In many locations, homes require wells to meet their needs. Although the EPA requires that public supplies be tested to ensure the match the standards that have been established, such procedures are not required of private wells located in the USA. Well water testing is beneficial in ensuring that the home has a safe supply to meet occupant needs.
Several tests that are performed are for indicator organisms and chemicals that show the likelihood of more dangerous contaminates. While these indicator strains or chemicals may not cause illness, they often occur with more dangerous ones for which testing is more difficult. Their presence indicates potential contamination by such problems as raw sewage.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
A more specific bacterial test is for Escherichia coli, often abbreviated as E. Coli. A positive test for E. Coli indicates fecal contamination of wells. While the indicator form of E. Coli is generally harmless, the germs that contaminate wells when it is present may cause health problems including hepatitis, dysentery or diarrhea. Owners should note the presence of the indicator E. Coli is not the same as the more dangerous strain of the bacteria that often makes the news.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
In some regions, volatile organic compounds from fuel or industrial pollution contaminate wells. The exact VOCs for which one should test depend on the location in which one lives. If they are a problem in your region, the local health department can tell you the tests to have completed.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
Several tests that are performed are for indicator organisms and chemicals that show the likelihood of more dangerous contaminates. While these indicator strains or chemicals may not cause illness, they often occur with more dangerous ones for which testing is more difficult. Their presence indicates potential contamination by such problems as raw sewage.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
A more specific bacterial test is for Escherichia coli, often abbreviated as E. Coli. A positive test for E. Coli indicates fecal contamination of wells. While the indicator form of E. Coli is generally harmless, the germs that contaminate wells when it is present may cause health problems including hepatitis, dysentery or diarrhea. Owners should note the presence of the indicator E. Coli is not the same as the more dangerous strain of the bacteria that often makes the news.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
In some regions, volatile organic compounds from fuel or industrial pollution contaminate wells. The exact VOCs for which one should test depend on the location in which one lives. If they are a problem in your region, the local health department can tell you the tests to have completed.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
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