Water Testing in Irvine, CA

Professional water testing helps Irvine homeowners, home buyers, landlords, property managers, businesses, and real estate professionals evaluate drinking water through professional laboratory analysis.

5 Microns provides convenient mail-in water testing throughout Irvine and Orange County, allowing customers to receive laboratory-approved sample bottles, collect water samples using the provided instructions, and submit them to the designated laboratory without scheduling an on-site sample-collection appointment.

Whether you want to evaluate water from a particular fixture, investigate an unusual taste or odor, test for bacteria or metals, or obtain laboratory analysis related to a real estate transaction, we offer testing options for residential and commercial properties throughout Irvine.

Professional Water Testing Services in Irvine

Our laboratory water testing services are available for:

• Homeowners
• Home buyers
• Home sellers
• Landlords
• Property managers
• Real estate professionals
• Commercial property owners
• Business owners
• Apartment building owners
• Schools
• Healthcare facilities
• Senior-living properties
• Government agencies
• Property investors

Mail-in testing provides convenient access to professional laboratory analysis throughout Irvine and surrounding Orange County communities.

Why Test Your Water?

Laboratory water testing may be appropriate when:

• Purchasing a home
• Selling a home
• Investigating unusual taste or odor
• Observing cloudy or discolored water
• Seeing staining on sinks or plumbing fixtures
• Evaluating older plumbing
• Investigating plumbing corrosion
• Testing after plumbing repairs
• Monitoring household drinking water
• Evaluating water from a particular fixture
• Testing private well water
• Meeting certain FHA or VA requirements
• Performing routine water-quality monitoring

Many contaminants cannot be reliably identified through appearance, taste, or odor alone.

Professional laboratory analysis provides objective results for the parameters included in the selected testing package.

Common Water Tests Available

Depending on the testing objective, laboratory analysis may include:

• Lead
• Copper
• Iron
• Manganese
• Total Coliform
• E. coli
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Hardness
• Legionella

Customers may select individual laboratory analyses or broader testing packages.

Drinking Water Testing in Irvine

Drinking water testing may be used to evaluate water collected for:

• Drinking
• Cooking
• Ice makers
• Coffee and beverage preparation
• Everyday household use
• Commercial drinking-water use

Testing may focus on a particular contaminant or include several laboratory analyses for a broader evaluation.

For additional information, visit:

Drinking Water Testing California

Municipal Water Testing

Many Irvine properties receive water from public water systems.

Independent laboratory testing may still be useful when customers want to evaluate water at the property after it has passed through the building’s plumbing.

Common reasons include:

• Older plumbing
• Faucets and fixtures
• Lead-containing plumbing components
• Metallic taste
• Sediment
• Discoloration
• Plumbing corrosion
• Water quality following plumbing repairs
• Water from a specific fixture
• General drinking-water concerns

Laboratory findings apply only to the submitted sample collected from the identified location.

Water Testing for Specific Fixtures

Mail-in testing can be useful when a concern involves one particular fixture or sampling location.

Samples may be collected from:

• Kitchen faucets
• Bathroom faucets
• Refrigerator water dispensers
• Drinking fountains
• Apartment-unit fixtures
• Commercial kitchen fixtures
• Other designated locations

The collection location should be clearly documented.

Laboratory results apply to the submitted sample rather than every fixture throughout the property.

Water Testing for Condominiums and Apartments

Irvine contains many condominium, apartment, and multi-family properties where laboratory water testing may be useful.

Testing may be requested by:

• Condominium owners
• Apartment residents
• Landlords
• Property managers
• Homeowners associations
• Real estate investors
• Building owners

Samples can be collected from specific units or fixtures and identified by:

• Building
• Unit number
• Floor
• Fixture
• Sampling location

This allows laboratory results to be associated with the location where each sample was collected.

Water Testing for Newer and Recently Remodeled Properties

Water testing is not limited to older buildings.

