Spring water mineral guide
What each measurement means for soaking and drinking. Every spring page compares its lab results to these guidelines.
Free and educational, not medical advice. Guidelines come from the U.S. EPA, NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, WHO and USGS. Soaking and drinking are different: water that is fine to soak in may not be safe to drink every day. Ask your doctor about health conditions and get a certified lab test before drinking spring water regularly.
| Measure | Guideline / daily need | Benefits | Concerns |
|---|
Test your own spring
- Strips and handheld meters can measure pH, temperature, TDS and hardness. Post your readings on the spring's page.
- For drinking, use a state-certified lab. Ask for a panel covering bacteria (total coliform and E. coli), arsenic, fluoride, lithium, uranium, nitrate, lead and the major minerals.
- Collect samples in the lab's bottles, keep them cold and deliver them quickly, especially bacteria samples.