FRASER VALLEY
Water Testing Services
Local Water Test Laboratories
Water Resource Center for Fraser Valley Water Testing
Abbotsford | Chilliwack | Yarrow | Sardis | Clearbrook | Harrison Lake | Hope | Ladner | Langley |
Fort Langley | Aldergrove | Cloverdale | Maple Ridge | Albion | Whonnock | Ruskin | Pitt Meadows | Mission | Dewdney
Water Resource Center for Fraser Valley Water Testing
Abbotsford | Chilliwack | Yarrow | Sardis | Clearbrook | Harrison Lake | Hope | Ladner | Langley |
Fort Langley | Aldergrove | Cloverdale | Maple Ridge | Albion | Whonnock | Ruskin | Pitt Meadows | Mission | Dewdney
Fraser Valley Water Testing Resource
Should I Have My Water Tested?
This question is frequently asked, the answer really depends on several facts.
If you own a private water system or water well in the Fraser Valley and if the quality of your water concerns your health and the health of your family, you need to be aware of some important details about water testing and water quality.
If your water comes from a private system whether it's a drilled well or shallow water well it's important to have tested by a certified lab to verify the water is safe for you and your family to use for domestic purposes, such as drinking, cooking, washing of food, bathing and pets.
Should I Have My Water Tested?
This question is frequently asked, the answer really depends on several facts.
If you own a private water system or water well in the Fraser Valley and if the quality of your water concerns your health and the health of your family, you need to be aware of some important details about water testing and water quality.
If your water comes from a private system whether it's a drilled well or shallow water well it's important to have tested by a certified lab to verify the water is safe for you and your family to use for domestic purposes, such as drinking, cooking, washing of food, bathing and pets.
Who is Responsible for Testing Water Wells in the Fraser Valley?
For those who have a private water well or water supply, the responsibility for safety and treatment is sole responsibility of the homeowner and or landlord. As a property owner in the Fraser Valley with a water well you alone are responsible for assuring your water is safe, as is the case throughout the entire province of British Columbia.
Fraser Valley Water Testing service area includes Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Yarrow, Sardis, Clearbrook, Harrison Lake, Hope, Ladner, Langley, Fort Langley, Aldergrove, Cloverdale, Maple Ridge, Albion, Whonnock, Ruskin, Pitt Meadows, Mission, and the Dewdney Area.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - Contaminated Water Can Make You Sick
You can become ill from drinking contaminated water. Even if you’re not currently sick, your water well may not be safe. Some contaminants found in well can cause long-term health problems. Have there been unexplained illnesses in your family?
In addition to illnesses, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, colour, odor and staining of clothing or fixtures are a sign of a possible water quality problems.
Other things to think about include the location of your water well in relation to septic systems and the composition of your home’s plumbing materials.
For those who have a private water well or water supply, the responsibility for safety and treatment is sole responsibility of the homeowner and or landlord. As a property owner in the Fraser Valley with a water well you alone are responsible for assuring your water is safe, as is the case throughout the entire province of British Columbia.
Fraser Valley Water Testing service area includes Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Yarrow, Sardis, Clearbrook, Harrison Lake, Hope, Ladner, Langley, Fort Langley, Aldergrove, Cloverdale, Maple Ridge, Albion, Whonnock, Ruskin, Pitt Meadows, Mission, and the Dewdney Area.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - Contaminated Water Can Make You Sick
You can become ill from drinking contaminated water. Even if you’re not currently sick, your water well may not be safe. Some contaminants found in well can cause long-term health problems. Have there been unexplained illnesses in your family?
In addition to illnesses, a variety of less serious problems such as taste, colour, odor and staining of clothing or fixtures are a sign of a possible water quality problems.
Other things to think about include the location of your water well in relation to septic systems and the composition of your home’s plumbing materials.
How Does Water Become Contaminated?
