Gould Well Drilling Inc/GWDI Laboratory

NH ELAP ID:    2983

EPA ID:             VT00977

VT ID:                VT4100

GWDI Laboratory has been in business since 2005 under US EPA Certification and gained larger notability when we became NELAP (National Environmental Accreditated Laboratory Program) in 2007.  We offer fully certified results for the bacterial analysis of drinking water.  

Well water can become contaminated at any time without your knowledge. Common causes include a breach of the well or septic system, livestock waste, agricultural and lawn chemicals, and naturally occurring elements.

"Bugs in Your Water Heater" or "Bacteria Can Swim Upstream"

No one is sure if they swim backstroke or freestyle, but you can bet that coliform bacteria can swim upstream. They have no respect for the flow of water, and if you leave a garden hose under pressure at the end of the house, you just might find bacteria in your pressure tank.

The same goes for unprotected boilers, solar panels and water heaters. Those rascal bugs will move throughout a whole water system if you give them a chance to grow and don't take adequate protection.

A garden hose is a wonderful place to grow bacteria; it's nice and warm — and if it is full of water and under pressure, one bacteria will grow 23,000,000 times in 24 hours. That kind of growth can spread throughout the entire water system in a short period of time. So if your water test comes back "UNSAFE," check to see if the garden hose has been left on under pressure.

Domestic boilers (furnaces) without a check valve, and solar panels plumbed directly to the water system are other warm water problems that can lead to water testing nightmares.

Lately, the most famous "UNSAFE" problems have been churches. No one is around much during the week. Not much hot water is needed — except at potluck suppers, so the hot water heater is turned way down. That warm water is a perfect place for opportunistic bacteria to set-up housekeeping.

Because bacteria grow so fast, and can move upstream, you may find them in your pressure tank. So, if you have a chronic "UNSAFE" well, one of the first places to look is the hot water heater. If the temperature is turned down, crank it up, re-chlorinate the well and see if your "UNSAFE" doesn't turn to a "SAFE."

Only through testing can you be assured of a continued supply of clean, safe water. Many state and federal authorities recommend private wells be tested at least once a year to ensure the continued safety of the water. Our test results will reveal the type of contaminants, the level of contamination, and current levels accepted by state authorities. GWDI Laboratory makes testing simple, fast and affordable.

GWDI Laboratory (Vermont State Certified Laboratory) offers bacteria testing at the following current rates:

                                    (This test must be scheduled and pre-approved)

The standard treatment for a well (drilled), spring (dug well) or municipal water system is chlorination.  We offer a brochure which will walk you through a disinfection process, click here.

• Additional Certified Testing (Farmed Out to Larger Labs)
  
           Lead, Nitrate, Nitrite, Total Nitrate (Common FHA/VA and HUD Loans) 
           Arsenic, Chloride, Copper, Fluoride, Iron, Manganese, Mercury
           Potassium, Sodium, Odor, pH, Turbidity, Gross Alpha, Uranium
                                       

  • Many more not noted here

These test costs are based upon that lab’s fees, please call for current prices and shipping and handling charges. These require special containers and sample collection by one of our staff.