{"id":5932,"date":"2026-05-13T11:44:21","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T09:44:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?p=183124"},"modified":"2026-05-13T11:44:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T09:44:21","slug":"how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Know if Your Water Is Safe and What to Do if It\u2019s Not"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_83 ez-toc-wrap-center counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\" \/><\/svg><svg class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\" \/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<p><span>Clean water isn\u2019t something most people think about until there\u2019s a problem. A strange taste, a funny smell, or limescale building up on taps and showerheads these are the signs that something might be off. Whether the supply comes from a municipal line or a private borehole, knowing what\u2019s in the water is the first step toward fixing it.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Getting_Your_Water_Checked_Matters\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_Getting_Your_Water_Checked_Matters\"><\/span><b>Why Getting Your Water Checked Matters<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"><span>Water testing<\/span><\/a><span> is not just for farms or factories. Households across South Africa deal with hard water, bacteria, high mineral content, and chemical contamination more often than most people realise. The only way to know what\u2019s actually in the water is to have it tested by professionals.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A proper<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water quality check<\/span><\/a><span> looks at things like pH levels, total dissolved solids, bacterial counts, heavy metals, and hardness. These are the numbers that tell you whether your water is safe to drink, cook with, or even bathe in.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For anyone relying on a borehole, this becomes even more relevant. Underground water sources pick up minerals and contaminants from the soil and rock around them. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/borehole-water-testing\/\"> <span>borehole water test<\/span><\/a><span> will show you exactly what\u2019s coming through your pipes and whether any of it falls outside safe limits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Get_Water_Tested\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_Get_Water_Tested\"><\/span><b>Where to Get Water Tested<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>There are several<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water laboratories<\/span><\/a><span> across the country that handle residential and commercial samples. These are accredited facilities with the equipment and expertise to break down every component in a water sample.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If you\u2019re not familiar with the process, it\u2019s simple. You collect a sample in a clean container, send it off or drop it at a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water testing laboratory<\/span><\/a><span>, and wait for the results. Most<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water labs<\/span><\/a><span> return results within a few business days, and the report will list every parameter they tested for along with whether each one passed or failed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For more detailed work, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water analysis laboratory<\/span><\/a><span> can run extended panels that go deeper than a standard test. This is useful when dealing with unusual contamination or when testing for regulatory compliance.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Larger operations may need a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water analytical laboratory<\/span><\/a><span> that specialises in advanced testing things like pesticide residue, pharmaceutical traces, or industrial pollutants. But for most home users, a standard panel from any reputable<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water analysis lab<\/span><\/a><span> will cover what you need.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>There are plenty of<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>labs that test water<\/span><\/a><span> for the general public, and<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water testing laboratories<\/span><\/a><span> are not hard to find if you search in your area. The same goes for<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water testing labs<\/span><\/a><span> most accept walk-in samples or offer courier collection.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Testing_Cost\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Does_Testing_Cost\"><\/span><b>What Does Testing Cost?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>This is one of the first questions people ask, and the answer depends on what\u2019s being tested. A basic<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water quality testing<\/span><\/a><span> panel that covers the main safety markers can range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand rand. More detailed<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water analysis services<\/span><\/a><span> that test for a wider range of substances will sit higher on the price scale.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water testing cost<\/span><\/a><span> for a standard household sample is usually reasonable and well worth it when you consider the health risks of drinking contaminated water. Many people put it off thinking it\u2019s expensive, but the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water testing price<\/span><\/a><span> for a basic panel is often less than a dinner out.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For borehole owners, the<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/borehole-water-testing\/\"> <span>borehole water testing price<\/span><\/a><span> typically includes extra parameters like iron, manganese, and nitrates all common in groundwater. Regular<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/borehole-water-testing\/\"> <span>borehole water testing<\/span><\/a><span> is a good habit to get into, as underground conditions can shift with the seasons.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Having multiple<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/borehole-water-testing\/\"> <span>borehole water tests<\/span><\/a><span> done over time gives you a clear view of how your supply changes throughout the year and whether any trends are heading in the wrong direction.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drinking_Water_How_to_Check_If_Its_Safe\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Drinking_Water_How_to_Check_If_Its_Safe\"><\/span><b>Drinking Water How to Check If It\u2019s Safe<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"><span>Drinking water potability<\/span><\/a><span> refers to whether water is safe for human consumption. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water potability<\/span><\/a><span> test checks for bacteria, chemical levels, and physical properties like colour and turbidity. If the results come back within acceptable limits as set out by SANS 241, the water is considered potable.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water test for drinking water<\/span><\/a><span> is the most common type of test households request. It gives a clear yes-or-no answer on safety and if anything falls outside the safe range, it tells you exactly what the issue is so you can address it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For households that want peace of mind, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>drinkable water test<\/span><\/a><span> once or twice a year is a smart move. And for anyone who\u2019s recently moved into a new property or installed a new borehole,<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>drinking water testing<\/span><\/a><span> should be one of the first things on the list.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Running a full<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/\"> <span>water analysis<\/span><\/a><span> on your supply gives you baseline data that you can compare against future tests. It\u2019s the simplest way to catch problems before they become serious.