Disease causing organisms can be carried in the digestive system of people and animals. These organisms can enter surface water sources from species of animals like cows, bears, or beavers, or from human sources, like septic systems, runoff, sewage pipes and landfills.
Drinking contaminated water can spread water borne diseases. Deep drilled water wells throughout the Fraser Valley are also vulnerable and susceptible to contamination issues as they are in many areas of the Fraser Valley.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - What is Water Borne Diseases?
Water borne diseases are caused by drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses or small parasites (protozoa). These bacteria cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen. Some examples of waterborne diseases are Campylobacter, Cholera, Amoebic Dysentery, Cryptosporidium or Giardia (Beaver Fever)
Why Is It Important to Test Your Water?
Each water well is independent from any surrounding wells, just because your neighbors well has been tested and found to be safe, this does not mean that your water well is safe too. The safety of your well water depends on land-use and underground geology, the depth and construction of the well, and many other factors such as invisible leaky water well casings that are very common in may areas.
Disease causing organisms can be carried in the digestive system of people and animals. These organisms can enter surface water sources from species of animals like cows, bears, or beavers, or from human sources, like septic systems, runoff, sewage pipes and landfills.
Drinking contaminated water can spread water borne diseases. Deep drilled water wells throughout the Fraser Valley are also vulnerable and susceptible to contamination issues as they are in many areas of the Fraser Valley.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - What is Water Borne Diseases?
Water borne diseases are caused by drinking water contaminated with bacteria, viruses or small parasites (protozoa). These bacteria cannot be tasted, smelled, or seen. Some examples of waterborne diseases are Campylobacter, Cholera, Amoebic Dysentery, Cryptosporidium or Giardia (Beaver Fever)
Why Is It Important to Test Your Water?
Each water well is independent from any surrounding wells, just because your neighbors well has been tested and found to be safe, this does not mean that your water well is safe too. The safety of your well water depends on land-use and underground geology, the depth and construction of the well, and many other factors such as invisible leaky water well casings that are very common in may areas.
Why Might My Water Not Be Safe?
Your well water may taste and look great, however, there can be many harmful substances that you don't see, taste, or smell, such as bacteria and chemicals that could affect your health. These contaminants can enter a water well both from the surface and the ground and can be from natural sources or human activities.
For example, local farming and agricultural activities or septic systems in the Fraser Valley, if built or maintained improperly, could lead to increased nitrates and fertilizer seeping into soil and contaminating your water well. Poor well maintenance may also cause contamination of a well water.
Richmond Water Testing - How Often Should My Water Be Tested?
Private water wells in the Fraser Valley should be tested at least once a year. Drinking water sources obtained from shallow wells (dug wells) and surface water sources should be tested more frequently (i.e. seasonally), they are much more more susceptible to contamination.
It is important to test your drinking water at the tap and at the source. Testing both will help you determine if your home water treatment system is performing correctly, and if the quality of your raw water has changed.
Testing is recommended during the wet seasons, the rainy season will cause a higher potential of contamination, than the dry summer months.
Your well water may taste and look great, however, there can be many harmful substances that you don't see, taste, or smell, such as bacteria and chemicals that could affect your health. These contaminants can enter a water well both from the surface and the ground and can be from natural sources or human activities.
For example, local farming and agricultural activities or septic systems in the Fraser Valley, if built or maintained improperly, could lead to increased nitrates and fertilizer seeping into soil and contaminating your water well. Poor well maintenance may also cause contamination of a well water.
Richmond Water Testing - How Often Should My Water Be Tested?
Private water wells in the Fraser Valley should be tested at least once a year. Drinking water sources obtained from shallow wells (dug wells) and surface water sources should be tested more frequently (i.e. seasonally), they are much more more susceptible to contamination.
It is important to test your drinking water at the tap and at the source. Testing both will help you determine if your home water treatment system is performing correctly, and if the quality of your raw water has changed.
Testing is recommended during the wet seasons, the rainy season will cause a higher potential of contamination, than the dry summer months.
