Drinking Water Potability
Actually Safe
to Drink?
Drinking water potability testing determines whether water is safe for human consumption according to EPA drinking water standards and public health guidelines. Olympian Water Testing provides certified laboratory analysis for potable water contaminants including bacteria, lead, PFAS, heavy metals, VOCs, nitrates, and other harmful substances that affect drinking water quality. Clear water does not always mean safe water. Color, odor, and taste cannot reliably detect contamination. Only NELAP-accredited drinking water potability testing can confirm whether your water is safe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and everyday residential or commercial use.
- 35+ Years Certified
- NELAP Accredited Results
- NY • NJ • CT
Your utility tests the main. Nobody tests your tap.
Municipal water systems are required to monitor water quality at the distribution main, not at your faucet. Once water enters your building’s private plumbing, it travels through pipes, fittings, and storage that no utility monitors. Aging materials, sediment, and stagnant sections can all affect what you actually drink.
Your building’s Consumer Confidence Report reflects supply water quality. Your tap reflects supply water quality plus everything that happens inside your building. Those are two different data points.
“I have tested buildings that received excellent utility compliance scores and still returned positive coliform at the tap. The report and your faucet are not the same thing.”
— Dennis Kanakis, CMI • Olympian Water Testing LLC
- What Potability Means
Potable water meets all EPA and state Maximum Contaminant Levels for bacteria, chemicals, and physical parameters. It is safe for drinking, cooking, food preparation, and brushing teeth.
- How We Confirm It
Certified field specialists conduct an on-site sampling event at your property. Samples travel under chain-of-custody to a NELAP-accredited laboratory. You receive a full written report with every parameter result and plain-language interpretation.
- How Long It Takes
Standard potability results are delivered in 7+ business days. Bacteria-only panels typically return in 24–48 hours. Expedited options are available for time-sensitive situations.
Six parameters that define whether water is safe to drink
Every potability panel covers these fundamentals. Results are compared to EPA and state MCLs with written explanation of what each finding means for your water supply.
Total Coliform
Indicator organisms for contamination pathways. Presence requires investigation even without E. coli. The foundational potability indicator in every certified water test.
E. coli
Direct indicator of fecal contamination. Any detection in a potable supply requires immediate response, cease use for drinking and cooking until source is identified and corrected.
HPC Bacteria
Heterotrophic plate count measures overall bacterial population. Elevated HPC frequently precedes coliform detection in stagnant or inadequately maintained plumbing systems.
Nitrates
Primary concern for infants under 6 months. Sourced from agricultural runoff, septic proximity, and geological formation. Required in NJ water testing compliance panels.
pH
Low pH accelerates corrosion and metal leaching from pipes. High pH reduces disinfection effectiveness. Both extremes affect potability, infrastructure, and health.
Turbidity
Physical indicator of suspended particle load. Elevated turbidity can shield bacteria from disinfection and signals potential source water or treatment issues.
Certified potability testing for every property and situation
On-site sampling, certified laboratory analysis, and written reports for residential, commercial, and institutional properties throughout NY, NJ, and CT.
Residential Potability Panel
Coliform, E. coli, HPC, pH, turbidity, nitrates, and lead. The standard baseline for apartments, co-ops, condos, and any property where water quality history is unknown. Results include plain-language interpretation of every parameter.
Commercial & Food Service
Bacteria and potability documentation for NYC and NJ health department permit applications. Restaurants, gyms, healthcare facilities, and commercial kitchens requiring certified water quality compliance records for inspections.
Post-Event Verification
Following pipe repairs, main breaks, pressure drops, fixture replacements, or any event that may have introduced contamination, certified sampling confirms safe water before normal use resumes. Chain-of-custody documentation included.
Real Estate & Disclosure
Certified potability results for property transactions, co-op board applications, and landlord disclosure documentation. Reports are formatted for legal and regulatory use with chain-of-custody records from field collection through laboratory.
Schedule potability testing at your property
Contact our certified water testing specialists to discuss your property and schedule an on-site sampling event. We serve residential, commercial, and institutional properties throughout New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Certified Laboratory Analysis
Bacteria & Potability Panels
Residential & Commercial
Fast Scheduling
Request Testing
Contact certified potable water testing specialists serving NY, NJ, and CT.
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Certified Laboratory Analysis
Accredited potable water analysis with certified reporting and interpretation.
Bacteria & Potability Panels
Testing for E. coli, Total Coliform, HPC bacteria, nitrates, pH, turbidity, and lead.
Residential & Commercial
Apartments, schools, healthcare facilities, restaurants, offices, and private homes.
Fast Scheduling
On-site sampling appointments available throughout NY, NJ, and Connecticut.