Watersafe Well Water Test Kit

[carlyai]

Anyone experienced in using Watersafe well-water test kits?

I bought one on EBay and tested my filtered water after the RO filter.

I understand all the test results except how to interpret the bacteria results.

The instructions say if the test vile turns yellow, then bacteria, if it turns purple then no bacteria.

As i don't know how yellow is yellow for this test result, I need someone who has do the test a few times to tell me if my test water is yellow or not.

Here are pics of the results. The brighter pic is with the camera flash.

The empty bottle of Leo in the background had no effect on the test results.

[lopburi3]

It is sure not purple. This is after a working RO filter? What TDS are you reading prior and after RO filter? If you do not have meter they are cheap on ebay and provides a good indication of how filter is working.

For now you may want to continue drinking the Leo.

[carlyai]

You are correct, it certainly isn't purple, but it isn't yellow either. that's why I am unsure.

The well water goes through a POE carbon, then anthracite, then PP filter before the RO filter on the drinking water.

The filter guy measured the TDS after the system was installed and it was well within specs he said.

It was fairly late but I think he said less than 100 or that could have been 0.1 on the meter. I think I remember seeing 0.1 something.

The well-water test kit doesn't show TDS.

[bankruatsteve]

Looks yellow to me. But, you should also test with some bottled water. If that turns purple then you might wonder if your filters are doing anything for bacteria.

[carlyai]

Looks yellow to me. But, you should also test with some bottled water. If that turns purple then you might wonder if your filters are doing anything for bacteria.

Mmmmm ... I was hoping you wouldn't say that.

I know it, I know it, I should have bought the two test kits together in one package, and not the one kit. I know it.

But the one kit was something like $ 30 odd dollars to get it here.

I also should have put in the UV filter on the RO.

Testing bottled water is the answer, and comparing the colour, so guess I will have to buy another test kit on Ebay.

I sent an email to the company, asking for further info, in the states and their contract url bounced back my email.

[bankruatsteve]

If the test kit can only do one test, it doesn't sound like a very good kit to me. I've never tried myself, but others have reported they get their water tested at various places in Thailand (hospitals, universities, etc.) And there must be some outfit that periodically tests the places that do the bottled water (I hope).

[lopburi3]

Here in Bangkok tap water tests about 152 TDS (and is considered safe for drinking) but from my RO filter will be down below 15 (and a much better taste).

Indeed water does appear yellow in photo.

[carlyai]

If the test kit can only do one test, it doesn't sound like a very good kit to me. I've never tried myself, but others have reported they get their water tested at various places in Thailand (hospitals, universities, etc.) And there must be some outfit that periodically tests the places that do the bottled water (I hope).

Sorry for the confusion.

The water test kit I bought had many tests, but it can only be used once, there are other ebay sellers who supply two test kits, so you can use for two tests.

Here are my water test results:

Water Test Results

Main Water to House

Copper 0 ppm

Iron <0.1 ppm

Nitrate 2.0 ppm

Nitrite 0 ppm

PH 6.5

LR Total Hardness 0 ppm

Total Cholrine 0 ppm

Drinking Water

Lead negative

Pesticides

atrazine negative

simazine negative

I do need to buy one of those TDS meters.

The only other think that may have compromised the test data is that the test kit is for 'unfiltered water testing'.

May be testing it after it goes through lots of filters and the RO unit compromises the test? Shouldn't think so.

Could the TDS be in spec but there still be bacteria making the water unsafe to drink?

Boy, nothings easy.

[kannot]

Get it tested in Thailand and dont trust anyone who is installing anything for you, they will literally tell you red is green right to your face.

I got my deep water well tested in BKK attached

PS its YELLOW

Edited December 8, 2015 by kannot

[carlyai]

Thanks but the bangkok water test doesnt seem to indicate bacteria content.

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

Have ordered a tds meter and will order a 4 sample water test kit.

Probably better to install a uv filter on the ro unit?

[RichCor]

You should be able to find multiple-use test kits, with reactive agents in bottles where a few drops of liquid are used for each test.

I'm surprised you're getting that result from an RO unit.

According to these guides (which are a good read, by the way):

A Guide to Drinking Water Treatment Technologies for Household Use

US: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Reverse Osmosis Systems

• Reverse Osmosis Systems use a process that reverses the flow of water in a natural process of osmosis so that water passes from a more concentrated solution to a more dilute solution through a semi-permeable membrane. Pre- and post-filters are often incorporated along with the reverse osmosis membrane itself.
• A reverse osmosis filter has a pore size of approximately 0.0001 micron.
• Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing protozoa (for example, Cryptosporidium, Giardia);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing bacteria (for example, Campylobacter, Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems have a very high effectiveness in removing viruses (for example, Enteric, Hepatitis A, Norovirus, Rotavirus);
• Reverse Osmosis Systems will remove common chemical contaminants (metal ions, aqueous salts), including sodium, chloride, copper, chromium, and lead; may reduce arsenic, fluoride, radium, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrate, and phosphorous.

