Why Well Water Testing Is Important
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 putting in a well, there are certain factors which need to be taken into consideration when deciding where to place it. It should be positioned so there is no danger of contaminated rainwater flowing into it. It should also be positioned far away from manure piles or septic tanks. All fields where fertilizers or pesticides are used should be as far away as possible.
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.
Many contaminants such as bacteria and viruses cannot be seen with the naked eye. Tests have to be conducted to determine whether they are present. If harmful bacteria are present, they can cause many serious illnesses such as dysentery. A high level of nitrates is often found which can cause illness, particularly in small babies. Exposure over a long period to chemicals or heavy metals can cause increased risk of various cancers and other diseases.
If you notice cloudiness or a strange odor or taste, this may also indicate a problem. Perhaps your washing is covered with stains or your appliances have build-up from deposits. There are different tests which can be performed to check for PH level, hardness of the water and iron or manganese content which can cause these problems. They may not be that dangerous for health reasons but can cause much inconvenience.
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.
Whether you choose to use a private laboratory, a health department or a do-it-yourself kit, you need to be absolutely sure that the results obtained are going to be as accurate as possible. Well water testing can be costly. However, it is important that you do not sacrifice accuracy if you choose a less costly method.
When putting in a well, there are certain factors which need to be taken into consideration when deciding where to place it. It should be positioned so there is no danger of contaminated rainwater flowing into it. It should also be positioned far away from manure piles or septic tanks. All fields where fertilizers or pesticides are used should be as far away as possible.
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.
Many contaminants such as bacteria and viruses cannot be seen with the naked eye. Tests have to be conducted to determine whether they are present. If harmful bacteria are present, they can cause many serious illnesses such as dysentery. A high level of nitrates is often found which can cause illness, particularly in small babies. Exposure over a long period to chemicals or heavy metals can cause increased risk of various cancers and other diseases.
If you notice cloudiness or a strange odor or taste, this may also indicate a problem. Perhaps your washing is covered with stains or your appliances have build-up from deposits. There are different tests which can be performed to check for PH level, hardness of the water and iron or manganese content which can cause these problems. They may not be that dangerous for health reasons but can cause much inconvenience.
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.
Whether you choose to use a private laboratory, a health department or a do-it-yourself kit, you need to be absolutely sure that the results obtained are going to be as accurate as possible. Well water testing can be costly. However, it is important that you do not sacrifice accuracy if you choose a less costly method.
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I knew many well owners who had never tested water in their wells. It is their responsibility to check the water and if they don't do so Govt should take action against them.
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