SERVICES

VERTEX has Experts that Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk.

Unlike others, VERTEX provides forensic consulting alongside traditional AEC services which allows for a 360 degree view of your project.

VERTEX Services

Experts

Need an expert for your case?

Our forensics experts work alongside AEC specialists which enhances our skills and bolsters the credibility of our expert consultants.

Find an Expert

Portfolio

VERTEX delivers innovative solutions on complex projects globally.

Since 1995, VERTEX has completed over 90,000 projects.

View Portfolio

INSIGHTS

VERTEX believes in a Lifetime of Learning philosophy.

Stay current with our industry experts as they share their insights and knowledge on the built environment.

View Insights

Grow Your Career

Join Our Team

VERTEX is looking for talented individuals to join a highly technical team of forensic consultants, design engineers, construction managers, and environmental scientists.

Learn More

Contact Us

Have a question or want to speak with a technical professional?

VERTEX is a multi-discipline firm with global coverage. Our international network of resources enables us to provide multi-national clients with the most qualified local professionals who understand the culture, language, and regulatory framework.

Call Us: 888.298.5162

Call Us

Call us at 888.298.5162.

Articles

Drinking Water – Know Your Source

October 22, 2016

Before buying or leasing property, it is important to verify the source of the drinking water. Although it’s rare, some commercial properties do draw water from on-site drinking water wells.

Commercial Drinking Water Wells

Depending on applicable regulatory requirements, drinking water wells at commercial establishments may be regulated as public water supply wells. Specific regulations depend on the location of the drinking water well and the population it serves. The management of drinking water wells that are considered public water supply wells frequently includes requirements for monthly, bi-annual, or annual drinking water sampling.

Commercial Drinking Water Well Testing

While many commercial drinking water wells are tested regularly for microbial parameters such as total coliform bacteria, drinking water wells should also be tested at the time of construction for naturally-occurring parameters such as heavy metals and radionucleotides. Older drinking water wells may not have been tested for all of these parameters at the time of their construction.

Drinking water wells at properties such as gas stations or dry cleaners, or drinking water wells located near known or suspected releases, should also be considered for testing for manmade contaminants, such as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs).

Residential Drinking Water Wells

Single-family residences may also use on-site drinking water wells. A USGS survey of around 2,100 private drinking water wells found potential health concerns in over 20% of private drinking water wells sampled. The majority of the contaminants were inorganic contaminants that were naturally occurring.

Municipal Water Concerns

Drinking water quality can also be a concern at sites connected to municipal water. Lead solder in plumbing was banned in the US on June 19, 1986, and plumbing fixtures that are not “lead-free” were banned from sale after August 6, 1998. Lead supply lines or lead solder in drinking water fountains can present a risk to site occupants and may be found in older buildings.

Identifying a property’s drinking water source is the first step to identifying risks associated with drinking water quality.

To learn more about VERTEX’s Environmental Consulting and Environmental Claims Consulting services or to speak with an Environmental Expert, call 888.298.5162 or submit an inquiry.

Back to Insights