Inspection Technical Guide: Reverse Osmosis

US: Food and Drug Administration

Quality of RO Product Water

The amount of dissolved solids in water produced by reverse osmosis is approximately a constant percentage of those in the feed water. For example, when the feed water contains 300 ppm total dissolved solids (TDS), the product water may have 15 to 30 ppm (95% and 90% rejection ratio respectively).

...final water quality will be dependent on current environmental temperature and whether the RO membrane use is active or intermittent

[carlyai]

I just tested another water sample.

Looks it's all yellow!

It must be the bacteria that gives the strange effect the next day.

[RichCor]

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

While COLORED WATER results are quick and easy to read (most of the time), you have to be careful as the reactive agents used to produce the color results are NOT consistent across different test kits. One company may formulate their test to produce yellow as an indication of possible positive results, while another formulated their test to show blue.

Also, these types of tests can be influenced by other chemicals present in the water, potentially leading to flawed results.

So, I agree, follow the package directions, see what the manufacturer is stating on their support site.

[TheCruncher]

Thanks but the bangkok water test doesnt seem to indicate bacteria content.

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

Have ordered a tds meter and will order a 4 sample water test kit.

Probably better to install a uv filter on the ro unit?

Where does the bangkok water test indicates bacteria?

It doesn't test for bacteria.

Dissolved solids has nothing to do with bacteria.

Edited December 8, 2015 by TheCruncher

[carlyai]

Thanks rich.

Great and professional reply as usual.

I am leaning to a flawed test result or that the colour is not really yellow.

Should have been at school more in chemistry rather than smoking behind the bushes.

If me with my water tank, kind of filter, my poe 3 filter set up and the 5 stage ro unit still has high bacteria water, then im not sure what the locals are drinking.

[carlyai]

Thanks but the bangkok water test doesnt seem to indicate bacteria content.

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

Have ordered a tds meter and will order a 4 sample water test kit.

Probably better to install a uv filter on the ro unit?

Where does the bangkok water test indicates bacteria?

It doesn't test for bacteria.

Dissolved solids has nothing to do with bacteria.

[carlyai]

Sorry, i was looking at bacteria testing specifically as have tested for the rest.

Your test didnt include bacteria.

Ill try and give my son in bkk a water sample when we visit and ask him to take it for testing at your test site.

I agree that tds doesnt test for bacteria but if i use that test before the filters and then after the filters and apply the formular, if i get a 99.9 % reduction in solids this could indicate that bacteria has also been removed.

But im only equating what i have read on the internet as have no experience on tds.

Thanks fot your reply.

[bankruatsteve]

If you are drawing from a tank, then just add a cap of bleach per 500 liter thru-put (for me, about once every day or two) and don't worry about bacteria.

[carlyai]

If you are drawing from a tank, then just add a cap of bleach per 500 liter thru-put (for me, about once every day or two) and don't worry about bacteria.

[Gonsalviz]

I just tested another water sample.

Looks it's all yellow!

IMG_5030.JPG

It must be the bacteria that gives the strange effect the next day.

How did you keep it from spilling in the second pic?

[carlyai]

I just tested another water sample.

Looks it's all yellow!

IMG_5030.JPG

It must be the bacteria that gives the strange effect the next day.

How did you keep it from spilling in the second pic?[/quote

Sometimes i post from my smart phone and thought i deleted that pic. But my smartphone is unsmart at the moment, think it needs to come into contact with a cement wall.

[kannot]

Thanks but the bangkok water test doesnt seem to indicate bacteria content.

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

Have ordered a tds meter and will order a 4 sample water test kit.

Probably better to install a uv filter on the ro unit?

I didnt do a bacterial test...........I let my staff drink it and they still do daily, I havent noticed an unusual amount of toilet paper being used yet and no signs of vomit everywhere but Im taking no chances and wear my antibacterial suit at all times

I forgot to add at he time the test was done I was asked if I wanted the bacterial test but declined as I will never drink any its just for washing and showering but they could have done it apparently......the village supply which I had before was so disgusting it was just a joy to get water that was CLEAR instead of Brown Black and full of snails insects and gawwwwwwwd knows what else.

If you call them they will do the test for you ( phone number on there i think) I think it was a few thousand baht but cant remember for sure

Edited December 9, 2015 by kannot

[lujanit]

You need to be careful about some of these 'home test kits' for bacteria. If they are testing for the presence of bacteria a positive test can be misleading. The vast amount of bacteria are harmless to humans, in fact our gastro-intestinal tract is full of them and they are essential to the breakdown and digestion of food.