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_With_Hard_Water\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dealing_With_Hard_Water\"><\/span><b>Dealing With Hard Water<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>Testing often reveals that water is safe to drink but hard meaning it has high levels of calcium and magnesium. Hard water causes scale buildup in geysers, kettles, and pipes. It leaves white residue on glass shower doors. And it makes soap less effective, which means more product is needed for washing.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>water softener<\/span><\/a><span> tackles this problem at the source. It treats the water before it reaches your taps, reducing the minerals that cause all that buildup. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>water softener system<\/span><\/a><span> is usually installed at the main inlet so that every tap in the house gets treated water.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>There are different types of systems available.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>Soft water conditioners<\/span><\/a><span> work without salt or chemicals, using a physical process to change the structure of the minerals so they don\u2019t stick to surfaces. A<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>water conditioner<\/span><\/a><span> like this is low-maintenance and doesn\u2019t waste water during operation unlike traditional salt-based units.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A full<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>water conditioning system<\/span><\/a><span> protects pipes, extends the life of geysers and appliances, and keeps bathrooms and kitchens cleaner with less effort. For anyone with a borehole, a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>borehole water softener<\/span><\/a><span> is often a must groundwater tends to be harder than municipal water in many parts of the country.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>If you\u2019re looking at getting a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>softening water system<\/span><\/a><span> installed, it\u2019s worth having the water tested first so you know how hard it actually is. That way, the right size and type of unit can be matched to your specific situation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>For those looking for a<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/h2oguru.co.za\/product\/scalestop-water-conditioners\/\"> <span>water softener system South Africa<\/span><\/a><span> supplier, there are several options on the market that ship nationwide and offer installation support. The right system depends on the hardness levels in your water, the size of your household, and whether you\u2019re running off municipal supply or borehole.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Guess_Get_It_Tested\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dont_Guess_Get_It_Tested\"><\/span><b>Don\u2019t Guess Get It Tested<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span>Water problems don\u2019t fix themselves, and guessing what\u2019s in the supply is never a good strategy. A simple test takes the mystery out of it, and if the results show something that needs attention, there are straightforward solutions available. From testing to treatment, the process is quicker and more affordable than most people expect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Images\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Images\"><\/span><strong>Images:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_183125\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-183125\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/?attachment_id=183125\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-183125 size-full lazyload\" alt width=\"930\" height=\"620\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 930px) 100vw, 930px\" src=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensuring-Safe-Drinking-Water-The-Importance-of-Testing-and-Conditioning-930x620-1.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensuring-Safe-Drinking-Water-The-Importance-of-Testing-and-Conditioning-930x620-1.jpg 930w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensuring-Safe-Drinking-Water-The-Importance-of-Testing-and-Conditioning-930x620-1-625x417.jpg 625w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensuring-Safe-Drinking-Water-The-Importance-of-Testing-and-Conditioning-930x620-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Ensuring-Safe-Drinking-Water-The-Importance-of-Testing-and-Conditioning-930x620-1-768x512.jpg 768w\"><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-183125\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">How to Know If Your Water Is Safe And What to Do If It\u2019s Not Photo: Own<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/save-with-myprs-monthly-flat-fee\/\">CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Links\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Links\"><\/span><strong>Links:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/How to Know If Your Water Is Safe And What to Do If It\u2019s Not\/2\/\">Boilerplate and Editor\u2019s Notes<\/a><\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p><strong>More Info on How to Know If Your Water Is Safe And What to Do If It\u2019s Not here:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/topclickblogs.co.za\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/topclickblogs.co.za\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/<\/a><br \/><strong>X<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/topclickmediasa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/topclickmediasa<\/a><br \/><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/top-click-media-pty-ltd\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/top-click-media-pty-ltd\/<\/a><br \/><strong>Facebook<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/topclickmediaSA\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/topclickmediaSA\/<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Track_Your_Press_Release_HERE\"><\/span>Track Your Press Release HERE:<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"mypr-visibility-box\" readability=\"4.2608695652174\">\n<h4><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_Online_Visibility\"><\/span>Check Online Visibility<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n<p>Verify where this release is currently indexed:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/p>\n<div class=\"entry-pagination pagination\">Pages: <span class=\"post-page-numbers current\" aria-current=\"page\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>1<\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/2\/\" class=\"post-page-numbers\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Page <\/span>2<\/a><\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/how-to-know-if-your-water-is-safe-and-what-to-do-if-its-not\/\" target=\"_blank\">CLICK HERE to Read the Original Press Release on MyPR<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Clean water isn\u2019t something most people think about until there\u2019s a problem. A strange taste, a funny smell, or limescale building up on taps and showerheads these are the signs that something might be off. Whether the supply comes from a municipal line or a private borehole, knowing what\u2019s in the water &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","autoblue_enabled":true,"autoblue_custom_message":"","autoblue_shares":[{"did":"did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic","date":"2026-05-13T13:43:52+00:00","uri":"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mlqgpt32ed26","response":"{\"uri\":\"at:\/\/did:plc:revymtt5qssww7e7avbruzic\/app.bsky.feed.post\/3mlqgpt32ed26\",\"cid\":\"bafyreicauhvnyx7bw7l7ovapibvltx3iiibqso2krfrlsdfyz4cckmjj2m\",\"commit\":{\"cid\":\"bafyreihhbhezs2asblj247hqu47mdnmsd2bs2xltxvzsotyggnv6e5jr6y\",\"rev\":\"3mlqgpt3h2l26\"},\"validationStatus\":\"valid\"}"}],"autoblue_post_url":"","autoblue_publish_document":false,"republication-tracker-tool-hide-widget":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[29],"class_list":["type-post","category-news","tag-mypr-africa","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5932","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5932"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5932\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5932"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5932"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mypr.co.za\/mail\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5932"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}