Why Testing Is Non-Negotiable for Lahore Bore Water
Every bore well in Lahore is different. Two bore wells 50 metres apart on the same street can have significantly different TDS, hardness and iron content depending on bore depth and local conditions. A generic system recommendation based on area averages will be wrong for a meaningful percentage of individual wells. A test for your specific well eliminates this risk entirely.
What Parameters to Test — and Why
| Parameter | Why It Matters | Action if Elevated |
|---|---|---|
| TDS | Membrane sizing, pump specification | Above 500 ppm: RO required; above 1000 ppm: high-pressure pump + more elements |
| Hardness (CaCO3) | Softener requirement — critical for Lahore | Above 300 mg/L: softener or antiscalant; Lahore bore water typically 400–800 mg/L |
| pH | Affects membrane performance | Outside 6.5–8.5: pH correction required |
| Turbidity (NTU) | Prefiltration requirement | Above 5 NTU: multimedia + sediment filtration |
| Total Iron (Fe) | Membrane fouling if above 0.3 mg/L | Above 0.3 mg/L: iron removal filtration required |
| Total Coliform / E. coli | UV requirement determination | Any detection: UV post-treatment essential |
| Arsenic (As) | Health concern in some Punjab bore water | Elevated: RO removes 85–95%; confirm post-RO level |
| Nitrates | Agricultural area contamination | RO removes 60–90%; confirm adequacy |
Where to Get Water Tested in Lahore
PCRWR — Government lab. Basic test PKR 2,000–4,000. Reliable for standard parameters.
PCSIR Lahore — Extended parameters including arsenic and heavy metals.
Private analytical laboratories — Faster turnaround. Ask for PNAC accreditation.
Aqua Prima consultation service — We arrange source-water sampling and coordinate laboratory testing as part of every pre-installation consultation. Results are used directly for system design specification.
How Test Results Drive Your RO System Design
TDS result determines membrane element count and pump HP. Hardness result determines whether a softener is included. Iron result determines whether an iron-removal stage is needed. Coliform result determines whether UV is essential. Every PKR in your quotation should trace back to something a water test showed about your specific bore well.
A supplier who quotes without a water test is designing a system for someone else’s water.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a water test cost in Lahore?
A basic test (TDS, hardness, pH, turbidity, coliform) costs approximately PKR 2,000–6,000. Extended testing with arsenic, heavy metals and full microbiological panel costs PKR 5,000–15,000+.
Can I use a TDS meter instead of a full water test?
A TDS meter measures total dissolved solids but cannot identify hardness, iron, arsenic, microbiological content or pH — all critical for RO system design. Use a full lab test before installation; use a TDS meter monthly to monitor RO output after installation.
What is the typical bore water TDS in Ichhra, Lahore?
Bore water in Ichhra typically has TDS of 900–1800 ppm and very high hardness of 400–800 mg/L as CaCO3. A site-specific test for your individual bore well is still essential as values vary by depth and bore age.
Arrange Water Testing Through Aqua Prima
We coordinate sampling and testing as part of every RO consultation. Know your water before you invest.
Ichhra, Lahore | 0327 457 5527