CHLORINE (Adapted from Flinn Scientific)
Chlorine – Chlorine is not naturally found in tap water. It is added to public water supplies as a
bactericide (chemical that kills bacteria). Chlorine in drinking water supplies is generally maintained
under 0.75 parts per million. Large levels of chlorine introduced to streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds can
be harmful and possibly fatal to aquatic organisms.
Caution: Chlorine DPD #4R TesTabs contain chemicals which may irritate the skin, or be harmful if
swallowed. A single TesTab tablet, either alone or reacted with a sample, is not a health hazard,
However, TesTabs should not be ingested, and goggles should be worn.
Chlorine Test Procedure:
1. Fill the water sample tube to the 5-mL line with the tap water sample.
2. Add one Chlorine DPD #4R TesTab to the water sample tube.
3. Cap the tube and mix the solution until the tablet has dissolved.
4. Compare the color of the sample to the Chlorine color comparison chart. Record the findings as parts
per million in the data table.
5. Dispose of the sample down the drain, and rinse the test tube with distilled water.
TOTAL HARDNESS (Adapted from Flinn Scientific)
Total Hardness: Hardness is a measure of the amount of calcium and magnesium in water. Both
calcium and magnesium in water. Both calcium and magnesium may originate from soils or from
commercial and industrial wastes. Water with a low level of hardness is referred to as soft water, and
water that contains a high level of calcium and magnesium is termed hard. Hard water can cause a wide
variety of problems in industrial and home water systems. The main effects of hard water are scaling in
pipes and appliances, and also a decrease in the effectiveness of soaps and water detergents. Water
with a range of 0 to 60 parts per million of total hardness is considered soft, 60 to 120 ppm is medium
hard, and 180 ppm and above is considered extrememly hard. The City of Austin sets a hardness limit to
86 ppm.
Hardness Test Procedure
1. Fill the water sample tube to the 14-mL line with the tap water sample.
2. Dip the Total Hardness Test Strip into the water sample.
3. Compare the color of the sample to the total hardness color comparison chart on the side of the
container. Record the findings as parts per million in the data table.
4. Dispose of the sample down the drain, and rinse the test tube with distilled water.
IRON (Adapted from Flinn Scientific)
Iron: Iron, in small amounts, is an essential nutrient to humans and other organisms. It is present in
water from natural sources such as rocks and soils, and is also found in water due to industrial waste
and the corrosion of iron pipes. When the concentration of iron is above 0.1 parts per million, it will
precipitate as iron oxide when it comes in contact with air. Iron oxide will stain laundry, plumbing
fixtures, and silverware. It will also cause food and drinks to taste particular. Iron concentrations in
drinking water should not exceed 0.3 ppm.
Caution: Iron TesTabs contain chemicals which may irritate the skin, or be harmful if swallowed. A
single TesTab tablet, either alone or reacted with a sample, is not a health hazard, However, TesTabs
should not be ingested, and goggles should be worn.
Iron Test Instructions:
1. Fill the water sample tube to the 5-mL line with the tap water sample.
2. Add one Iron TesTab to the water sample tube.
3. Cap the tube and mix the solution until the tablet has dissolved.
4. Wait 5 minutes.
5. Compare the color of the sample to the Iron color comparison chart. Record the findings as parts per
million in the data table.
6. Dispose of the sample down the drain, and rinse the test tube with distilled water.
COPPER (Adapted from Flinn Scientific)
Copper – Copper is present in water from sewage or industrial waste. It is also added to reservoirs and
ponds to control the amount of aquatic vegetation. Even though copper is essential in small amounts to
the human body, excessive amounts can result in liver damage. If concentrations of copper are above 1
part per million, drinking water may taste bitter. In general, the amount of copper found in drinking
water is below 0.03 parts per million – the legal limit for copper is 1.3 ppm.
Caution: Copper TesTabs contain chemicals which may irritate the skin, or be harmful if swallowed. A
single TesTab tablet, either alone or reacted with a sample, is not a health hazard, However, TesTabs
should not be ingested, and goggles should be worn.
Copper Test Instructions:
1. Fill the water sample tube to the 10-mL line with the tap water sample.
2. Add one Copper TesTab to the water sample tube.
3. Cap the tube and mix the solution until the tablet has dissolved.
4. Compare the color of the sample to the Copper color comparison chart. Record the findings as parts
per million in the data table.
5. Dispose of the sample down the drain, and rinse the test tube with distilled water.
pH (Adapted from Flinn Scientific)
pH – pH ranges between 0 and 14, with 0 to 6 being acidic, 7 as neutral, and 8 to 14 being basic. Most
aquatic organisms require a pH between 6.5 and 8.2, which is a good range for human consumption.
Waters with abundant algae and vegetation growth usually have a significantly high pH.
pH Test Instructions:
1. Fill the water sample tube to the 10-mL line with the tap water sample.
2. Add one pH wide range TesTab to the water sample tube.
3. Cap the tube and mix the solution until the tablet has dissolved.
4. Compare the color of the sample to the pH color comparison chart. Record the findings as parts per
million in the data table.
5. Dispose of the sample down the drain, and rinse the test tube with distilled water.