Quick summary: This guide explains why home water testing is the first step in any water treatment decision in SD and MN.
- Testing identifies contaminants, sets hardness for softener sizing, and provides a baseline for later performance.
- The free on-site analysis covers pH, chlorine, hardness, iron, alkalinity, lead, and other metals.
- Specialists review results in plain language, with an ideal pH between 6.5 and 8.5.
You can’t protect your family from what you don’t know is there. Water testing is the essential first step in any water treatment decision — and Applied Water Technologies makes it easy with our free water analysis available to all homes in Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota.
Why Test Your Water?
- Identifies specific contaminants and concentrations in your home’s water
- Determines exact hardness level for proper softener sizing
- Detects iron and manganese levels for appropriate system selection
- Confirms lead, arsenic, and PFAS presence (specialized testing)
- Provides baseline data to measure system performance after installation
- Required for warranty compliance on some treatment systems
What Our Free Water Analysis Tests
Applied Water Technologies provides a complimentary on-site water analysis testing for:
- pH: Indicates water acidity/alkalinity (ideal range: 6.5–8.5)
- Free, Total, and Combined Chlorine: Disinfectant levels in municipal water
- Total Hardness: Combined calcium and magnesium levels in GPG or mg/L
- Iron: Total iron including ferrous (clear water iron) and ferric (visible rust)
- Alkalinity: Water’s buffering capacity — affects corrosion potential
- Lead: At-tap lead levels from service lines and plumbing
- Mercury, Cadmium: Heavy metals from industrial sources
- Other metals: As identified by initial screening
Interpreting Your Test Results
Our Water Specialist Bob Kruger or Water Consultant Austin Meyer will review your results with you in plain language. Here’s a quick reference guide:
| Parameter | Ideal Range | Action Threshold | Solution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hardness | <7 GPG | >7 GPG (treat), >15 GPG (priority) | Water softener |
| Iron (total) | <0.3 mg/L | >0.3 mg/L | Oxidizing filter or softener |
| pH | 6.5–8.5 | <6.5 (acidic, corrosive) | Neutralizing filter |
| Chlorine | 0.2–4 mg/L (municipal) | Taste/odor complaints | Carbon filtration |
| Lead | 0 (no safe level) | Any detectable level | RO system (NSF/ANSI 58) |
| Nitrates | <5 mg/L | >10 mg/L (EPA action) | Reverse osmosis |
| Arsenic | <5 ppb | >10 ppb (EPA MCL) | Reverse osmosis |
When to Get Additional Testing
Our free analysis covers the most common parameters. For additional concerns, laboratory testing may be warranted:
- PFAS: If you live near a military base, airport, or industrial site — request PFAS laboratory analysis
- Bacteria/coliform: Essential for all private well owners — test annually and after flooding or nearby construction
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): If you’re near industrial sites or have gasoline/solvent odors
- Radon: South Dakota has elevated radon in some geological areas
Applied Water Technologies can connect you with state-certified laboratory testing for any parameter not covered in our standard analysis. Contact us at (605) 753-2782.
Municipal vs. Well Water Testing
Municipal water users: Your utility tests water at the treatment plant and publishes an annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR). However, water chemistry can change between the plant and your tap — lead and copper can leach from service lines and plumbing, and chlorine levels decrease as water travels through the distribution system. An at-tap test gives you a more accurate picture of what you’re actually drinking.
Well water users: You are solely responsible for testing and treating your own water. The EPA recommends testing well water annually for total coliform, nitrates, and pH at minimum, plus any contaminants specific to your local geology and land use. Agricultural areas in South Dakota should test for nitrates and pesticides.
Schedule Your Free Water Analysis Today
Applied Water Technologies provides free, comprehensive water testing for all homes in Eastern South Dakota and Western Minnesota. Our team provides clear, honest results and recommendations tailored to your water chemistry.
(605) 753-2782 |
520 11th Ave. S.E. Suite #1, Watertown, SD 57201
office.appliedwater@gmail.com | Monday–Friday 10AM–8PM
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