Richmond Water Testing & Water Quality Changes
Your water should also be tested if you see any sudden changes in the water (ex: strong colour, odor or a change in taste or clarity) and after a particularly heavy rainfall or flooding in the Fraser Valley. I always recommend wet weather testing when possible.
For this reason, registering for a routine water testing program in Richmond and testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended.
Even if you currently have a safe water supply, regular water testing can be valuable as it establishes a track record of the water quality from your water well. A water quality record is helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone somehow damages your water supply.
A water quality record for your water well is extremely important when selling real estate in Richmond with a water well, most water wells are now tested and inspected upon the sale of a property. Having a record of water test reports available will certainly indicate whether you can expect to have a water well problem upon the sale of your property.
For this reason, registering for a routine water testing program in Richmond and testing for a few of the most common contaminants is highly recommended.
Even if you currently have a safe water supply, regular water testing can be valuable as it establishes a track record of the water quality from your water well. A water quality record is helpful in solving any future problems and in obtaining compensation if someone somehow damages your water supply.
A water quality record for your water well is extremely important when selling real estate in Richmond with a water well, most water wells are now tested and inspected upon the sale of a property. Having a record of water test reports available will certainly indicate whether you can expect to have a water well problem upon the sale of your property.
Do You Have a New Baby in the Household?
Water testing for nitrate in the early months of pregnancy is important and again before bringing an infant home, it may be wise in some areas to repeat the test during the first 6 months of the child's life. The best time to test for nitrate is during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Does Your Fraser Valley Water Have a Taste, Odor or Staining Problems?
Testing for sulfide, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosion, and every 2 to 3 years is typically suffice. If you suspect other contaminants include them in the test.
Experienced a Chemical or Fuel Spill or Leak Near Your Water Supply?
Water Testing will be required for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds. This type of specific testing can be costly; limit the tests to the potential threats that are considered specific to your incident.
Immediately contact the Fraser Valley Water Well professionals if you've had a chemical spill near a water supply for further advice.
Water testing for nitrate in the early months of pregnancy is important and again before bringing an infant home, it may be wise in some areas to repeat the test during the first 6 months of the child's life. The best time to test for nitrate is during the spring or summer following a rainy period.
Does Your Fraser Valley Water Have a Taste, Odor or Staining Problems?
Testing for sulfide, chloride, iron, manganese, hardness and corrosion, and every 2 to 3 years is typically suffice. If you suspect other contaminants include them in the test.
Experienced a Chemical or Fuel Spill or Leak Near Your Water Supply?
Water Testing will be required for chemical contaminants, such as volatile organic compounds. This type of specific testing can be costly; limit the tests to the potential threats that are considered specific to your incident.
Immediately contact the Fraser Valley Water Well professionals if you've had a chemical spill near a water supply for further advice.
Where Can I Get My Water Tested in the Fraser Valley?
It's important to only use an accredited, certified analytical water testing lab in the Fraser Valley for water testing. A certified lab will generally have invested several million dollars in professional water testing and analytical equipment, lab technicians, scientists and a large laboratory facility.
Who Should Not Be Controlling Water Samples?
Water Tests and Home Water Treatment Services
Home water treatment companies often provide in-house water testing services as a method of lead generation for for regular sales, testing may be conducted onsite with inexpensive packaged water test kits by water treatment companies or they may accept water samples and become the 3rd party by sending the water samples to an accredited water testing lab.
Once possession of water samples is taken by another party (water treatment company) they may manage the Chain of Custody (COC) which gives full control of the water samples and report to the water treatment company. There's no promise that the water samples will not be altered with or contaminated causing the return of a failed water test report which may not be accurate at all.
There is good reason why water tests initiated by home water treatment companies may be a concern and should be avoided when possible due to conflict of interest, the possible lack of accreditation requirements and a host of other issues can crop up.
