Common Well Water Issues

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Common Well Water Issues

There are many benefits to having your own well, but it’s also important to be aware of the potential challenges and risks that come along with using well water. The majority of well water is safe to drink. However, there is a possibility that your well water could contain harmful contaminants. It is critical to be aware of these potential issues so that your family and your drinking water remains safe.

 

Common Contaminants

There are a variety of contaminants that you might find in your well. Chemicals and minerals like arsenic, nitrates, radon, and selenium are naturally occurring and may sometimes find their way into your well water. It’s also common for bacteria like giardia and salmonella to make their way into well water if your nearby wastewater treatment malfunctions. Finally, you might encounter man-made contaminants such as PFAS and pesticides from nearby agricultural practices.

 

Why These Contaminants Are Dangerous

The biggest reason these contaminants are problematic is that they can make you very sick if you drink them. It’s common to experience digestive problems after drinking contaminated water, but more serious issues like birth defects, reproductive problems, and neurological conditions can also occur. Additionally, contaminated water can damage your pipes and your glassware. You may not notice these problems right away – they often build up over time. That’s why it’s so important to test your well water regularly.

 

EPA Standards for Well Water

The EPA has released standards and regulations for safe drinking water, and it is important to follow them for your own personal safety. For each contaminant identified by the EPA, there is a maximum contaminant level, which is the maximum of the contaminant you can have without encountering health problems. These standards vary by contaminant and by state, which is why it’s so important to review the EPA standards and regularly test your water.

 

To prevent contaminants in your well water, you can use a filtration system. Reverse osmosis systems and UV filtration systems are good examples of products that can eliminate contaminants from your water. The Pioneer system is another whole house filter that goes the extra step and removes chlorine, lead, cyst, and PFAS. You can even implement custom water solutions to fix the specific problems you tend to encounter in your water. This is an essential investment in your health and the health of the people drinking your water.

 

 

 

Effects of April Showers on Well Water

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Effects of April Showers on Well Water

With April just beginning, many people are excited about blooming flowers and warming temperatures. However, in many parts of the country, this also means some April rain showers. If you use well water, this may have the potential to be problematic, as rainwater can contaminate your well. This problem gets even worse if your area experiences flooding, as groundwater is much more likely to have picked up contaminants than rainwater.

Keeping Your Water Clean

Having your own private water source can be incredibly beneficial, particularly if you live in an area where the water quality leaves something to be desired. However, this also means that you have much more responsibility for keeping your water clean. Even the best-constructed wells are vulnerable to surface contaminants, but this risk can be compounded if your well is not properly constructed. If you are thinking about building a well, it’s important that you take the necessary steps to make sure that the well casing is durable, with no cracks or joints where contaminants can seep in. It’s also important that your well isn’t built too close to a septic tank or other potential source of contamination. If you already have an old well that uses stone or brick as a lining, or uses an old stove pipe casing, you may want to consider doing some repairs on the well before the rainy season begins. The safest way to address any well concerns is to have a plumber who specializes in wells take a look at your current well.

Drinking Water Solutions

If you do use well water in your home, consider investing in a drinking water solution like a water purification system. A purification system uses technology like reverse osmosis and SmartChoice Ultraviolet System to help you get cleaner drinking water every time, thanks to a reduction in contaminants. Reverse osmosis removes things like dirt, chemicals, and other contaminants like chlorine, which can give your water an unpleasant taste. UV filtration kills bacteria and viruses that can be carried through groundwater, increasing your risk of illness. Although a drinking water system might seem like a big purchase up front, you can rent these products from Aqua Systems as well, you will really reap the benefits knowing that your family has clean and tasty drinking water for years to come. You’ll also feel extra pride knowing that this water comes from your own well.