Is Your Well Water Safe?

The U.S. Government and the Environmental Protection Agency has a lot of safeguards and restrictions for companies providing public water. But, if your water source is your own well, those safeguards do not apply. There are laws in place that require your well to be built safely, but in the end, you are responsible for the upkeep and safety of your private water source.
Wells are fed through the aquifer, or the water that is between the spaces made by soil and rock. Known as "ground water;" this water consists mainly of rain and melted snow that is absorbed through the soil, replenishing the aquifer. While this may seem to be the most wholesome water to drink, there are a number of possible contaminants that are both natural and man-made. Many well owners believe that once they have their well constructed to code there's nothing more to do. On the contrary, it is necessary to keep a close eye on your well to make sure that it not only functions properly, but that the water you are consuming is good for your family.
Natural contaminants can include magnesium, chlorides, arsenic, and radon. While these are not necessarily harmful in small amounts, too much can lead to serious health problems, especially in small children and the elderly. Some of the man-made contaminants are caused by a damaged or improperly located septic system, close proximity to a large amount of animal waste, nearby construction or mining, or the use of large amounts of fertilizers close to the well. This can lead to the introduction of toxic chemicals, bacteria, nitrates, radionuclides, microorganisms and metals that can be a threat to the health of those who drink or use the water. The smells of rotten eggs, green or brown stains, a soapy, metallic or salty taste are all indicators that something may be wrong with your well water. Unfortunately, many contaminants are not easily identifiable, and require regular testing to detect.
You should test your well water every year, whenever you do maintenance on your well, after flooding, or if you see any change in the look, taste or smell of your water. Take your water to a local expert like the health department or water treatment company. Be sure to ask in advance about the proper procedure to collect your sample; a good sample is the first step to making sure your family is safe.
If you find that you have contaminants in your well, you will want to contact a water treatment company to determine the best way to correct the problem. You may be able to simply remove the cause from the area - like relocating farm animals - or repair any damage to your well or septic system. Many find they need a water treatment system. The most common treatment systems are filtration systems, water softeners, distillation systems, and disinfection. Each system performs a different task, so it is important to ask an expert which one is best for you. Filtration systems remove impurities with a physical, chemical or biological barrier. Water softeners reduce the hardness of water with sodium or potassium ions. Distillation systems remove contaminants by boiling the water then condensing the steam, leaving the waste behind. Disinfection involves using physical or chemical means to kill dangerous microorganisms. Water treatment systems are either installed right at the water meter, or at a tap. Even if you do not have anything harmful in your well, you may want to have your water treated to remove elements that can stain your laundry or just make your water taste better.
Well water can be a wonderful source for your family. We must all have water to survive and fresh, pure water from your own well can be not only tasty, but economical. Proper construction and maintenance of your well will assure you years of happy, healthy use.