Should the water be run for a certain length of time when collecting samples to test my water?

  • Yes, the treatment system needs to be stressed to be sure it works effectively when multiple taps are on at the same time.
  • To test Whole-House POE systems, you should run two cold water taps full blast for at least 10 minutes before collecting the sample between the tanks or at the klitchen sink.
  • The reason for stressing the system is that all treatment systems require contact time between the water and the treatment media to remove all the arsenic.  The more taps that are on at the same time in the home, the faster the water goes through the tanks, and this shortens the contact time.  You want to make sure the system is removing the arsenic during high water use times in the home (for example, two showers at one time, or a shower and the dishwasher or washing machine at the same time).