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.
When constructing a well, certain factors need to be taken into consideration. It should not be placed close to anything which could cause contamination. Closeness to manure piles or septic tanks should obviously be avoided. Sloping the area to avoid contaminated rainwater from running into it is also important.
Proper maintenance is important too, for example checking pipes for leakage. Damaged pipes can cause lead contamination. Surface seals and well caps need to be checked. Records should be kept of all repairs done.
There are many micro-organisms which are not visible to the naked eye. Harmful bacteria and viruses can cause serious health problems. From mild stomach upsets to dysentery, a range of illnesses can occur. Nitrates from sources such as animal waste are harmful, particularly to small babies. Various chemicals and heavy metals can pose serious health problems.
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 many tests and some are more important than others. A general microbial test should be done annually as well as a test for nitrates. The ones you choose to do will depend on where you live and the specific threats in that area. For instance, if you live in an agricultural area, there is more risk of contamination from pesticides and fertilizers. If your whole family is suffering from gastrointestinal illness, you would consider testing for e-coli. If you suspect chemical contamination from a nearby factory, you would do tests for those specific chemicals.
There are many test options available. You may decide to approach the county health department. A certified private laboratory would be another option. There are also do-it-yourself kits for well water testing on the market. When making your decision, it is important not to sacrifice accuracy for the sake of cost. The health of your family is at stake.
When constructing a well, certain factors need to be taken into consideration. It should not be placed close to anything which could cause contamination. Closeness to manure piles or septic tanks should obviously be avoided. Sloping the area to avoid contaminated rainwater from running into it is also important.
Proper maintenance is important too, for example checking pipes for leakage. Damaged pipes can cause lead contamination. Surface seals and well caps need to be checked. Records should be kept of all repairs done.
There are many micro-organisms which are not visible to the naked eye. Harmful bacteria and viruses can cause serious health problems. From mild stomach upsets to dysentery, a range of illnesses can occur. Nitrates from sources such as animal waste are harmful, particularly to small babies. Various chemicals and heavy metals can pose serious health problems.
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 many tests and some are more important than others. A general microbial test should be done annually as well as a test for nitrates. The ones you choose to do will depend on where you live and the specific threats in that area. For instance, if you live in an agricultural area, there is more risk of contamination from pesticides and fertilizers. If your whole family is suffering from gastrointestinal illness, you would consider testing for e-coli. If you suspect chemical contamination from a nearby factory, you would do tests for those specific chemicals.
There are many test options available. You may decide to approach the county health department. A certified private laboratory would be another option. There are also do-it-yourself kits for well water testing on the market. When making your decision, it is important not to sacrifice accuracy for the sake of cost. The health of your family is at stake.
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Water testing is important because there are many bacterias and viruses which are not visible to open eye and they are very harmful for those who drink it.
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