What to Test For in Barstow Wells
The geology in Barstow — deep desert basin alluvium — directly determines what contaminants you're likely to find in your well water.
Common Contaminants in Barstow
Based on local geology and decades of testing Barstow wells, here's what we typically find:
- Water hardness: 18-30 grains — this causes scale buildup on fixtures, water heaters, and appliances
- Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): 900-2000 ppm — affects taste and can indicate other contaminants
- Specific to deep desert basin alluvium: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic
Why Barstow Water Has These Issues
VERY REMOTE Mojave Desert city. Major I-15 / I-40 junction. EXTREME HEAT (110°F+ summers). Railroad and military town. Mining area. Good well yields but terrible water quality. Far from SCWS offices - extreme service area edge.
This geological context explains why Barstow wells commonly show: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic.
Neighborhood-Specific Concerns
- North Barstow: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic
- South Barstow: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic
- Lenwood: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic
- Daggett area: very hard water (18-30 grains), extremely high TDS, occasional arsenic
Our Barstow Water Testing Process
- Sample collection: We come to your Barstow property and collect samples from the well
- Laboratory analysis: Certified lab tests for bacteria, minerals, metals, and contaminants
- Results interpretation: We explain what the numbers mean for your specific property
- Treatment recommendations: Based on your water quality, we recommend filtration, softening, or other treatment
Recommended Tests for Barstow Wells
- Basic test: Bacteria, nitrates, pH, hardness, TDS
- Mineral panel: Iron, manganese, sulfate (critical for deep desert basin alluvium)
- Extended panel: Arsenic, uranium, radon (if applicable to your neighborhood)
When to Test Your Barstow Well
- Buying or selling a home in North Barstow, South Barstow, Lenwood, Daggett area, Marine Corps Logistics Base
- Annual testing (recommended for all Barstow wells)
- After pump repair or well service
- If you notice taste, odor, or staining issues
- After heavy rains or drought (affects deep desert basin alluvium aquifers)
Schedule water testing in Barstow
Call (760) 440-8520 or request service online.