Home water treatment companies are in the business of selling and installing home water treatment systems, giving reason why they would rather handle the water tests when possible but, as mentioned the documented results may not be legitimate. Buyer beware - manage your own samples, keep your water samples at arms length.
It's similar to the testing of blood... it's always kept independent and at arm's length. The Doc is not taking your blood, handling the lab work and then upon the results of your blood work he sells you the drugs you need in a backroom... right? Same goes with your water!
It's important to only use an accredited, certified analytical water testing lab in the Fraser Valley for water testing. A certified lab will generally have invested several million dollars in professional water testing and analytical equipment, lab technicians, scientists and a large laboratory facility.
Who Should Not Be Controlling Water Samples?
Water Tests and Home Water Treatment Services
Home water treatment companies often provide in-house water testing services as a method of lead generation for for regular sales, testing may be conducted onsite with inexpensive packaged water test kits by water treatment companies or they may accept water samples and become the 3rd party by sending the water samples to an accredited water testing lab.
Once possession of water samples is taken by another party (water treatment company) they may manage the Chain of Custody (COC) which gives full control of the water samples and report to the water treatment company. There's no promise that the water samples will not be altered with or contaminated causing the return of a failed water test report which may not be accurate at all.
There is good reason why water tests initiated by home water treatment companies may be a concern and should be avoided when possible due to conflict of interest, the possible lack of accreditation requirements and a host of other issues can crop up.
Home water treatment companies are in the business of selling and installing home water treatment systems, giving reason why they would rather handle the water tests when possible but, as mentioned the documented results may not be legitimate. Buyer beware - manage your own samples, keep your water samples at arms length.
It's similar to the testing of blood... it's always kept independent and at arm's length. The Doc is not taking your blood, handling the lab work and then upon the results of your blood work he sells you the drugs you need in a backroom... right? Same goes with your water!
Fraser Valley Water Testing and Real Estate
With nearly 30 years of experience in real estate and water well consulting, I simply have little tolerance for a real estate agent who becomes entangled with their clients water samples. It’s a serious conflict of interest in my opinion.
Luckily most but not all real estate agents will never consider handling a water sample, they understand the potential liability issues are substantial.
With most real estate deals in the Fraser Valley, the water well is generally not tested until a week or two prior to the completion of sale, if at all. The first samples should be really be recorded prior to listing a property, not on the eleventh hour when you're closing a sale.!
At that point of a transaction no one is interested in a failed water report, especially the real estate agent. A failed water test can cause a few issues at closing which may include the loss of a sale.
With nearly 30 years of experience in real estate and water well consulting, I simply have little tolerance for a real estate agent who becomes entangled with their clients water samples. It’s a serious conflict of interest in my opinion.
Luckily most but not all real estate agents will never consider handling a water sample, they understand the potential liability issues are substantial.
With most real estate deals in the Fraser Valley, the water well is generally not tested until a week or two prior to the completion of sale, if at all. The first samples should be really be recorded prior to listing a property, not on the eleventh hour when you're closing a sale.!
At that point of a transaction no one is interested in a failed water report, especially the real estate agent. A failed water test can cause a few issues at closing which may include the loss of a sale.
Water Samples and Conflict of Interest
The situation could even make it possible for a water sample to not actually be taken from the water source of a subject property but rather, it could be replaced with a potable water sample containing a slight chlorine residual (generally from a city water tap). Understandably a purchaser would never expect this but, it's a known tactic in the real estate industry. It may seem obvious why most agents wisely remain at arm's length and will not become entangled with water samples.
Also, if purchasing real estate in a Fraser Valley community with a private water system, you don't want to accept other previous lab reports for the same reasons as already mentioned, mistakes when purchasing can literally cost thousands of dollars to repair a water well issue or maybe even require a water well replacement! Often purchasers unknowingly inherit water well issues throughout the Fraser Valley.
