How to Read a Water Test Report
How to Read a Water Test Report
Water test reports can be confusing. Here's a plain-language guide to understanding what your results mean.
Units of Measurement
Water test results use several units:
- mg/L (milligrams per liter) — same as ppm (parts per million). Used for most contaminants.
- GPG (grains per gallon) — used for hardness. 1 GPG = 17.1 mg/L.
- pH — a scale from 0–14. 7 is neutral; below 7 is acidic, above 7 is alkaline.
- CFU/100mL — colony forming units per 100 mL. Used for bacteria counts.
Key Parameters and What They Mean
Hardness: Above 7 GPG (120 mg/L) is considered hard. Citrus County well water is typically 15–30+ GPG. A water softener is recommended above 7 GPG.
Iron: The EPA secondary standard is 0.3 mg/L. Above this level, staining and taste problems occur. Iron removal is recommended above 0.3 mg/L.
pH: Ideal range is 6.5–8.5. Low pH (acidic water) corrodes pipes and fixtures. High pH can cause scale buildup.
Hydrogen sulfide: No EPA standard, but odor is detectable at 0.1 mg/L. Treatment is recommended if you notice rotten egg smell.
Coliform bacteria: Should be zero (absent). Any detection requires immediate action — boil water and contact a water treatment professional.
Nitrates: EPA limit is 10 mg/L. Above this level, water is unsafe for infants and pregnant women.
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids): EPA secondary standard is 500 mg/L. High TDS indicates high mineral content. Citrus County well water often exceeds this.
What to Do With Your Results
Aqua Logic will review your water test results with you and recommend the right treatment solution. We explain what each number means in plain language and give you an honest assessment — no pressure, no upselling.
Have Questions About Your Water?
Schedule a free water test — we'll identify exactly what's in your water and recommend the right solution.