Drinking Water
This
program is designed to provide analysis of the major elements of concern,
primarily bacteriological monitoring and limited water chemistry.
Coliform
Coliforms
are a broad class of bacteria found in our environment, including the feces of
man. The presence of coliform bacteria in drinking water may indicate a
possible presence of harmful, disease-causing organisms.
E. coli
E-coli
is the most prevalent member of the fecal coliform group. The occurrence of E.
coli in water is considered a specific indicator of fecal contamination and the
presence of enteric pathogens.
Heterotrophic Plate Count
The
HPC formerly known as the standard plate count is a procedure for estimating
the number of live Heterotrophic bacteria in water. It is used to measure the
changes in water treatment and distribution or in swimming pools.
Nitrate and Nitrite
Nitrate
levels in drinking water can be an indicator of overall water quality. Elevated
nitrate levels may suggest the possible presence of other contaminants such as
disease-causing organisms, pesticides, or other inorganic and organic compounds
that could cause health problems.
Fluoride
Fluoride
is a naturally occurring element found in water. It may be added in controlled
amounts to drinking water. A level of 1.0 mg/L in drinking water is sufficient
to reduce dental caries without harmful effects on health. At excessively high
levels fluorosis may occur.
Total Hardness
Total
dissolved solids (TDS) is that portion of solids in water that can pass through
a 2 micron filter. The more minerals dissolved into the water the higher the
total dissolved solids. Waters with high dissolved solids are generally of
inferior palatability.
Waste Water
Waste water tests are designed to provide
services primarily for waste water treatment plants and industrial users who
need to monitor waste streams.
Total Suspended Solids
Solids
are categorized into several groups based on particle size and
characterization. Analysis of solids in domestic wastewaters allows system
operators to determine treatment efficiency as well as determining compliance
with various regulatory agencies.
Volatile Suspended Solids
Volatile
solids are those solids lost on ignition (heating to 550 degrees C.) They are
useful to the treatment plant operator because they give a rough approximation
of the amount of organic matter present in the solid fraction of wastewater,
activated sludge and industrial wastes.
Ammonia
The
different forms of nitrogen and phosphorus are referred to collectively as
NUTRIENTS. Nitrate (NO3), Nitrite (NO2), and Ammonia (NH4) are considered inorganic forms of nitrogen
and are analyzed separately in wastewaters to determine the total inorganic
nitrogen.
Chemical Oxygen Demand
The
BOD test is used to determine the relative oxygen requirements of wastewaters,
effluents, and polluted waters. The test measures the oxygen utilized during a
specified incubation period for the biochemical degredation of organic
material. It is also used to determine treatment plant efficiency.
Pollen Count
Pollen Count Reporting
This
program is designed to provide up to date information on the local pollen
population.
It is with regrets that we no longer will be able to provide pollen counts for our users. Do to budgetary constraints and reduced personnel we no longer have the time and resources to continue counting pollen and are suspending the program. We hope to be able to provide the service at some time in the future and we appreciate all of those who have used our service in the past.
Thank-you so much.
About the BFHD 
Benton Franklin Health District