What Could Be Lurking in an Unchecked Water Well?

June 29, 2018

Many chores and household tasks can be pushed back for months without any negative consequences, but others, such as checking well water, could have serious results. Drinking contaminated water can expose consumers to countless harmful pathogens and pollutants. Well owners are responsible for protecting their drinking water through regular checks. A simple inspection could identify any potential contamination before starting the necessary water conditioning in Columbia, TN. Putting off one of these important checks, even for just a few weeks, could put your family, employees or customers at risk of encountering any of the following contaminants.

Microorganisms

Microorganisms like bacteria, viruses and parasites are found all over the planet, but they tend to frequent sewage and animal waste. Generally, they don’t pose a threat to humans unless they are consumed. Drinking water containing microorganisms can cause gastrointestinal illnesses and infections. Microorganisms find their way into the water when rainfall or snow runoff washes them into a well system. A leaking underground storage tank or effluent from a septic leach field can also introduce microorganisms to previously clean water sources.

Heavy metals

High levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and selenium could be lurking in your water well. Consuming high levels of any of these heavy metals has been known to cause liver issues, kidney damage, anemia and even cancer. Heavy metals can seep into drinking water from a variety of different sources, including household plumbing, service lines, mining operations and natural mineral deposits. The contamination typically occurs through groundwater movement and surface water seepage.

Nitrates

Nitrates are found in everything from chemical and animal fertilizers to human sewage. The chemicals seep into the ground and into the water when fertilizer is placed too close to the well, resulting in contamination. Consuming nitrates can cripple the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Infants who drink water with high levels of nitrates can cause serious illness or even death.

Organic chemicals

Many common household products like inks, pharmaceuticals and disinfectants are packed full of organic chemicals. Coming into contact with organic chemicals normally doesn’t have any effect, but it’s a different story if they enter the groundwater and seep into a private well. Consuming high levels of organic chemicals can cause damage to the liver, kidneys, circulatory system, reproductive system and central nervous system.

Fluoride

Drinking some fluoride can actually be beneficial in preventing tooth decay, hence its common addition to municipal water supplies. But excessive fluoride consumption can cause pain and tenderness within the bones and joints, in addition to tooth discoloration and tooth pitting.

Call Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair for water conditioning in Columbia, TN

Inspecting your water well regularly is the only way to prevent accidental contamination. Contact Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair to learn more about how we can help keep your water safe and free of contaminants through water conditioning in Columbia, TN. We specialize in residential, commercial and industrial well repair and water treatment. Give us a call today for more information—we look forward to working with you!

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