If your well water is contaminated, especially with germs, the primary short-term solution is to boil your water before drinking it. This kills harmful microorganisms.
Addressing Well Water Contamination
Handling well water effectively involves assessing its quality, addressing contamination issues, and maintaining the well system. Here's a breakdown:
1. Testing Your Well Water
- Why test? Well water can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, nitrates, and other pollutants. Regular testing identifies potential problems before they impact your health.
- How often? At a minimum, test annually for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and total dissolved solids. More frequent testing is recommended if you notice changes in taste, odor, or appearance or if there are known contamination issues in your area.
- Where to test? Contact your local health department or a certified laboratory for testing services.
2. Dealing with Contamination
- Boiling Water: If your water tests positive for bacteria, boil it vigorously for 1 minute (3 minutes at altitudes above 6,500 feet) to kill germs. This is a temporary solution.
- Disinfection:
- Chlorination: A common method for disinfecting well water. Chlorine kills bacteria and viruses.
- UV Disinfection: Uses ultraviolet light to inactivate microorganisms. Requires pre-filtration to remove sediment.
- Filtration:
- Sediment Filters: Remove sand, silt, and other particles.
- Carbon Filters: Remove chlorine, organic compounds, and improve taste and odor.
- Specialty Filters: Address specific contaminants like lead, arsenic, or nitrates.
- Well Shocking: A process of disinfecting the well itself, typically with chlorine. This can help address bacterial contamination but may need to be repeated periodically.
3. Maintaining Your Well
- Regular Inspections: Have your well inspected regularly by a qualified professional.
- Protect the Wellhead: Ensure the wellhead is properly sealed and protected from surface contamination.
- Proper Drainage: Make sure surface water drains away from the well.
- Avoid Contamination Sources: Keep potential sources of contamination, such as septic systems and chemical storage, away from the well.
4. Safe Water Alternatives
- Bottled Water: A safe alternative if your well water is contaminated.
- Another Safe Source: If available, use water from a municipal water supply or another reliable source while you address your well water issues.
| Contaminant | Potential Health Effects | Treatment Options |
|---|---|---|
| Coliform Bacteria | Gastrointestinal illness, diarrhea, vomiting | Boiling, chlorination, UV disinfection |
| Nitrates | Blue baby syndrome (methemoglobinemia) in infants | Ion exchange, reverse osmosis, distillation |
| Lead | Developmental problems in children, kidney problems, high blood pressure | Certified lead removal filters |
| Arsenic | Cancer, skin lesions, cardiovascular disease | Activated alumina adsorption, ion exchange, reverse osmosis |
| Volatile Organics | Cancer, liver damage, kidney damage | Air stripping, activated carbon filtration |
Important Considerations:
- Always consult with a qualified water treatment professional to determine the best treatment solution for your specific well water issues.
- Follow all manufacturer's instructions for installing and maintaining water treatment equipment.
- Regularly monitor your well water quality to ensure that your treatment system is working effectively.
In summary, handling well water involves regular testing, addressing any contamination issues with appropriate treatment methods, and maintaining the well system to prevent future problems.