Customers may also request laboratory testing after:

• Plumbing installation
• Fixture replacement
• Remodeling
• New construction
• Water-line work
• Long periods of vacancy
• Changes in taste, odor, or appearance

The appropriate laboratory testing depends on the specific concern.

Lead Testing in Drinking Water

Lead testing may be requested when customers are concerned about:

• Plumbing components
• Service lines
• Faucets and fixtures
• Water that has remained stagnant
• Home purchases
• Specific drinking-water concerns
• Recent plumbing work

Lead cannot be reliably identified through taste, smell, or appearance.

Laboratory analysis is required to determine the amount measured in the submitted sample.

Collection procedures can vary depending on the purpose of testing.

Copper Testing

Copper testing may be useful when evaluating:

• Blue-green staining
• Metallic taste
• Plumbing corrosion
• Copper plumbing systems
• Water following plumbing work
• Water that has remained stagnant

Copper analysis may be ordered individually or included in a broader laboratory testing package.

Bacteria Testing

Bacteria testing may include:

• Total Coliform
• E. coli

Testing is commonly requested for:

• Private wells
• Real estate transactions
• FHA or VA testing
• Suspected contamination
• Routine monitoring
• Water quality following certain repairs

Customers should:

• Use only the sterile laboratory bottle provided.
• Never rinse the sterile bottle.
• Avoid touching the inside of the bottle or cap.
• Follow the collection instructions carefully.
• Record the collection date and time accurately.
• Maintain the required sample temperature.
• Ship the sample promptly.

Because bacteria samples have limited holding times, timely collection and shipment are important.

Nitrate and Nitrite Testing

Nitrate and nitrite testing may be requested for:

• Private wells
• FHA transactions
• VA transactions
• Rural properties
• Properties near septic systems
• Routine well monitoring
• Residential drinking water

Specific collection, preservation, and holding-time requirements may apply.

Customers should follow the laboratory instructions supplied with their testing kit.

Iron and Manganese Testing

Iron and manganese testing may help evaluate concerns involving:

• Rust-colored staining
• Black staining
• Metallic taste
• Sediment
• Discoloration
• Mineral deposits

Laboratory analysis provides measured concentrations for the submitted sample.

Water Hardness Testing

Hardness testing may be useful when customers experience:

• White mineral deposits
• Scale buildup
• Spots on glassware
• Water-heater deposits
• Reduced soap performance
• Mineral buildup around faucets
• Showerhead deposits

Laboratory hardness analysis provides a measured result for the submitted sample.

Private Well Water Testing

Private wells are less common within central Irvine, but testing is available for customers using private water supplies elsewhere in Orange County and throughout California.

Common private well analyses may include:

• Total Coliform
• E. coli
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Lead
• Copper
• Iron
• Manganese
• Hardness

Private well owners are generally responsible for monitoring their own water quality.

For additional information, visit:

Well Water Testing California

FHA Water Testing

Some FHA-financed properties supplied by private wells may require laboratory water testing.

Requirements can vary depending on:

• Lender
• Property
• Water source
• Required analytes
• Collection requirements
• Documentation requirements
• Loan conditions

Customers should confirm the exact laboratory and collection requirements with their lender before ordering.

For additional information, visit:

FHA Water Testing California

VA Water Testing

Some VA-financed properties relying on private wells may also require laboratory water testing.

Customers should verify:

• Required analytes
• Sample-collection requirements
• Laboratory requirements
• Documentation requirements

before selecting a testing package.

For additional information, visit:

VA Water Testing California

Mail-In Water Testing in Irvine

Mail-in water testing provides professional laboratory analysis without requiring a technician to travel to the property solely for sample collection.

The general process includes:

1. Select the appropriate testing package.
2. Receive laboratory-approved sample bottles and instructions.
3. Review the collection procedures.
4. Collect the required water samples.
5. Record the collection date and time.
6. Complete the Chain of Custody documentation.
7. Package the samples according to the instructions.
8. Ship the samples to the designated laboratory.
9. Receive the laboratory report electronically.