If you are going to do a test for water borne bacteria make sure you get a test that is specific for coliform and non-coliform bacteria. This includes E. coli, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Shigella, Salmonella and other nasty buggers. Coliform bacteria usually come from faecal matter from humans and livestock and multiply rapidly in water. The faecal matter will provide nutrients as will the water body. Coliform bacteria are a problem in water bodies if there has been a lot of runoff caused by rain, especially if the runoff is from farmland on which livestock are raised.

There are two types of tests out there. One is anti-body based and the second is media/incubation based. Anti-body tests can yield results in 15 minutes or so while media based tests normally need incubation of 24 hours at 37C, longer if the temperature is lower.

While I have no idea why some positive returns are yellow it is certainly reminiscent of a test for Vibrio. I doubt that this is what the result means as Vibrio are predominately a marine species with the exception of V. cholerae. Yep that is cholera all right. The test for Vibrio is what is termed a selective and differential test using a specific media (TCBS) and starts off green and a positive is a pronounced yellow, no ifs or maybes.

There are some quite good test kits out there (search coliform test kits). I have always preferred a lab based test however a simple off the shelf kit would be a good starting point. If a kit gives a positive result it would be wise to get a sample tested at an accredited lab.

[carlyai]

Thanks but the bangkok water test doesnt seem to indicate bacteria content.

I am a bit more confused now and will definitely have to get an email to the test kit company.

Why more confused?

On another utube video ( In-Home, Drinking Water: Bacteria Test Kit) for a bacteria test they say if the water turns yellow then the results are negative and if blue then positive.

Also another reference says yellow positive or clear negative. My results are more clear than yellow.

Have ordered a tds meter and will order a 4 sample water test kit.

Probably better to install a uv filter on the ro unit?

I didnt do a bacterial test...........I let my staff drink it and they still do daily, I havent noticed an unusual amount of toilet paper being used yet and no signs of vomit everywhere but Im taking no chances and wear my antibacterial suit at all times

I forgot to add at he time the test was done I was asked if I wanted the bacterial test but declined as I will never drink any its just for washing and showering but they could have done it apparently......the village supply which I had before was so disgusting it was just a joy to get water that was CLEAR instead of Brown Black and full of snails insects and gawwwwwwwd knows what else.

If you call them they will do the test for you ( phone number on there i think) I think it was a few thousand baht but cant remember for sure

Thank you for your reply.

I am still waiting for my tds meter to arrive to do some more tests.

Ill take some water samples an get them tested at the lab you used.

Thanks for that.

[carlyai]

You need to be careful about some of these 'home test kits' for bacteria. If they are testing for the presence of bacteria a positive test can be misleading. The vast amount of bacteria are harmless to humans, in fact our gastro-intestinal tract is full of them and they are essential to the breakdown and digestion of food.

If you are going to do a test for water borne bacteria make sure you get a test that is specific for coliform and non-coliform bacteria. This includes E. coli, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, Shigella, Salmonella and other nasty buggers. Coliform bacteria usually come from faecal matter from humans and livestock and multiply rapidly in water. The faecal matter will provide nutrients as will the water body. Coliform bacteria are a problem in water bodies if there has been a lot of runoff caused by rain, especially if the runoff is from farmland on which livestock are raised.

There are two types of tests out there. One is anti-body based and the second is media/incubation based. Anti-body tests can yield results in 15 minutes or so while media based tests normally need incubation of 24 hours at 37C, longer if the temperature is lower.

While I have no idea why some positive returns are yellow it is certainly reminiscent of a test for Vibrio. I doubt that this is what the result means as Vibrio are predominately a marine species with the exception of V. cholerae. Yep that is cholera all right. The test for Vibrio is what is termed a selective and differential test using a specific media (TCBS) and starts off green and a positive is a pronounced yellow, no ifs or maybes.

There are some quite good test kits out there (search coliform test kits). I have always preferred a lab based test however a simple off the shelf kit would be a good starting point. If a kit gives a positive result it would be wise to get a sample tested at an accredited lab.

Thanks.

Ill take some water samples and get them tested at a lab.

Can i ask u a question?

When i get my tds meter, ill do a tds directly after the bore pump then again at the drinking water tap. This is after a settling tank and 8 filters. Large anthracite + large carbone + large pp + 5 stage RO unit.

If the results show a reduction in tds of 99.9% could i presume that bacteria has been eliminated?

