environmental testing of water services.
Contact us or Enquire now to get your water samples tested in one of the leading water testing laboratories in Dubai.