What’s in Your Well Water? How to Remove Contaminants, and Why You Should

September 16, 2021

Approximately 15 percent of American households get their water from a private well. Well water is plentiful and affordable, but it does have one major drawback: it can be riddled with dangerous contaminants. This post from your water well service and repair team will cover what those contaminants are and how they can be removed:

  • Radon: Colorless, tasteless and odorless, radon is impossible to detect. This naturally occurring radioactive gas is found in soil and rocks, and can leach into water well systems over time. Small amounts won’t do any harm, but prolonged exposure to radon coming from your water supply can lead to lung cancer or other severe health concerns.
  • Arsenic: Another substance that can’t be smelled, tasted or seen is arsenic. That’s why it’s frequently used as a weapon in murder mysteries! But it’s not just an assassin that can harm you with arsenic—so can your well water. Cancer, heart issues and neurological problems are just a few of the effects of arsenic in your well water.
  • Nitrate: Small amounts of nitrate can be found in many foods. But when you have large concentrations of it in your drinking water, people are bound to get sick. Nitrate contamination is often the result of agricultural runoff, but it can also happen after a septic tank or sewer system floods.
  • Microbes: coli, crypto and giardia are just a few bacteria types that can be found in some water well systems. Though they’re more common in lakes, rivers or other surface water, microbes can penetrate wells after heavy rainfall or floods. The scary part is that bacteria can live in your well for a long time and make your family very sick.

The best way to remove contaminants

Thankfully, eliminating all of those contaminants is easy with a whole-home water conditioning system. These systems employ various technologies to remove any harmful contaminants, leaving your water as pure as it can be. Along with ensuring the water is safe to drink, conditioning systems make the water taste and smell better.

Is your well safe?

Since many of these contaminants are impossible to detect on your own, it’s essential that you have water well system inspections every year. Even if you already have a water conditioning system, the CDC recommends annual tests for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels.

If you live in a home with infants, elderly folks or those with any ongoing health issues, it’s not a bad idea to get your well water tested more frequently. Additionally, schedule professional testing if you or a family member are experiencing frequent gastrointestinal illnesses—this could be a sign of trouble in your water.

What can we do for you?

When you need help with your well, Action Electric Motor & Pump Repair is your go-to source for all of your water well’s needs. We perform everything from water conditioning system installation to water well service and repair. Get in touch with us today to get a quote for our services.

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