|
Total germ count (aerobic, mesophilic germs)
The total bacterial germ count (also called aerobic, mesophilic germs) provides information about the overall microbial load of the water. Aerobic, mesophilic germs are all microbes capable of growing under standard conditions at 30°C in the presence of oxygen.
|
Enterococci
Enterococci are bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals, where they aid digestion. They cannot multiply in drinking water, only in the human or animal gut. As fecal indicator organisms, the presence of enterococci in drinking water suggests possible contamination with other potentially harmful bacteria. Enterococci can survive outside the intestines for several weeks and may indicate past contamination.
|
Escherichia coli
Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, belong to the group of coliform bacteria and must be absent from drinking water. E. coli is a common intestinal bacterium and a natural component of human and animal gut flora. If coliform bacteria are ingested via drinking water, they can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues. Risk groups such as pregnant women or immunocompromised individuals should take special precautions when drinking E. coli-contaminated water. The detection of E. coli is also an indicator of the possible presence of other fecal bacteria.
|
|
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a waterborne germ with potential health risks (e.g., causing skin rashes and infections), and is therefore undesirable in shower and bath water. If detected, appropriate measures should be taken to eliminate it.
|
Legionella
Sum consisting of Legionella spp., Legionella pneumophila serogroups 1, 2–14, and other L. pneumophila.
Legionella are among the best-known waterborne pathogens. These moisture-loving germs multiply particularly well at temperatures above 20°C and are therefore often found in hot water systems. When inhaled, Legionella can cause a dangerous pneumonia called Legionnaires’ disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
|
Conductivity
Measuring the conductivity of drinking water is important because it indicates the level of dissolved ions and minerals in the water. Conductivity (measured in microsiemens per centimeter, µS/cm) reflects how well the water can conduct electricity, which directly correlates with the concentration of ions such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and sulfate.
|
|
pH value
The pH value indicates how acidic or basic the water is and influences water quality.
|
Total hardness
Calcium and magnesium are mainly responsible for water hardness: total hardness refers to the concentration of calcium (Ca²⁺) and magnesium ions (Mg²⁺) in the water.
Total hardness is expressed in degrees of French hardness (°fH) or in millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
|
Carbonate hardness
Carbonate hardness indicates the amount of carbonates (CO₃²⁻) and bicarbonates (HCO₃⁻) in the water. These ions are primarily formed through the interaction of water with limestone (calcium and magnesium carbonate) in soils and rocks. Carbonate hardness acts as a buffer in water and helps stabilize the pH level.
|
|
Pb: Lead, Cd: Cadmium, Cr: Chromium, Cu: Copper, Ni: Nickel, Fe: Iron, Mn: Manganese
Heavy metals and other elements in drinking water, for which the Swiss Drinking Water Ordinance (TBDV) specifies maximum permissible levels: Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe), and Manganese (Mn).
|
Color, odor, turbidity (sensory)
These parameters are not only relevant sensory properties of water but may also indicate various chemical or microbiological contaminants that could affect water quality.
|
Pesticides and active substances (over 650 substances)
In this context, pesticides/active substances refer to chemicals used as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and other compounds that can impact drinking water quality.
|
|
Glyphosate
Glyphosate is one of the most widely used herbicides worldwide.
|
AMPA
AMPA (aminomethylphosphonic acid) is a degradation product of glyphosate, one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide.
|
PFAS screenings
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of water-, grease-, and dirt-repellent chemicals routinely used in industrial production. PFAS are found in food packaging, cookware, fire-resistant materials, and textiles. They are also components of firefighting foams and are used in the electronics industry for semiconductor production. They are considered "forever chemicals" due to their extremely slow degradation and long-lasting presence in the body and environment.
|
|
...and many more!
Our range of analyses is extensive, and our solutions are versatile. Feel free to contact us with your inquiry so we can work together to find the right solution.
|
