1.Test for 60 seconds
When using the water test strip, your results are complete (ready to compare) after dipping the
test strip. Upon completion, make sure to compare your results immediately. The strip is no
longer valid outside of the 60 second testing period Discard the test strip after 60 seconds as
any further color change will be meaningless.
2.Prevent altered results
Here’s what you can do to prevent decreased shelf life of the strip and altered results
Do Store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.
Do read the instructions carefully before use.
Do Avoid touching or polluting test areas of the strip.
Do not place wet fingers in the bottle.
Do Keep the cap on tight between use.
Do not remove the desiccant pouch.
3.Primary and Secondary water Regulations
The EPA sets legal limits on over 90 contaminants in water test strip. There are two categories,
primary and secondary. Primary contaminants are substances that can be toxic in small amounts
On the other hand, secondary contaminants are less toxic species and would include cosmetic
issues (color, taste, and odor) of water. These strips test for the most commonly found primary
contaminants lead, fluoride, copper, chlorine, nitrite, nitrate) as well as the most commonly found
secondary contaminants(Copper, Iron, Sulfate, Zinc, Manganese, Fluoride, Chloride, and pH)
The only real way to make a water adjustment is to first make a test which tells you what the
water is like. Then compare it to your sets of guidelines, and then you will know what needs to
be adjusted and by how much.