Water wells are a famous source of water in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 15 million U.S households are using private water wells as their primary water source. The EPA does not regulate a private water system that does not serve more than 25 people for at least 60 days and has no more than 15 service connections. In this case, the private well owners must be aware of everything associated with well water. We are highlighting some of the well water facts in this article for your knowledge.
Well Water Facts
1. Contaminants
Since the well water is untreated and comes out directly from the ground, it can contain some contaminants that can be harmful to your health. The best way to get rid of these contaminants is to install a water filtration system specifically designed for treating well water. Well water can be contaminated in the following ways
Microbial Contamination: It can be contaminated from the feces of different animals or birds.
Heavy Metals Contamination: Based on the geological properties of the land, your well water can contain heavy metals in small to medium quantities (ppm). Arsenic, radium, lead, and copper are the most common heavy metals found in well water.
Land Related Contamination: The way surrounding land is used impacts the level and quantity of fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and pesticides in the well water. If the well is located at a place, where these substances are used in abundance, water will likely be contaminated with these harmful substances.
Volatile Organic Compounds: VOCs are industrial chemicals that can cause health problems when ingested. The well water is highly susceptible to VOC contamination.
Nitrate Contamination: Another common type of well water contamination is nitrate contamination. Nitrate is healthy when consumed in little amounts, but when it is present in water in high proportion, it can be very harmful to your health. Wells get contaminated from nitrates due to animal waste, private septic tanks, and flooded sewers and decaying plants.
2. Well Testing
If you are using water from wells, it is essential to get it tested from relevant authorities. EPA does not cover private well systems as already explained above, so you have to hire an independent testing lab for this purpose. Make sure that state authorities certify this lab.
When to test the well water?
In general, a yearly test is enough for well water. In case you notice a change in taste water, stomach problems, or skin problems, you should get your water tested. It is also advised to get the water tested in case of flooding or natural disaster in your area.
3. Location of Well
EPA has recommended that all wells should be at least 50 feet away from septic tanks, 100 and 250 feet away from petroleum tank and manure stacks, respectively. Make sure that you are well water is located at a place where the rainwater flows away from it and not towards it.
4. Maintenance and Protection
Maintenance is essential for achieving safe drinking water from the wells. By regular inspection of the well casings, well cap, and surface seals, it can be ensured that there is less contamination. Your well and surrounding area should be protected from the wastes of animals.
5. Filtration
A proper filtration system can drastically improve water quality and make it pure and safe for drinking. A 3-stage or 5-stage filtration system with reverse osmosis and re-mineralization will give you pure and balanced water for drinking purposes.
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