The following definitions are to help you in understanding what we test for and why. The first set is important because of the health hazards that are involved. Each has a MCL (maximum contaminant level) which is set by officials D.E.P, D.O.H, or your local health officials. Some of the other terms you will see is.            1). ppb (part per billion) or micrograms per liter (mg/l)            2). ppm (part per million) or milligrams per liter (mg/l)            3). MCLG (Maximum Contaminant Level Goal)            4). AL (Action Level)            5). TT (Treatment Technique) 1). Chloride – A measure of the salt content of your water. Wells near the coast, or deep wells inland, may be contaminated with high levels of chloride. 250 mg/L of chloride is the upper limit set by EPA. Sodium Chloride imparts a salty taste to the water and is corrosive at high levels. 2). Coliform– A group of bacteria found in the intestines of warm blooded animals(humans also)and plants, soil, air, and water. Fecal coliform is a specific class of bacteria. The presence of coliform bacteria is a sign of contamination and may cause pathogenic (disease causing) organisms. 3). Copper – Is used to construct plumbing systems. If your water is corrosive some copper may leach into the water supply. The MCL is 1.3 mg/l (ppm) 4). Lead – Before 1987, lead was used in solder to construct plumbing systems. If your water is corrosive, some lead may leach into the water supply. The MCL is 0.015 mg/L (15 ppb) 5). Nitrate/Nitrite – Emanates from decayed organic matter. High nitrate/nitrite levels are frequently associated with surface water contamination in private wells. Levels over 10 mg/L for nitrate and 1 mg/L for nitrite are considered unsafe. 6). TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) – A measure of all of the minerals in your water…The EPA allows 500 ppm as a maximum level in public water supplies. 7). THMs (Trihalomethanes)– Derivatives from methane, CH4, where 3 halogen atoms (bromine & chlorine) are susituted for 3 of the hydrogen atoms. THMs may form during chlorination process from reactions with natural organic materials in water storage. The MCL is 80 ppb. (0.080 mg/l) The following groups of contaminants are not considered health hazards. However...they may ruin clothing,  fixtures, and water related appliances. They also impart an objectionable taste and odor to the water. A properly designed and sized water treatment system will provide clean, clear, good tasting water as well as protect your investments such as your appliances. 1). Iron and Sulfur Bacteria (Chemoautotrophs) – These bacteria are not associated with any health concerns, but they do cause odors and staining problems. Most wells have some chemoautotroph contamination which is evidenced by a brown or purplish slime in toilet tanks and inside pipes. 2). Iron – Typically dissolved in the water until exposed to air, when it oxidizes and stains fixtures and clothing. Iron is common in private wells and will stain at levels above 0.3 mg/L. Iron also affects taste and smell in your water. 3). Sulfur – (Hydrogen Sulfide) Associated with the activity of subterranean bacteria. Rotten egg smell is offensive and will react with metal, corroding plumbing and fixtures. 4). Hardness – A measure of the calcium carbonate dissolved in the water. In Florida water this comes from the water being trapped in the limestone aquifer, where some of the rock dissolves into the water. Hardness causes staining of shower walls and floors, decreases the effectiveness of soap, damages water heaters, and can restrict water flow in plumbing systems. Thank you for visiting are site. We hope that it will assist you in any way possible. If you have further questions please feel free to call us or  contact us.  We have consultants ready to assist you with a solution. Also go to are links page with helpful sites and glossary page with more in depth explanations.