Just attended a great presentation by Secondwind Environmental Services about water quality and the real estate transaction. Here are a few of the things I learned: There are primary and secondary standards. Maximum Contaminant Levels are set for both. The primary standards are health related. Secondary standards have more to do with aesthetics and functionality of plumbing/appliances and can effect energy efficiency and may result in extra maintenance of plumbing and appliances. High levels of secondary contaminants can cause stains in sinks, toilets & tubs and they can do funny things to your hair, glassware and clothing… but not really a health concern. Beyond the standards, other qualities of water that are of interest to homebuyers/owners is color, odor & taste. Interestingly enough, strange color, odor and/or taste doesn’t necessarily equate to any kind of health issue; but all can be corrected with the right systems.
Some of the things people are most concerned about right now are radon and arsenic in the water; these are not always tested in a standard water test. All issues can be corrected with the proper systems.