Well Water
DO YOU HAVE WELL WATER?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), most homes in the United States get their water from the local water department. When you receive water from the city, officials treat your water at a plant and pump it to your home in underground piping.
Homeowners that live far from the nearest municipality often choose to install a well near their home and source their water directly from the private well. Currently, more than 13 million households nationwide rely on well water, according to the EPA.
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WELL WATER VS. CITY WATER |
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If you’re unsure what kind of water (well water or “city” water) you have in your home, ask yourself these questions: IS YOUR ADDRESS WITHIN THE CITY LIMITS? DO YOU PAY A WATER BILL? CAN YOU SPOT A WELL PUMP IN YOUR YARD, OR IS THERE A PRESSURE TANK NEAR OR IN YOUR HOME? FACTS ABOUT WELL WATER The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which protects and regulates public drinking water systems, does not monitor private wells. It is the well owner’s responsibility to test well water and maintain its cleanliness. But how does the water get in the well in the first place? And what contaminants could make their way into the well water? GROUNDWATER All private wells use groundwater, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As described by the Encyclopedia Britannica, most groundwater starts as rain: when rain hits the ground, it moves through the pores between the dirt and the rock. Water that isn’t absorbed by plants continues downward until it hits a layer of dense rock and becomes trapped. Water accumulates here and is known as groundwater. Another term associated with this kind of water is “aquifer,” as in “groundwater aquifer.” Many natural occurrences can affect the water quality of water found in a well. Many private well owners choose wells because they can monitor their water quality firsthand, but it’s important to know what to monitor. These sources can affect the quality of private well water, according to the CDC:
When flooding occurs, the water that gets into your well can potentially contain contaminants. If a well’s walls or sanitary seals have deteriorated or come loose, checking the water quality would be appropriate. The EPA has a list of potential well water contaminants and their impacts. Any private well owner concerned about the quality of their drinking water should test their water supply. HOW TO TEST WELL WATER To test your well water for contaminants, you’ll need a proper well water testing kit. Some well water testing also examines the hardness of the water and checks for manganese, sulfides, and other contaminants. To obtain a test, simply order the 16-Point Rapid Water Test, which identifies the most common contaminants present in private water sources and is a good starting point for homeowners. Once a kit arrives at your home, just follow the instructions provided to obtain a water sample from your well. Return your sample to the appropriate lab listed in the instructions and use the complimentary shipping. You’ll typically receive the results of your water test within three to five business days. HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU TEST WELL WATER? According to the Groundwater Foundation, private well owners should test their wells at least once a year. Based on your area’s conditions, you may choose to test more often for peace of mind. If any component of your well water system seems to have aged or become damaged, it’s wise to test your well water as soon as possible. Use your best judgment, and familiarize yourself with the parts of your well water system to assess each component periodically. Multiple situations call for immediate testing of your well water. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) advises that well owners should test their water sooner if:
(Content courtesy of Pentair Everpure) |