Zinc in Water - DIY Test

How do you test for Zinc in your water?

This test strip is extremely easy to use.

Take a test strip and dip it in the water	After the specified time, compare the strip's color with the scale on the back of the box.

The result scale is as follows  0; 2; 5; 10; 20; 40; 100 mg/L (or ppm).

The WHO's perspective on zinc in water*

Sources of zinc in water

Zinc occurs naturally in air, water, and soil, with concentrations in the Earth's crust ranging from 10 to 300 mg/kg and an average value of 70 mg/kg (dry matter).

Zinc gives water an unpleasant, astringent taste at concentrations of approximately 4 mg/l (zinc sulfate). Above 3–5 mg/l, water containing zinc may appear opalescent and develop a greasy film after boiling.

Drinking water generally contains concentrations below 0.1 mg/l, but old pipes can increase this level.

Standards for zinc in water**

There is no health-based value, but the commonly cited standard for zinc is 3 mg/l.

Effects of zinc on the body

Zinc is an essential trace element for the human body. A natural antioxidant, it boosts the immune system.

Zinc deficiency generally causes extreme fatigue and can have other consequences: hair loss, skin disorders, and reduced immune defenses. It can even cause fetal malformations when it affects pregnant women and delayed growth in young children.

However, excess zinc is also harmful, as it can cause kidney and urinary tract disorders. Over the long term, excess zinc could pose cardiovascular risks. 

 
* This section is based in part on the WHO report “ Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality ”. 

**A guideline value is a reference value provided by the WHO.