Water Testing Made Simple: Results and Health Risks
When you receive a water test report, it can often feel confusing or overly technical. Numbers, abbreviations and unfamiliar terms may leave you wondering: Is my water safe to drink? and Do I need to take action?
This guide explains the most common water testing parameters — from pH levels to bacteria — in clear, simple terms, so you can understand what’s really in your water and what the results mean for your health, home or business.
Why Understanding Water Test Results Matters
A professional water test provides valuable information about safety, quality and compliance, but the results are only useful if you understand them. Poor water quality can affect your health, damage plumbing and appliances, and in some cases lead to compliance issues — especially for private wells, rental properties or care facilities.
Knowing how to read your report helps you make informed decisions about treatment, filtration or further testing.
pH Level – Is Your Water Acidic or Alkaline?
pH measures how acidic or alkaline your water is on a scale from 0 to 14.
- Ideal drinking water pH: 6.5 – 8.5
- Low pH (acidic): Can corrode pipes and release metals like lead or copper
- High pH (alkaline): May cause scaling, poor taste and reduced effectiveness of disinfection
While pH itself is not usually a direct health risk, it plays a major role in how water interacts with your plumbing system.
Hardness – Calcium & Magnesium
Water hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium.
- Hard water is common across many parts of Ireland
- It is not harmful to health
- Can cause limescale in kettles, boilers and heating systems
- Reduces efficiency of appliances and increases energy costs
If hardness levels are high, a water softener or scale control system may be recommended.
Bacteria – E. coli & Coliforms
Bacterial testing is one of the most critical parts of any water analysis.
- E. coli: Indicates faecal contamination and an immediate health risk
- Total coliforms: Suggest problems with system hygiene or water ingress
Bacteria can enter water through:
- Private wells
- Storage tanks
- Low-use pipework
- Poorly maintained systems
Any positive bacterial result means the water is not safe to drink until corrective action is taken.
Nitrates & Nitrites – A Common Rural Risk
Nitrates often enter water supplies through agricultural runoff or septic systems.
- Safe limit for nitrates: 50 mg/L
- High levels are especially dangerous for infants and pregnant women
- Common issue in private wells and rural areas
Long-term exposure to elevated nitrates can pose serious health risks and requires treatment.
Metals – Lead, Copper, Iron & Manganese
Metal contamination usually comes from old plumbing or corroded fittings.
- Lead: No safe level for long-term consumption
- Copper: Can cause stomach upset at high levels
- Iron & manganese: Affect taste, colour and staining
According to Irish standards, lead should not exceed 10 µg/L. Even small amounts can be harmful over time.
Turbidity, Colour, Taste & Odour
These are known as physical indicators of water quality.
- Cloudy or coloured water may hide bacteria or sediment
- Unusual taste or smell can indicate chemical or biological issues
- Sudden changes should always trigger further testing
Even if water looks clear, it can still contain invisible contaminants — which is why testing is essential.
What Happens If Your Water Fails?
If any parameter exceeds Irish or EU safety limits, a professional water test report should include:
- Clear explanation of the issue
- Whether it is a health or compliance risk
- Practical recommendations for treatment or correction
Solutions may include system flushing, disinfection, filtration or pipe upgrades, followed by retesting to confirm safety.
Why Professional Testing Matters
At DryZone, we provide professional water testing services in the counties of Limerick, Clare, Galway, and Tipperary. With clear, easy-to-understand reports and practical advice you can trust. Whether you rely on a private well or mains supply, understanding your water quality is the first step to keeping it safe.
👉 Learn more about our water testing services or request a custom test package today.
