Introduction
Glyphosate is a practical, nonselective, and systemic herbicide that controls weeds. This makes it one of the most used herbicides in the agriculture and landscaping businesses. Research on the effects of glyphosate on human beings through drinking water are still limited. If you are using water from a private well, it may be helpful to check for glyphosate in the drinking water. Below is a procedure on how to test for glyphosate in well water.
Gather Testing Supplies
In order to test for glyphosate, you need to buy a glyphosate test kit from your supermarket or online shops. Currently, only a few companies offer such products. One of them is Abraxis, which is involved in the production of strips for soil and water analysis. Make sure to read the instructions before you start the test. You will also need water samples from your well; for this, the kit will have sterile sampling bottles.
Determine Sampling Locations
It is advised that water samples be taken from different points to determine whether glyphosate is present—is it at one point? Or two? Or in the whole system?
Consider collecting samples from:
-Pressure tank and the main outlet
- Taps in your home
- Outside spigots
If contamination seems to be limited, it may help you pinpoint the problem.
Collect the Samples
Make sure that you follow all the guidelines provided in the test kit to avoid contamination of water samples and learn how to store them.
In most cases, this involves:
- Sterilizing sampling containers
- Making sure that the products are filled up to the required level or the line given
- Preventing cross contamination of the containers while storing the samples
- Storing samples and putting them in the refrigerator before it is time to conduct the tests
While taking the samples, ensure that the samples are not contaminated in any way possible. You may end up getting the wrong test results.
Run the Glyphosate Test
The glyphosate test is relatively easy to perform once you have collected all your samples.
1. Take the test strip out of its container
2. Immerse the strip into the water sample for 10 to 15 seconds (dependent upon the instructions on the kit)
3. Lay the strip on a clean and dry nonporous surface
4. Let the mixture rest for the stipulated development time, which is typically five minutes
5. Use the strip to compare the color of the solution with the color scale on the side to determine the glyphosate concentration
You should ideally take each of the water samples that you collected and attempt to run three tests on it. The kit also explains the difference in the score ranges from one test to another. Always ensure you follow all the instructions in your kit.
Interpret and Record the Results
After testing:
1. Ensure that you record your findings.
2. Record the concentration identified in each sample and where the sample was taken.
3. If the tests raise concerns regarding the levels of glyphosate, consider performing the tests again in the future to find out if the levels have changed.
Check the recorded concentrations against any set safety standards in your region. For example, some municipalities have established allowable limits for specific herbicides that can be present in drinking water. If you find your glyphosate levels to be above the threshold provided by the regulatory authorities, then it is advisable to seek treatment options and/or use water from a different source until your problem is resolved.
Seeking Expert Input
In case of a repetitive test that indicates the presence of glyphosate in your well water--mainly if the level is beyond safety regulatory provisions--you need to seek the assistance of your local health department and/or water treatment experts. They can offer suggestions concerning further tests, the management of the condition, and ways of avoiding contamination in the future. Glyphosate could remain in well water, and thus, its treatment may necessitate professional help rather than do-it-yourself solutions using testing kits.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to test for the presence of glyphosate in your well water. Still, the exercise should be done with attention and efficacy. If you systematically swab from various regions of the house, perform the tests correctly, and perhaps consult a professional when in doubt, you can obtain important information on whether glyphosate affects your drinking water. Measures taken toward eradicating or managing glyphosate ensure that your water supply is safe.
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