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As many of us are aware, drinking water can expose individuals to various harmful pathogens and pollutants. Even though public water systems employ proactive measures like water treatment and monitoring to safeguard us against contaminants, private wells do not benefit from the same level of care. If you own a private well supplying drinking water to your home, you bear the responsibility of ensuring its safety. To guarantee that your well water remains free from harmful toxins that could pose risks, you must be vigilant about the potential sources of contamination and the possible health effects of these contaminants.
Today, Office H2O is going to discuss five toxins—or contaminants—you should test for if you rely on well water. Private wells can become contaminated in numerous ways, and a variety of harmful substances can infiltrate your well water. Regular testing is crucial because it allows you to address issues proactively, keeping your well water clean, fresh, and safe for consumption.
Let’s start with bacteria, one of the primary contaminants you should check for. Total coliform bacteria are among the first tests recommended for private well owners. According to the CDC, coliform bacteria are commonly found in warm-blooded animals' digestive tracts, on plants, in surface water, and in soil. Detecting coliform bacteria in your water suggests that your well might be susceptible to surface-level contaminants seeping into the aquifer. While coliform bacteria themselves may not be harmful, they could indicate the presence of disease-causing pathogens. Therefore, it’s wise to conduct an E. coli test simultaneously when performing a coliform bacteria test.
Next up is arsenic, a naturally occurring element found in rocks and soil. Arsenic can leach into groundwater, leading to a range of health issues, including digestive, respiratory, and nervous system problems. It can also negatively affect the liver and skin. Consuming arsenic may cause milder symptoms like facial swelling, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In severe cases, it can lead to internal bleeding, coma, and even permanent nerve damage.
Arsenic enters well water primarily through natural geological processes. When groundwater moves through rock and soil containing arsenic, some of it dissolves into the water. Experts strongly advise testing your well water for arsenic. Keep in mind that arsenic levels can fluctuate seasonally. It’s recommended to test for arsenic twice a year—in late summer and early spring—to monitor any seasonal variations.
Moving on, nitrate is another toxin to watch out for. Found in fertilizers, manure, and septic tank waste, nitrate can infiltrate private well water through rainwater or irrigation, which carries it down into the groundwater supply. If your well draws from this source, your drinking water might contain nitrate. High nitrate levels can reduce the ability of red blood cells to transport oxygen, particularly affecting infants. This condition, known as methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome," can be life-threatening. Shallow, poorly sealed, or improperly constructed wells are at the highest risk of nitrate contamination. It’s advisable to test your well water for nitrate annually. Your local health department can guide you on where to get your water tested and provide specific recommendations. If your nitrate levels exceed 5 mg/L, consider retesting in six months.
Another contaminant to be cautious of is manganese, a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks, sediment, and soil. Although manganese is beneficial in moderate amounts in foods like grains and vegetables, it’s considered unhealthy in drinking water at concentrations as low as 0.5 parts per million. Removing manganese from water is challenging due to factors like its oxidation state, the presence of other minerals, the water's pH, and its total dissolved solids (TDS). Studies suggest a link between manganese exposure in drinking water and neurological issues in infants and children, such as behavioral changes, speech and memory difficulties, lower IQ, and impaired motor skills. Common signs of manganese in water include black stains on showers, laundry, or plumbing fixtures. To confirm the presence of manganese, contact a certified drinking water laboratory. The EPA provides a list of certified labs on their website.
Lastly, it’s important to test for lead and copper in your well water. These metals are naturally occurring but usually aren’t found in groundwater. Instead, they often enter well water as it passes through older plumbing systems in homes. Replacing outdated plumbing is the best solution, although it can be expensive. Alternatively, flushing the system for a couple of minutes before use can be a more budget-friendly option. Exposure to lead and copper can cause a range of health issues, from stomach discomfort to brain damage. The EPA suggests checking with local health departments or nearby water utilities for more information on contaminants in your area. Testing for lead and copper costs around $20 to $100, but it’s a worthwhile investment for peace of mind.
At Office H2O, we understand the importance of clean, fresh water. To enhance your water quality, consider using a bottleless water system. While these systems won’t entirely eliminate all toxins, the gold standard for removing contaminants is reverse osmosis filtration. Our bottleless water systems use cutting-edge reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration technology, enhancing water quality by adding beneficial minerals and employing advanced sanitation processes. They’re also eco-friendly and cost-effective. Explore our collection today and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your water is safe.
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