Why You Should Test Your Well Water Regularly
Few things are more natural than getting your home’s water supply from the ground via a well. Some people believe that water from a well is the cleanest, purest form of water available. Unfortunately, this is not a fact, because they don’t realize where the water comes from.
The ground is porous, in that when precipitation falls, the earth absorbs it like a sponge. As that water makes its way through the soil and down into the bedrock, it picks up contaminants and minerals along the way.
Fortunately, by us testing your water supply on-site, we can easily identify most of these contaminants. The first step in confirming you and your family get high-quality water from your well is simple testing.
Problems with Well Water
Private wells are not regulated the same way as municipal water systems. That means it is responsibility of the individual who owns/uses the well to check and confirm the water supply is safe.
Well water comes from the ground underneath your house. When it rains or snows, the water travels down through layers of soil, rocks, minerals, as well as runoff from nearby sources, possibly including fertilizers from nearby farms or neighbors. Often these contaminants are picked up by rainwater and make their way down into the water beneath your home. Some of the many common contaminants that may be picked up and found in water wells include:
- Arsenic
- Acidic pH Levels
- Iron
- Nitrates
- Calcium
- Bacteria
- Magnesium
- TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)
- Hydrogen Sulfide
- PFAS Chemicals
While some contaminants and water problems are relatively harmless to the health of humans, pets, and livestock, there are some that are of grave concern. For example, arsenic is a naturally occurring substance that has negative health effects such as heart disease and cancer. Another common contaminant are nitrates, coming from both man-made and natural sources. These can enter your groundwater by runoff from fertilizers applied to lawns, golf courses, or agricultural fields. Exposure to a high concentration of nitrates is considered hazardous to the health of pregnant women and infants.
Testing Well Water
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you have your well water supply tested at least once a year. The clean water professionals at Futuramic’s will show up and start by visiting with you to learn what some of the water problems you may have. Once we find out what you are experiencing, we have a game plan on which of the various tests that can be performed, specifically with your water. We may also look into potential common water contaminants that nearby properties have experienced to help with your situation. Once the tests are complete and we receive the results, we will schedule a time to review them with you and, if necessary, discuss the next steps to fix your water problems.
Getting your water tested regularly gives you peace of mind that you, your family, pets, and visitors are consuming safe, clean water.
How You Can Help Prevent Contamination of Your Well Water
Taking the proper precautions, you are not doing things to contaminate your water is the best way to get started. Pay close attention to new industrial buildings and farms in your area. Manufacturing byproducts can unintentionally enter the nearby water supply and you should find out which contaminants to test for, such as the emerging PFAS chemical.
Confirm Your Water is Safe
Living in rural Nebraska or Iowa, we recommend a few additional steps you can take to confirm your well water is free of pollution:
- Check that the area around the well is sloped away from the well, so any runoff goes away.
- If you don’t have one, have a well cap installed to make sure nothing gets into your system.
- If you’re building, be certain to hire a certified, experienced well driller.
- Avoid using fertilizers and pesticides near the well.
- Inspect well components occasionally for any damage or cracks to prevent exposure to bacteria growth.
- Regularly inspect and pump your septic system.
Over time, your well’s water can change significantly. We recommend you pay close attention to any changes in the look, color, or feel of your water. Changes may be a sign that contaminants you have not before had in your water have made their way into the nearby groundwater.
Finally, and most importantly, be sure to put your annual water test on your calendar. Give us a call and we can schedule it in the future, too. Having it professionally tested and inspected ensures the safety of the water in your home. We have an entire suite of water treatment solutions to deal with any problematic contaminants you may have.