Contaminant library

What are we looking for?

Every parameter we report is defined by a method, a unit and a detection limit. Browse the library to see what each one measures.

26 parameters

PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, measured at very low concentrations.

PFAS

PFOA

Perfluorooctanoic acid — one of the most studied individual PFAS compounds.

PFAS

PFOS

Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid — a long-chain sulfonated PFAS compound.

Microplastics

Small polymer particles, characterised where the selected method supports it.

Metals

Lead

A metal most often associated with plumbing rather than the water source.

Metals

Arsenic

A naturally occurring element found in some geological settings.

Metals

Mercury

A trace metal requiring careful sample handling and preservation.

Metals

Cadmium

A trace metal associated with certain industrial and plumbing materials.

Metals

Chromium

Present in different oxidation states, which affects interpretation.

Metals

Nickel

Often associated with taps, fittings and plated surfaces.

Metals

Copper

Commonly derived from copper pipework within a building.

Metals

Iron

Frequently linked to discolouration and older pipework.

Metals

Manganese

A geologically common metal that can affect colour and taste.

Microbiology

E. coli

A specific indicator of faecal contamination in water.

Microbiology

Coliforms

A broader indicator group used to assess water quality.

Microbiology

Enterococci

An additional faecal indicator group, persistent in water.

Chemicals

Nitrate

A nutrient parameter frequently linked to land use.

Chemicals

Nitrite

An intermediate nitrogen species reported with nitrate.

Chemicals

Fluoride

Occurs naturally and is added to some supplies.

Chemicals

Chlorine

A disinfectant residual that affects taste and odour.

Pesticides

A broad group of compounds analysed as a defined target list.

VOCs

Volatile organic compounds, requiring headspace-free sampling.

VOCs

THMs

Trihalomethanes formed as disinfection by-products.

Physical Properties

pH

A core chemistry parameter influencing metal solubility.

Physical Properties

Hardness

Mainly calcium and magnesium content, common in London water.

Physical Properties

Turbidity

A measure of cloudiness caused by suspended particles.