Water is a resource we take for granted. Turn the knob or handle, and water comes out of the faucet.

Water is necessary to sustain life. We drink it, bathe in it, our food supply depends on it and we enjoy its many recreational uses. For all its many uses, the quality of our water supply is an important concern for everyone.

The College of Agricultural Science's Agricultural Analytical Services Laboratory offers water testing programs for private wells, livestock water sources, and pond and lake water.

More than 1 million private wells serve the drinking water needs of families throughout rural areas of Pennsylvania. About 20,000 new wells are drilled each year. Pennsylvania law does not require testing of private water supplies, so the only way a homeowner can be certain the water is safe to drink is to test periodically.

In general, private water supplies should be tested annually for coliform bacteria and every three years for pH and total dissolved solids. If you have concerns about potential pollutants, or if you are experiencing aesthetic problems such as staining, taste or odor, more extension testing is in order. Despite the importance of water testing, only one-half of Pennsylvania's water wells have ever been tested.

The quality of drinking water is not only important to individuals, it also is important to the livestock that contributes to our food supply. For agricultural producers, the quality of the water provided to livestock can have an impact on productivity and profitability. Just as with humans, aesthetic problems such as odors and tastes can cause water intake to drop. This, in turn, can reduce productivity. Less frequently, bacterial contamination can adversely affect animal health.

Small ponds and lakes are common throughout Pennsylvania. In some cases, they provide a water supply for livestock, and in many cases, they are a source of recreation. As with other water sources, problems can occur that impact the quality of the water. Water testing is an essential tool for diagnosing problems and determining appropriate treatment options.

Test kits for drinking water, livestock drinking water and ponds are available from the Penn State Extension Office located in Building 10 on the grounds of Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Butler.

The kits are free and include sampling instructions and sample bottles. Fees are charged for the actual testing and vary depending on the tests selected. Drinking water tests range in price from $50 for a basic test to $130 for testing for trace elements. For livestock drinking water and ponds, tests are $42 for a basic water package and $70 for testing that includes coliform bacteria and E. coli. Written results are generally received in two to three weeks.

To obtain a water testing kit, visit the Penn State Extension Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. For additional information, contact the extension office at 724-287-4761 or visit www.aasl.psu.edu/water.

This material is submitted by Donna Zang, extension director, and the staff of the Penn State Extension office at the Sunnyview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center complex.