If you require water testing within the Fraser Valley it’s important to control the water samples, with included instructions and a couple short online videos, you’re are fully capable of requesting a water test kit to sample your water.
Sending your completed water test kit to the testing lab isn't complicated either. Fraser Valley Water Testing Services has made it easy for anyone to complete.
The situation could even make it possible for a water sample to not actually be taken from the water source of a subject property but rather, it could be replaced with a potable water sample containing a slight chlorine residual (generally from a city water tap). Understandably a purchaser would never expect this but, it's a known tactic in the real estate industry. It may seem obvious why most agents wisely remain at arm's length and will not become entangled with water samples.
Also, if purchasing real estate in a Fraser Valley community with a private water system, you don't want to accept other previous lab reports for the same reasons as already mentioned, mistakes when purchasing can literally cost thousands of dollars to repair a water well issue or maybe even require a water well replacement! Often purchasers unknowingly inherit water well issues throughout the Fraser Valley.
If you require water testing within the Fraser Valley it’s important to control the water samples, with included instructions and a couple short online videos, you’re are fully capable of requesting a water test kit to sample your water.
Sending your completed water test kit to the testing lab isn't complicated either. Fraser Valley Water Testing Services has made it easy for anyone to complete.
Fraser Valley Water Testing
Fraser Valley Water Testing provides a simple online water testing system that solves the complicated and confusing issues of water testing for homeowners throughout the Fraser Valley communities.
Water Testing Laboratories in the Fraser Valley
Water testing labs typically require sampling your water with their containers. Always use the containers provided and carefully follow the instructions included for collecting, storing and handling water samples. The number of water samples required will depend on the water test kit package.
How Much Does It Cost to for Water Testing?
The cost of testing your water in the Fraser Valley is determined by the scope of the water test kit and package, it can range from a very basic coliform test to a comprehensive drinking water package. Some people choose a mid-range package and many choose to order the full-scope water test.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - How Do I Order a Water Testing Kit?
Water test kits are easy to order online, they care provided as a complete package with a pre-paid shipping label to return the completed water test kit back to the lab. Fraser Valley Water Testing has simplified the entire process while providing full control of the water test kit and sampling to the property owner.
Fraser Valley Water Quality Resources and Drinking Water Guidelines
Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
Approved Water Quality Guidelines for British Columbia
Fraser Health Environmental - Drinking Water
Fraser Valley Well Drilling and Water Well Resources
Water Testing Laboratories in the Fraser Valley
Water testing labs typically require sampling your water with their containers. Always use the containers provided and carefully follow the instructions included for collecting, storing and handling water samples. The number of water samples required will depend on the water test kit package.
How Much Does It Cost to for Water Testing?
The cost of testing your water in the Fraser Valley is determined by the scope of the water test kit and package, it can range from a very basic coliform test to a comprehensive drinking water package. Some people choose a mid-range package and many choose to order the full-scope water test.
Fraser Valley Water Testing - How Do I Order a Water Testing Kit?
Water test kits are easy to order online, they care provided as a complete package with a pre-paid shipping label to return the completed water test kit back to the lab. Fraser Valley Water Testing has simplified the entire process while providing full control of the water test kit and sampling to the property owner.
Fraser Valley Water Quality Resources and Drinking Water Guidelines
Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines
Approved Water Quality Guidelines for British Columbia
Fraser Health Environmental - Drinking Water
Fraser Valley Well Drilling and Water Well Resources
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FRASER VALLEYWATER TESTING SERVICES:
Fraser Valley Water Testing Services Includes: Abbotsford | Chilliwack | Yarrow | Sardis | Clearbrook | Harrison Lake | Hope | Ladner | Langley | Fort Langley | Aldergrove | Cloverdale | Maple Ridge | Albion | Whonnock | Ruskin | Pitt Meadows | Mission | Dewdney Contact Fraser Valley Water Testing Website: Fraser Valley Water Testing Services Phone: 604-670-3033 
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