For additional information, visit:

Mail-In Water Testing California

Water Testing for Home Buyers

Home buyers may request laboratory water testing when:

• Evaluating drinking water at a prospective property
• Purchasing a home with a private well
• Investigating older plumbing
• Responding to lender requirements
• Evaluating water after an inspection
• Investigating a specific fixture or water-quality concern

The appropriate testing package depends on the water source, property, and reason for testing.

Water Testing for Landlords and Property Managers

Landlords and property managers may request testing because of:

• Tenant water-quality concerns
• Metallic taste complaints
• Discoloration
• Plumbing repairs
• Fixture-specific complaints
• Routine property evaluation
• Real estate transactions
• Multi-unit testing needs

Mail-in testing may be particularly convenient when property-management or maintenance personnel can collect samples according to the supplied instructions.

Legionella Water Testing

Legionella testing may be appropriate for certain:

• Apartment buildings
• Hotels
• Healthcare facilities
• Senior-living facilities
• Commercial buildings
• Institutional properties
• Building water-management programs
• Domestic hot-water systems

The appropriate sampling strategy depends on the building, water system, number of sampling locations, and purpose of testing.

Common Water Quality Concerns

Irvine customers may request laboratory testing because of:

• Metallic taste
• Unpleasant odor
• Cloudy water
• Rust-colored water
• Blue-green staining
• Black staining
• White mineral deposits
• Scale buildup
• Sediment
• Plumbing corrosion
• Water quality following plumbing work
• Home purchase concerns
• Tenant complaints
• Routine monitoring

These conditions may have several possible causes.

Laboratory testing can evaluate the contaminants or characteristics included in the selected analysis.

Laboratory-Approved Sample Bottles

Different analyses require different laboratory containers.

Depending on the selected testing package, customers may receive:

• Sterile bacteria bottles
• Preserved metals bottles
• General chemistry bottles
• Specialized laboratory containers
• Chain of Custody paperwork
• Collection instructions
• Shipping instructions

Customers should use only the laboratory-approved containers supplied for the selected analyses.

Household jars, drinking bottles, or unrelated containers should not be substituted.

Proper Sample Collection

Customers should review all instructions before beginning the collection process.

General collection practices include:

• Use only the supplied laboratory containers.
• Follow the instructions for each specific analysis.
• Avoid touching the inside of bottles or caps.
• Collect from the designated sampling location.
• Record the collection date and time.
• Label each sample clearly.
• Complete the Chain of Custody documentation.
• Package the samples correctly.
• Ship time-sensitive samples promptly.

Incorrect collection, improper handling, or delayed shipment may affect laboratory processing or sample acceptance.

Chain of Custody Documentation

The Chain of Custody form generally records:

• Customer information
• Property address
• Sample identification
• Sampling location
• Water source
• Collection date
• Collection time
• Requested laboratory analyses
• Relinquished-by information

Customers should complete and sign all required sections before shipment.

Clear documentation is especially important when multiple samples are submitted from different units or fixtures.

Shipping Water Samples

Some analyses require prompt or temperature-controlled shipment.

Depending on the selected testing package, customers may need to:

• Collect samples early in the week
• Ship promptly after collection
• Use overnight delivery
• Include frozen cold packs
• Protect containers from leakage or breakage
• Avoid weekend and holiday delivery
• Send samples directly to the designated laboratory

Customers should follow the shipping instructions included with their testing kit.

Water Sample Holding Times

Some laboratory analyses have limited holding times.

For example:

• Bacteria samples may have approximately 30-hour holding requirements.
• Nitrate and nitrite samples may have approximately 48-hour holding requirements.
• Properly preserved metals samples may permit considerably longer holding periods.

The exact laboratory instructions supplied with the testing kit should always take precedence.

Customers should not collect time-sensitive samples until they are prepared to ship them promptly.

Laboratory Turnaround

Laboratory turnaround varies depending on the analyses selected.

Turnaround generally begins after the laboratory:

1. Receives the shipment.
2. Reviews the Chain of Custody documentation.
3. Evaluates the condition of the samples.
4. Accepts the samples for analysis.

