Run a simple tap-water test kit at an invited colonia home

Some RGV colonias came onto public water late, and homes on aging lines, private wells, or long dead-end runs can carry water that looks fine but is not. A standard consumer test kit — bacteria, lead, nitrates — gives a family a dated, written answer about their own tap for the first time. The result decides whether the next step is a filter, a flush routine, or a call to the utility. Standard: EPA Safe Drinking Water Act consumer testing guidance; SDG 6.1 (safe drinking water). Proof: Photo of the completed test card at the tested tap Method (EPA Safe Drinking Water Act consumer testing guidance; SDG 6.1 (safe drinking water).): 1. With the host, choose the kitchen tap and run it per the kit's flush instructions. 2. Fill the kit vials exactly as directed and start each test strip or culture per the instructions. 3. Record results on the kit's card as they develop, with the time and tap location. 4. Explain the results honestly to the host, including what the kit cannot detect, and note the recommended next step. 5. Photograph the completed test card beside the tap with GPS and date. Done when: Photo of the completed test card at the tested tap

Where

Host-invited homes, colonias near Southmost Rd, Brownsville, TX 78521

Pay

$80 proposed

This packet is not funded yet, so this figure is a proposed price and not money waiting in escrow. If a buyer funds it, approved proof settles that price onchain. If nobody funds it, approved proof earns provable credit toward the work instead of cash. You see which before you claim, never after.

Proof

Photo of the completed test card at the tested tap

This is exactly what gets it approved. Nothing settles without it.

Level

entry

Open until

2026-09-01

How this work is done

A documented method, so this packet comes out the same whoever does it. Typically 30–60 minutes. Method of record: EPA drinking-water sampling (3Ts / LCR first-draw where lead is in scope)

Bring

• GPS-capable phone
• test kit for each named analyte (nitrate/coliform/arsenic/lead as specified)
• clean sample bottle + label
• nitrile gloves
• camera

Steps

1. 1. Navigate to the sampling point; confirm GPS is inside the posting radius; record the waypoint.
2. 2. Photograph the tap or wellhead with a legible timestamp.
3. 3. If first-draw is required, sample after >=6h stagnation; if flushed, run the tap 2-3 minutes first, then sample.
4. 4. Fill the bottle without touching the inside; cap immediately.
5. 5. Run each test per kit instructions; wait the exact develop/incubation time; read and record every value with units.
6. 6. Record coliform as present/absent after the stated incubation window.
7. 7. Enter all readings, units, GPS, time, and photos into the proof record; sign it.

If it does not match the plan

• Nitrate > 10 mg/L -> tag 'exceeds EPA MCL'; advise no infant consumption pending certified-lab confirmation.
• Total coliform present -> advise disinfection + retest; recommend lab confirmation.
• Arsenic > 10 ppb or Lead > 15 ppb -> tag exceedance; recommend certified-lab confirmation before any consumption guidance.

What counts as done

• GPS waypoint recorded inside the posting radius
• Timestamped photo of the exact sampling point
• Each required analyte recorded with a numeric value + units (or present/absent)
• Sampling type (first-draw vs flushed) explicitly noted

Proof is measured against these, not judged by taste.