WQA Warns Of Door-To-Door Water Testing Scams

Tests for water hardness do not reveal pollution or contamination

The Water Quality Association says homeowners should be aware of possible scams involving door-to-door salespersons who offer free water tests and then claim the water hardness tests instead show the water is unsafe to drink. A recent incident involves a homeowner in Titusville, FL, who said she was persuaded to buy an expensive water filtration system after such a test was conducted in her home.

“This test, which is called a precipitation test, measures the level of hardness in the drinking water and is very effective when used for that purpose. But it does not show pollution or indicate a health concern,” said WQA Technical Affairs Director Eric Yeggy. This test uses chemicals or electricity to cause the hardness minerals in the water to turn color, generally a very dark brown or blackish color, Yeggy explained.

“If someone tries to convince you that [the dark color of the water] is a sign of pollution or dangerous chemicals in your water, then you're dealing with someone who's either unethical or does not know what they're talking about,” said Yeggy. “This test is a very simple and reliable way to determine the level of hardness of your water.”

WQA recommends homeowners have their water tested by a water treatment professional or a certified lab. WQA members in your area who have agreed to abide by a strict Code of Ethics which forbids the use of unethical and misleading sales tactics can be found using WQA's Find Water Treatment Providers tool. The Association offers other suggestions for finding reputable water treatment professionals on its website.

In addition, WQA recommends treatment products that have been tested and certified to industry standards. Consumers can visit WQA’s product certification listings to search WQA’s database of certified products.

About Water Quality Association
WQA is a not-for-profit trade association representing the residential, commercial, and industrial water treatment industry. WQA’s education and professional certification programs have been providing industry-standardized training and credentialing since 1977. The WQA Gold Seal certification program has been certifying products that contribute to the safe consumption of water since 1959. The WQA Gold Seal program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). WQA publishes a consumer-friendly website, BetterWaterToday.org.