Photometry or testing strips?

The short answer would have to be that it depends, as the testing strips usually provide a good overview of the water contents, however, the results are more like a range of values than a clear result. On the other hand, the photometric devices do provide numbers and clearer results... unless the test is repeated with a different sample from the same source.

Therefore, if someone elects to purchase a drinking water test strips kit from amazon, there are plenty of options under £20 with multiple tests available. I would certainly recommend making such an investment to you, if you have to deal with their private water source (such as a well, borehole or spring) and it can provide peace of mind, as long as the visible values are low.

The photometric devices cost hundreds of pounds for the cheaper models. My market research is not concluded yet, however, as soon as I find a reasonably appearing device, I will post it here providing the basic idea of how it would be used if I decided to use it for my services. Also, I have an innovative idea regarding photometry, which would require development. I will seek funding for it and I am excited whether it leads anywhere.

The situation gets more complicated, if you suspect bacterial contamination. Beware the testing strips which provide bacterial results for pool water in 15 minutes have detection levels of 1000 CFU/ml (colony forming units per milliliter), whereas the Water Quality Regulation requires zero CFU per 100 ml, which does not make this testing strip suitable. There are some testing kits available online, which offer a limited amount of potentially functioning tests, as they require 24 or 48 hours or more for the bacteria to grow from your sample in a separate container. These tests are sold at price just above £10 per piece right now, which is quite a costly exercise if you want to conduct it often.

Regarding bacteria culture tests, there is an obvious benefit to outsource these to a local UKAS accredited laboratory. A price of one test for developing cultures would have to be up to £20 for a customer to be economically sensible (although even higher price if you need it for the purpose of planning permission.

The need for a water quality test

Now, the question whether a water quality test is required or not for domestic supply should be answered. Furthermore, if it is the council's duty to provide these tests, then what are the conditions for that and how much are these tests?

Water companies are responsible for the water quality in the water mains. Should there be a water quality concern on your tap water, I would advise you to report it to the drinking water inspectorate. If you have a private water supply, you should contact your local council. Councils are responsible for monitoring of the wells, boreholes and any other private water supplies. Bear in mind that according to the Cornwall council, the private supplies which provide for 50 people or less must be routinely checked once in five years period. The council charges a fee for this service, which I find curious since it is the council's duty to monitor the quality of water supply to its residents. I sincerely believe that if it takes one test per five years, then it could be budgeted from different resources, such as council tax. Furthermore, the private supply for just one domestic household which is owner occupied, according to the Cornwall council, does not require monitoring by the council.

There is a caveat that having your own water supply for your own property, you may need to report this to the council. However, if you are required to test your water by the council, there might be a considerable cost associated with it. Herefordshire council had published their price list. According to this council the visit for sampling before any tests conducted will be £130, with the tests for private water supply for almost £140 + VAT, which means roughly £300.00 for a private supply. There are also full audit tests which would entail a fee of over £1,000, however, those will not be routinely required. These costs will vary council to council, as can be deduced from the Calderdale Council's post, which specifies maximal charges that could be legally requested by the council. Then it is a consideration for the private dweller with his private water supply, whether he will be requesting these tests from the local council, use some of the amazon self-help tests for a piece of mind or look for more reasonably priced alternatives.