Water Testing
The Wampanoag Environmental Lab works to test private and public water sources. You can pick up a testing bottle at any of the locations below. Once you have filled the bottle you need to drop it off at the Wampanoag laboratory. For current pricing please visit: Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory
Water Testing Bottle Pickup Locations:
Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory
Herring Creek Road, Aquinnah, MA
(2nd Driveway after the Aquinnah sign)
(508) 645-2903 | Kendra Newick
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Website
Website
Dukes County Administration Building
9 Airport Road, Edgartown, MA
Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:00pm
Conroy's Apothecary
459 State Road, West Tisbury, MA
Water Testing Bottle Drop Off Location:
Wampanoag Environmental Laboratory
Herring Creek Road, Aquinnah, MA
(2nd Driveway after the Aquinnah sign)
(508) 645-2903 | Kendra Newick
Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm
Website
Website
Some of the problems well owners on Martha's Vineyard encounter:
Bacteria
Total Coliform bacteria are used as an indicator organism for the determination of harmful species such as the Fecal Coliform group and its subgroup E. coli.
Nitrates
High levels of nitrates and nitrites (the reduced form of nitrate) could be a health risk, especially to infants and others whom have issues related to oxygen in the blood. Certain bacteria in the digestive tract change the nitrates to the more harmful substance nitrite. This condition is known as methemglobinemia more commonly called “blue baby syndrome.” Infants are at a greater risk because of their undeveloped digestive tract.
pH- pH ranges form 0-14, zero being the most acidic, seven being neutral and 14 being the most basic. Most of the island water tends to be acidic, less than seven. Acidic water dissolves metals, leads to corrosion of copper, and galvanized plumbing, and can cause staining.
Sodium- salt in your drinking water is a concern for those on low-sodium diets. The recommended level is less than 20 mg/L.
Conductivity- The conductivity measures the ability of the water to conduct an electrical current; conductivity can be important for signaling the presence of other contaminants
Some other parameters that may be of concern that can be tested are as follows:
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals in your drinking water are toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Examples of heavy metals include arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg).
Other metals, such as iron, copper, and nickel can cause such problems as health related illnesses, staining, pinhole leaks, and bad taste.