What Contaminants Are Found in Well Water?
Well water is usually safe and refreshing, but sometimes minerals in well water leave it hard, and contaminants affect its taste and safety. You can avoid these situations with regular well testing and a water softener system. Before installing a softener or purification system, learn what minerals are found in well water in Columbia, TN and how to neutralize them. Here are four contaminants that can affect your water quality:
- Hard minerals: When water is “hard,” that means it contains certain minerals. Magnesium, sodium and calcium in water do not directly affect your health, but they can reduce the lives of your pipes, clothing and appliances. Some people experience dry hair and skin because these minerals are like microscopic rocks that nick away at them as they shower. Water softeners reduce the effects of hard minerals, so your water works better to clean dishes and clothes and becomes more pleasant for bathing.
- Heavy metals: Trace elements of heavy metals come from industrial waste. If you live near industrial sites, there is a risk of their byproducts polluting groundwater, including your well. Arsenic, lead, iron, boron and radon are a few examples of these pollutants. Lead is especially concerning for children and pregnant women. You can find and neutralize these pollutants with pump filters and well testing.
- Farm chemicals: If you farm, be careful of your pesticides and fertilizers affecting groundwater. Phosphates and nitrates are most likely to leach into well water, whether you use them on your own land or live near farms. These chemicals cause health issues, including kidney problems and cancer. Pregnant and nursing women, infants and the elderly are especially vulnerable. To avoid this pollution, reduce your own use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. If that is impossible, divert runoff so it does not harm your groundwater. Those who do not farm but live near farms using these chemicals should look into water systems that can remove and neutralize them.
- Pathogens: E. coli and cryptosporidium are a greater risk for well water than public water systems. These bacteria enter well water from a poorly maintained septic system and animal feces. Health effects include several intestinal illnesses that may result in invasive treatments and hospitalization. You can avoid this pollution by maintaining your septic system and ensuring runoff from pastures does not divert to groundwater. While these contaminants lead to the most worry, they are also the easiest to prevent.
If you’re concerned about contaminated well water, start with annual testing. That step helps you detect pollutants before they become a serious problem. If you are currently installing a well, hire a contractor and drill as deep as possible. Shallow wells are more likely to become contaminated, while a deep well is more likely to stay safe and offer peace of mind.
A sound water conditioning system can reduce contaminants and minerals in well water in Columbia, TN and give you a safer and more pleasant experience with your water. Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair offers vast experience managing well water quality and pump systems. Call us today to learn more about our well water solutions.
Categorised in: Well Water Testing