By now every well owner knows the importance of giving their well the proper care and maintenance. However, accidents can happen to even the most diligent of well owners, and situations can arise in which contaminants find their way into your water supply. These contaminants can range from unproblematic, to annoying, to dangerous. So, it’s important to know what to look out for, and what is likely to be the problem. Contaminants can be a wide array of things, and can sometimes be regional, however these are generally some of the top well contaminants.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals, unless consumed in mass amounts, or in incredibly high concentrations, are really just annoying. For these, think things like copper, lead, arsenic, selenium, etc. They usually find their way into your water supply through runoff and ground leaching from household plumbing and service lines, or through municipal or private plants, manufacturers, etc. For the most part the signs to look out for are water discoloration, or changes in your waters smell or taste, or yellow/brown staining to clothes, sinks, and toilets.
Nitrates
Nitrates are ions that are commonly found in salt, fertilizers, and human sewage. Similarly to heavy metals, they can find their way into your water through leaching and runoff. For adults they are incredibly dangerous, but they aren’t good. But for infants, they can prove to be deadly. The unfortunate part about nitrates is that, aside from water testing, there really isn’t a way to notice that they’re present in your water supply.
Microorganisms
Microorganisms are an incredibly common thing to find in your water supply, since they’re present just about everywhere. Think, bacteria, viruses, and parasites. Common ones to find in your well could be E. Coli, Salmonella, Hepatitis A, etc. A lot of times, people don’t realize something is wrong with their water until someone gets sick and the water is tested. However, there are a few signs to look out for. Depending on the exact microorganism, your water may change color, smell or taste, or there may be cloudiness, or clumps in the water. But some microorganisms may not have any detection point aside from water testing.
Organic Chemicals
Organic Chemicals in your well system are often brought there by ground leaching, or spills from local agriculture or industrial plants. Organic chemicals is a broad term but can be found in many household cleaners, inks, dyes, disinfectants, solvents, pesticides, paints, pharmaceuticals, and more. Ingestion of large amounts of these chemicals can be extremely harmful to the human body, leading to damage to organs, and the reproductive, circulatory, and nervous systems.
Well Contaminants
When discussing well contaminants, it’s important to remember that proper well care and frequent water testing will prevent most problems from arising in your water supply. Be diligent, and be thorough, and in most cases, you’ll be good to go!
At Faulstick Plumbing, we specialize in installs, repairs, and inspections for all of your well, water, and plumbing needs. Our family-owned and operated business has built a reputation as the best-doing things the right way with the customer in mind, every time. Give us a call at 570-992-0447 to discuss your needs today!
