As a property owner, taking the steps necessary to keep tenants safe by providing clean potable water and plumbing systems is important for several reasons, including to reduce your risk of a legal issue.
For any landlord of a multifamily building, an apartment complex over several buildings or for a manufactured home community, bringing in water quality testing companies to verify the safety of drinking water is a proactive, positive step.
Making the decision about when to call in water quality testing companies does not have to be difficult. There are several major signals that the water should be tested. By calling in the company as soon as these issues are noted, landlords can have the issue resolved, and correct the problem before it becomes a liability.
Complaints of Illness from Tenants
While extremely rare with potable water in the United States, it is possible for old plumbing systems to release contaminants into drinking water. If tenants are complaining about health issues and indicating the water may be an issue, hiring a professional water quality testing company is critical in having the documentation the water is not the source of the problem.
Changes in the Taste or Odor in Water
Sudden changes in water taste or odor are also problematic. While there are some do-it-yourself kits on the market to test water quality, these are not able to provide the results and the detailed information found in reports from professional water quality testing companies.
After Major or Minor Plumbing Repairs
Major or minor plumbing repairs to main water lines into a building or property can sometimes result in changes in water quality. A test after these repairs are completed in a proactive way to address any possible issues.
Noticeable Differences Water Color or Unusual Staining
Changes in the mineral content, the hardness of the water, or even the potential risk of contaminants in the water are often noted when water turns a different color or becomes cloudy. There may also be staining of fixtures that indicates a change in the quality of water.
Testing when there is any change in the noticeable quality or clarity of the water is important. These tests can be done quickly, with information on any corrective action provided by the water testing service.