As the owner of a private water well, you are responsible for the quality of the water you and your family rely on. You need to make sure that fertilizers, pesticides, sewage, and a wide range of other contaminants stay out of your water supply. Regular water testing is essential, as the potential contaminants in a water supply are quite serious. But what exactly can you find in the water that makes testing so important?
Radon
To show the severity of poor water quality, we’re bringing up Radon first. Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter your water supply without showing any evidence. It is tasteless, odorless, and colorless – making it indetectable without water testing. Radon is very serious and has been directly linked to lung cancer and other respiratory ailments.
Arsenic
Another common danger for well water supplies is arsenic contamination. There are several types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases linked to arsenic consumption. Arsenic can enter your water from natural earth deposits or from industrial/agricultural pollution. Some people assume they are safe from arsenic because they are far from any agricultural or industrial centers but arsenic can naturally dissolve from rock formations and enter your well when the groundwater level drops.
Arsenic poisoning negatively affects the bladder, blood, digestive system, liver, lungs, lymphatic system, kidneys, prostate, and skin. Water well testing can help protect you and your family from this danger.
Nitrate
Nitrate is a contaminant that only becomes a health issue when it is ingested in high concentrations. It occurs naturally in food and water but can reach unsafe levels when sewage, fertilizers, and other types of waste make their way into a water supply.
Other Contaminants
There are so many potential contaminants that can enter a water supply. Pesticides, radium, lead, mercury, and volatile organic compounds are all potential threats to watch out for. You also need to worry about overly base or acidic water, hard water, and other water quality issues. Regular water well testing and remediation is the only way to keep these substances out of your water and out of your body.
How Often Do You Test?
We know regular water well testing is important, but how regular is regular? Most people have tests done when they first get their well installed and then let it slip to the back of their mind. Water well testing should be carried out at least once a year but also after certain events occur. For example, if there has been a recent large storm or natural disaster that could affect the water supply- get tests done. If your neighbors mention water quality issues – get tests done. If you notice any changes in your water quality like the color, odor, or taste – get tests done.
Professional Water Well Testing
Keep in mind, these are only a few of the more dangerous contaminants that can enter your water supply. There are so many more issues that water well testing can unveil. If you suspect your well is contaminated, stop using your water and call a professional as soon as possible. Unsanitary water can cause serious health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women. Be sure that your family is safe and call a professional to test your drinking water.
A1 Well Drilling & Pump Service can help with all of your well treatment needs. We offer a variety of treatment services to help with all of the different problems that may occur. We will test your drinking water and ensure it is safe for consumption. If you think there are any issues with your drinking water or you just want to be safe, give us a call today!
