cooper
Well-Known Member
Here is a list of what Ward Labs recommends as standard levels for your drinking water. Some of us are still learning and I thought this guideline would be helpful let everyone know what the normal levels are supposed to be.
Drinking Water Standards
pH: 5.0 - 9.0 = Safe
Total Dissolved Solids: 30 - 900 ppm = Safe
Electrical Conductivity: 0.05 - 1.5 mmho/cm = Safe
Magnesium: Less than 400 ppm Mg = Safe
Total Hardness:
0 - 75 ppm CaCO3 = Soft Water
75 - 150 ppm CaCO3 = Moderately Hard Water
150 - 300 ppm CaCO3 = Hard Water
300 + ppm CaCO3 = Very Hard Water
Chloride: Less than 250 ppm Cl = Safe
Total Alkalinity: Less than 400 ppm CaCO3 = No Problem
Coliform Bacteria: No Colonies per 100 ml = Safe
Iron: Less than 0.3 ppm Fe = Safe
Manganese: Less than 0.05 ppm Mn = Safe
Copper: Less than 1.0 ppm Cu = Safe
Lead: Less than 0.05 ppm Pb = Safe
Cadmium: Less than 0.02 ppm Cd = Safe
Fluoride: 0.75 - 1.50 ppm F Optimum Level for Proper Dental Care
Sulfate - Sulfur: Less than 83 ppm SO4-S = Desirable
Nitrate - Nitrogen: Less than 10 ppm NO3-N = Safe
If the nitrate level is above 10 ppm there is a cause for concern. A safe
alternate source of water should be found for infants under six months of
age and pregnant mothers, because of the danger of prenatal
methemoglobinemia.
A nitrate-nitrogen level over 10 ppm is less critical if only adults and older
children will be drinking the water. You may wish to consult with your
personal physician or a health professional before deciding on a course of
action.
Boiling will not reduce the nitrate levels in water.
(ppm is the same as mg/L)
Drinking Water Standards
pH: 5.0 - 9.0 = Safe
Total Dissolved Solids: 30 - 900 ppm = Safe
Electrical Conductivity: 0.05 - 1.5 mmho/cm = Safe
Magnesium: Less than 400 ppm Mg = Safe
Total Hardness:
0 - 75 ppm CaCO3 = Soft Water
75 - 150 ppm CaCO3 = Moderately Hard Water
150 - 300 ppm CaCO3 = Hard Water
300 + ppm CaCO3 = Very Hard Water
Chloride: Less than 250 ppm Cl = Safe
Total Alkalinity: Less than 400 ppm CaCO3 = No Problem
Coliform Bacteria: No Colonies per 100 ml = Safe
Iron: Less than 0.3 ppm Fe = Safe
Manganese: Less than 0.05 ppm Mn = Safe
Copper: Less than 1.0 ppm Cu = Safe
Lead: Less than 0.05 ppm Pb = Safe
Cadmium: Less than 0.02 ppm Cd = Safe
Fluoride: 0.75 - 1.50 ppm F Optimum Level for Proper Dental Care
Sulfate - Sulfur: Less than 83 ppm SO4-S = Desirable
Nitrate - Nitrogen: Less than 10 ppm NO3-N = Safe
If the nitrate level is above 10 ppm there is a cause for concern. A safe
alternate source of water should be found for infants under six months of
age and pregnant mothers, because of the danger of prenatal
methemoglobinemia.
A nitrate-nitrogen level over 10 ppm is less critical if only adults and older
children will be drinking the water. You may wish to consult with your
personal physician or a health professional before deciding on a course of
action.
Boiling will not reduce the nitrate levels in water.
(ppm is the same as mg/L)