Water and drinking water analysis

When is a drinking water analysis useful?

This drinking water analysis examines trace elements, minerals, and heavy metals in the water. It can be useful when a qualitative assessment of the drinking water is desired, for example, with regard to household installations, geological influences, or individual questions about the water composition.

What is being investigated?

The water is analyzed for the following parameters:

Minerals, trace elements and heavy metals:
Calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfate, phosphate, nitrate, aluminum, antimony, arsenic, boron, lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, copper, nickel, manganese, mercury, selenium, silver, uranium, zinc, barium, beryllium, cobalt, molybdenum, strontium, thallium, vanadium.

The following will also be determined:

• PH value
• conductivity
• Water hardness

Exemplary explanations regarding water analysis

PH value

The pH value is a measure of the concentration of free hydrogen ions. Drinking water is generally in the slightly acidic to slightly alkaline range (pH 6.5 to 8.5) .

The pH value is also an important parameter with regard to corrosion processes in drinking water installations. Copper should not be used in drinking water pipe construction below a pH value of 7.0. Galvanized steel is not recommended as a pipe material at pH values ​​below 7.5.

conductivity

Conductivity is a sum parameter of the ion content (mineralization) of water. It is primarily determined by dissolved electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, sodium, or chloride. The higher the salt content, the higher the electrical conductivity.

Water hardness

Water hardness is given in French degrees of hardness (°fH) and results from the dissolved salts of calcium and magnesium.

Water hardness classification:

•        0–7 °fH: very soft
•       7–15 °fH: soft
•       15–25 °fH: medium-hard
•       25–32 °fH: fairly hard
•       32–42 °fH: hard
•        42 °fH: very hard

Very soft water can have corrosive properties. Very hard water can cause limescale deposits in household appliances and affect detergent consumption.

Main components – examples from the analysis

Calcium (Ca)

Calcium is one of the minerals that contribute to water hardness and is present in almost all natural waters. High calcium concentrations can reduce the usability of water through limescale buildup on heating elements and other deposits.

Magnesium (Mg)

Magnesium also contributes to water hardness. High magnesium levels – especially in combination with elevated sulfate – can affect the taste and have a laxative effect.

Sodium (Na)

Elevated sodium levels can be due to geological conditions or indicate contamination. The sodium content should be taken into account when following a low-sodium diet or when preparing infant formula.

Examples of heavy metal assessments

Lead (Pb)

Elevated lead concentrations can occur due to plumbing installations or prolonged water stagnation. Exceeding relevant limits should be professionally assessed, especially in pregnant women, infants, and children.

Copper (Cu)

Copper is an essential trace element, but can be problematic at higher concentrations. Elevated levels occur, among other things, with new copper pipes or after prolonged periods of stagnant water.

Conclusion of the analysis

The assessment is based on the parameters examined. The measured concentrations are classified in relation to applicable Swiss guidelines and limits .

Parameters such as microbiological contaminants or pesticides are not taken into account unless they are explicitly part of the analysis.

Literature and references

• Swiss Food Code (SLMB)
• WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality, 4th Edition

Scope of delivery and execution