Guide to Well Water Safety
Bacteria and viruses cause gastrointestinal illnesses and can spread other diseases and infections.
Wells may seem like relics to some, but they’re still widely used today. Unlike municipal water, well water doesn’t get public water filtration treatment. Rather, it comes from underground aquifers. Therefore, it’s a personal responsibility to keep the water safe.
Here is a guide to well water safety:
What affects well water quality?
The quality of well water can vary substantially. It depends on the local groundwater and the land around the well. It can also depend on the overall ecosystem. Many contaminants (like bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals, radon, and pesticides) can affect water quality, safety, and taste.
Since the quality of well water is variable, the EPA recommends testing it yearly, particularly for nitrates, pH levels, and contaminants of local concern (region-dependent). However, if the region has known problems with well water or the water tastes or smells unusual, it’s worth testing it more frequently.
A closer look at contaminants
Bacteria and viruses cause gastrointestinal illnesses and can spread other diseases and infections. They usually come from organic waste that may end up in groundwater.
High nitrate concentration can be dangerous for small children and pregnant women. Meanwhile, heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury can come in contact with the water due to natural deposits and industrial and agricultural pollution. All are severely toxic, especially in higher concentrations, and are hugely undesirable in drinking water.
Radon may be an even greater concern since it’s a radioactive gas that can heighten the risk of cancer.
Finally, there are pesticides and herbicides from agricultural activities. The runoff can also contaminate the well water with toxic and unhealthy materials.
Protect the well water
Firstly, seal the well adequately. A perfect seal against all contaminants may not be possible, but it will help considerably. Furthermore, keep chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers, and motor oils far from the well. Periodically check the cover or well cap to see if it’s still intact and in place.
If contaminants are present after testing, there are a few ways to remove them: filtration, water softeners, ultraviolet purification, or reverse osmosis. However, keep in mind that these systems also should be well-maintained.
In an emergency, such as flooding, please stop using the well water for drinking or cooking until a professional can test it. It’s possible to remove some contamination like bacteria and viruses by boiling the water, but it doesn’t remove chemicals.
Safe and well
Well water can be perfectly safe but needs more care and attention than many homeowners may assume. Have professionals inspect and test the well water yearly to keep it safe and healthy. This way, homeowners will have a clean supply of water on which they can rely.
Fussell Well Drilling is a family-owned top-quality well drilling and water treatment company for residential and commercial properties in Polk County. Call us today (863) 984-3144
