Are you worried about drinking well water? Have you questioned the safety of your well water supply? If so, it’s like millions of other homeowners with access to a private well. You see, most of the drinking water in the country is regulated by the state and federal governments, since the water is distributed through municipal services. However, some homeowners do not have access to this communal water supply and instead use a private well.
Private springs are not regulated by the state or federal government (in fact, the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974 does not include private wells), so they can retain unsafe drinking water depending on the circumstances. It is up to the well owner to ensure that their well water is drinkable. Neglecting to properly maintain a private well can lead to unsafe drinking water conditions.
Underground water
Well water and private springs are simply natural groundwater. Most groundwater is essentially safe, however there are exceptions. For this reason, it is important that well water is occasionally tested to ensure that it has not become contaminated. Groundwater can become contaminated in various circumstances, such as water runoff from fertilizers or chemicals, pesticides, household waste, garbage, and much more.
It can also contain high levels of fluoride, chlorine, heavy metals, hard minerals, and more, all of which are hazardous to health to varying degrees. It all depends on what the water picks up from the ground and the rock as it moves through the ground. These pollutant levels are different from region to region and can also change dramatically in a short period of time. Again, this is why it is important to test your water annually.
Acceptable standards for well water
To understand acceptable levels of certain minerals, elements, and contaminants in well water, refer to EPA standards. Their website will inform you of everything you need to know for your particular area. You can also contact your local health department for information on healthy standards for spring water.
To have your water tested, you can purchase a home test kit and implement the test yourself, however this is not always the most accurate method. For the sake of your health and safety, it is best to hire a professional soft water technician who retains the proper knowledge and resources to accurately analyze your well water and offer the most appropriate solutions.
Is your well water safe to drink? Here are some factors to consider:
Is it in a good location? Investigate the area to ensure the well location is not affected by nearby hazards or influences. Check with neighbors to see if they have had any problems with well water.
Was it built correctly? Inadequate construction can be an open invitation to structural problems. If a well is not structurally sound, problems will develop over time.
What is the water source like? The aquifer or water source from which well water is drawn must be reliable and safe. It needs to be tested to be 100% safe.
Has it been maintained consistently? An abandoned well will have no drinking water. You must determine if proper maintenance has been implemented without interruption.