etpm
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jun 30, 2021
- Messages
- 2,054
- Location
- Whidbey Island, WA
- Tractor
- Yanmar YM2310, Honda H5013, Case 580 CK, Ford 9N
Back in 2018 I needed to do several tests on my well water. Tests are usually expensive, with home tests running about 10 bucks each and lab tests about 30 bucks, plus you need to wait for the lab test.
I looked online for less expensive tests and found a kit that has 25 tests. Right now the kit sells on Amazon for about 62 bucks, which works out to about $2.50 per test. I still have some of the test tubes full of solution and because my well water became contaminated again I decided to see if the tests still work. And they do. Even though about 5 years old.
If you only need to do a couple tests then this kit is not for you. But if you are testing regularly or are testing a lot looking for a source of contamination then this kit is for you. If you are tracking down contamination and think you have solved the problem I would still recommend having a lab test done as the final test though just to be extra sure. Belt and suspenders so to speak.
Here is a link to the kit: https://www.amazon.com/Innovating-Science-Qualitative-Coliform-Tubes/dp/B00BUV7KFG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3KGG43G5RHBFO&keywords=innovating+science+coliform+test+kit&qid=1694969864&sprefix=innovating+science+coliform+test+kit,aps,158&sr=8-3
The instructions say to use an incubator for the fastest results, but even at room temperature the test will show positive if there is coliform bacteria present, it just takes longer. I use my oven to incubate the tests. I turn the oven on briefly so that it gets to about 90 degrees inside. Then I place the test tube in a glass of warm water and place the glass in the oven. Using this method I usually get results overnight.
Eric
I looked online for less expensive tests and found a kit that has 25 tests. Right now the kit sells on Amazon for about 62 bucks, which works out to about $2.50 per test. I still have some of the test tubes full of solution and because my well water became contaminated again I decided to see if the tests still work. And they do. Even though about 5 years old.
If you only need to do a couple tests then this kit is not for you. But if you are testing regularly or are testing a lot looking for a source of contamination then this kit is for you. If you are tracking down contamination and think you have solved the problem I would still recommend having a lab test done as the final test though just to be extra sure. Belt and suspenders so to speak.
Here is a link to the kit: https://www.amazon.com/Innovating-Science-Qualitative-Coliform-Tubes/dp/B00BUV7KFG/ref=sr_1_3?crid=3KGG43G5RHBFO&keywords=innovating+science+coliform+test+kit&qid=1694969864&sprefix=innovating+science+coliform+test+kit,aps,158&sr=8-3
The instructions say to use an incubator for the fastest results, but even at room temperature the test will show positive if there is coliform bacteria present, it just takes longer. I use my oven to incubate the tests. I turn the oven on briefly so that it gets to about 90 degrees inside. Then I place the test tube in a glass of warm water and place the glass in the oven. Using this method I usually get results overnight.
Eric