Customers needing results for:

• Home purchases
• FHA financing
• VA financing
• Property transactions
• Commercial projects
• Property-management decisions

should ask about current laboratory turnaround before ordering.

Shipping time is separate from laboratory analysis time.

Laboratory Reports

After testing is complete, customers generally receive an electronic laboratory report.

Depending on the selected analyses, reports may include:

• Sample identification
• Analytical results
• Units of measurement
• Reporting limits
• Analytical methods
• Laboratory comments or qualifiers
• Certification information when applicable

Laboratory results apply only to the submitted samples collected from the identified locations and times.

Residential Water Testing

Residential testing is available for:

• Single-family homes
• Condominiums
• Townhomes
• Apartments
• Multi-family properties
• Rental homes
• Investment properties

Testing may be performed on municipal water, private well water, or water collected from a particular fixture.

Commercial Water Testing

Commercial laboratory testing is available for:

• Apartment buildings
• Office buildings
• Restaurants
• Retail properties
• Hotels
• Medical offices
• Senior-living facilities
• Schools
• Government properties
• Commercial buildings

The appropriate testing package depends on the water source, number of sample locations, intended use, and testing objective.

Individual Tests or Comprehensive Packages

Individual laboratory testing may be appropriate for a specific concern, including:

• Lead
• Copper
• Iron
• Manganese
• Hardness
• Total Coliform
• E. coli
• Nitrate
• Nitrite
• Legionella

A broader testing package may be appropriate when:

• Several contaminants are of concern
• A private well is being evaluated
• FHA or VA testing is required
• A broader drinking-water evaluation is desired
• Multiple analyses have been specified

5 Microns can help customers identify an appropriate testing option based on their objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I collect my own water sample?

Yes. Mail-in testing kits include laboratory-approved containers and collection instructions.

Is mail-in water testing available in Irvine?

Yes. Mail-in testing is available throughout Irvine, Orange County, and California.

Can municipal water be tested?

Yes.

Can I test water from one specific faucet?

Yes. Laboratory results will apply to the submitted sample collected from that location.

Can condominium or apartment water be tested?

Yes. Individual samples can be identified by unit and fixture location.

Can private well water be tested?

Yes.

Are laboratory bottles included?

Yes. The appropriate laboratory-approved containers are supplied for the selected analyses.

Can I order testing for only one contaminant?

Yes. Individual laboratory analyses are available for many common water-quality concerns.

Do bacteria samples need to be shipped quickly?

Yes. Bacteria samples generally have limited holding times.

Are FHA and VA water testing services available?

Yes. Customers should verify their lender’s exact analysis and collection requirements before ordering.

Can landlords and property managers submit samples?

Yes. Mail-in testing can be useful when property-management or maintenance personnel can collect samples according to the provided instructions.

Can commercial properties be tested?

Yes. Testing is available for offices, apartments, hotels, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and other commercial properties.

How are laboratory reports delivered?

Reports are generally delivered electronically after laboratory analysis is complete.

Does one sample represent the entire property?

No. Laboratory results apply only to the submitted sample collected from the identified location and time.

Areas We Serve

We provide water testing throughout:

• Irvine
• Tustin
• Costa Mesa
• Newport Beach
• Lake Forest
• Laguna Hills
• Laguna Woods
• Mission Viejo
• Santa Ana
• Orange
• Fountain Valley
• Orange County

Mail-in water testing is also available throughout California.

Order Water Testing in Irvine, CA

Whether you need drinking water testing, bacteria testing, metals analysis, hardness testing, FHA or VA water testing, private well testing, Legionella analysis, or laboratory testing for an individual contaminant, 5 Microns provides convenient mail-in laboratory water testing throughout Irvine.

Contact us for current pricing, available testing packages, laboratory-approved sampling supplies, collection instructions, shipping requirements, laboratory turnaround information, and assistance selecting the appropriate testing service.