Those people who own their own wells have a responsibility to test the quality of the water. Many contaminants are found in groundwater which can seriously affect the health of those drinking it. Well water testing must be done annually and even more often if a particular problem is observed.
In constructing a well, care has to be taken about its positioning. Contaminated rainwater can seep into it, so it is best to slope the area to prevent this. It should be placed far away from anything which could influence the quality, such as a septic tanks or manure piles.
Maintenance should be undertaken on a regular basis. Leaky pipes, a well cap that is not on properly or a faulty surface seal could all cause problems. Repairs need to be done carefully and record keeping helps as a reminder of what was done.
Human bodies are not designed to cope with some of the viruses, bacteria and harmful chemicals found in groundwater. Dysentry and hepatitis are just two of the diseases which may occur if harmful bacteria are present. Nitrates which come from decaying plants, animal waste and various other sources can cause illness if the level is too high. Long term exposure to radium, which is found in groundwater in some areas, can cause increased risk of diseases such as leukemia.
There are also problems which are not so serious for health reasons but cause much inconvenience. If the water is too hard, deposits can build up on appliances. Red staining may occur which means the iron level is too high. Brown stains would indicate a high level of manganese. A high or low PH level could cause damage to pipes. You may also experience a bad smell of rotten eggs, or a very salty taste which is unpleasant.
There are so many tests available that it is important to know which ones are essential. An annual test for bacteria and nitrates is important. You can do these more often if you think there is a problem. Other than that, there are various factors which would affect your choice of further tests. The area in which you live is one of those. For example, there are high arsenic levels in the groundwater in some areas.
County health departments offer testing as do private laboratories. Do-it-yourself kits have also been developed for well water testing which promise high accuracy and quick results at lower costs. Many communities hold events where they offer free screenings. Whatever decision you make on how to test is up to you, as long as you do it regularly and are convinced about the accuracy of the results.
In constructing a well, care has to be taken about its positioning. Contaminated rainwater can seep into it, so it is best to slope the area to prevent this. It should be placed far away from anything which could influence the quality, such as a septic tanks or manure piles.
Maintenance should be undertaken on a regular basis. Leaky pipes, a well cap that is not on properly or a faulty surface seal could all cause problems. Repairs need to be done carefully and record keeping helps as a reminder of what was done.
Human bodies are not designed to cope with some of the viruses, bacteria and harmful chemicals found in groundwater. Dysentry and hepatitis are just two of the diseases which may occur if harmful bacteria are present. Nitrates which come from decaying plants, animal waste and various other sources can cause illness if the level is too high. Long term exposure to radium, which is found in groundwater in some areas, can cause increased risk of diseases such as leukemia.
There are also problems which are not so serious for health reasons but cause much inconvenience. If the water is too hard, deposits can build up on appliances. Red staining may occur which means the iron level is too high. Brown stains would indicate a high level of manganese. A high or low PH level could cause damage to pipes. You may also experience a bad smell of rotten eggs, or a very salty taste which is unpleasant.
There are so many tests available that it is important to know which ones are essential. An annual test for bacteria and nitrates is important. You can do these more often if you think there is a problem. Other than that, there are various factors which would affect your choice of further tests. The area in which you live is one of those. For example, there are high arsenic levels in the groundwater in some areas.
County health departments offer testing as do private laboratories. Do-it-yourself kits have also been developed for well water testing which promise high accuracy and quick results at lower costs. Many communities hold events where they offer free screenings. Whatever decision you make on how to test is up to you, as long as you do it regularly and are convinced about the accuracy of the results.
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