[lujanit]

Carlyai,

Please don't get confused by a TDS reading and a bacterial count. While there is some correlation between the two it is by no way a definitive measure of the total bacterial count in the water. The reason for the partial correlation and the confusion is that many bacteria will be present on particle matter in the water. This is the reason that UV light will be less than 100% effective if the TDS number is high. It's sometimes called the shadow effect, the UV doesn't directly hit the bacteria. For UV to be effective the water needs to have a certain residence time in the presence of UV and be particle free.

Just for discussions sake I have seen upcountry where water is processed by particle filter and UV. I am talking about those 20 litre containers which cost about 10 baht a container. There is no way that the residence time is sufficient and I never knew the size of the particle filter. I always boiled this water or for culture purposes autoclaved it.

As a rule of thumb a 0.02 micron filter will remove greater than 98% of bacteria (not viruses as these are naked RNA and much smaller). A 5 stage RO filter, providing it is properly designed, meaning that the appropriate pre-filters to remove larger particles in the water are in place should remove 100% of bacteria. If you are getting a positive result from water after the RO system either the RO system is faulty or the test kit may have been contaminated or is just plain garbage. This is why I always used a lab to test water.

Colour metric tests are open to individual interpretation and if they are cheap all the more reason to be wary. Remember that colour metric tests rely on you not being colour blind (partially or completely) especially if anything in the red spectrum is involved. More males are colour blind than females.

[carlyai]

Carlyai,

Please don't get confused by a TDS reading and a bacterial count. While there is some correlation between the two it is by no way a definitive measure of the total bacterial count in the water. The reason for the partial correlation and the confusion is that many bacteria will be present on particle matter in the water. This is the reason that UV light will be less than 100% effective if the TDS number is high. It's sometimes called the shadow effect, the UV doesn't directly hit the bacteria. For UV to be effective the water needs to have a certain residence time in the presence of UV and be particle free.

Just for discussions sake I have seen upcountry where water is processed by particle filter and UV. I am talking about those 20 litre containers which cost about 10 baht a container. There is no way that the residence time is sufficient and I never knew the size of the particle filter. I always boiled this water or for culture purposes autoclaved it.

As a rule of thumb a 0.02 micron filter will remove greater than 98% of bacteria (not viruses as these are naked RNA and much smaller). A 5 stage RO filter, providing it is properly designed, meaning that the appropriate pre-filters to remove larger particles in the water are in place should remove 100% of bacteria. If you are getting a positive result from water after the RO system either the RO system is faulty or the test kit may have been contaminated or is just plain garbage. This is why I always used a lab to test water.

Colour metric tests are open to individual interpretation and if they are cheap all the more reason to be wary. Remember that colour metric tests rely on you not being colour blind (partially or completely) especially if anything in the red spectrum is involved. More males are colour blind than females.

Thsnk you very much.

It is sometimes difficult to get responses from people who have actually been there and not just read it on the internet, though all responses are valued.

I really did want to filter and drink our own water as then we know what we're drinking.

I have never bought those 10 baht bottles of water, but never had a particular researched reason, nowiam happy i never did.

Thanks again

[RichCor]

carlyai,

Have you written up/developed a maintenance schedule/routine yet, as to:

when to swap out your RO system filters and how to sterilize the system,

what time or physical indicator(s) will be used to initiate any necessary backwash or recharge the anthrocite and carbon container filters or the bulk filter?

[carlyai]

carlyai,

Have you written up/developed a maintenance schedule/routine yet, as to:

when to swap out your RO system filters and how to sterilize the system,

what time or physical indicator(s) will be used to initiate any necessary backwash or recharge the anthrocite and carbon container filters or the bulk filter?

Hi rich.

Planning on that is .... Um..... not very advanced.

I asked the guy who supplied the backwashable filters for a manual on how and when to backwash. Manual hasnt arrived yet.

I also ordered have a complete spare set of filters for all the replacable ones and was thinking of just replacing them all before we go away for a few months on the 24 th.

I also ordered (some time ago) a tds meter and have planned to measure.the tds from the bore then after the arthralite and carbon and pp filters, then agsin before the RO and after the RO unit and do some internet research (post a wuestion on TV) to find out what tds readings indicate change or backwash the filterd.

But its probably like the gen set (remember your advice which i now start monthly) things tend to slip.

If you have any informed suggestions (like usual) let me know.

Ow u a few beers. Merry Christmas.

[lujanit]

Rich, is that a UV filter on top of the bank of three filters (particle, ion exchange and carbon would be my guess)? I am not trying to teach anyone to suck eggs here however you are aware that the UV lamp also needs to be replaced. The usual time period is 8 to 9 thousand hours. To time this is often difficult so a good time frame for replacement is once every year. I used to put the date of the last replacement on the filter housing as a reminder. The reason for the replacement is that the UV light wavelength starts to waver from the 240/250 nanometer range (which is the most effective germicidal wavelength) after approximately 8000 hours.