What happens if your well water is contaminated?

Heavy metals can contaminate private wells through groundwater movement and surface water seepage and run-off. People that consume high levels of heavy metals risk acute and chronic toxicity, liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer.

How do I know if my well water is contaminated?

Visible Signs to Look Out For

1. Scale or Scum. Scale buildup or a scummy feeling from water is often associated with calcium or magnesium.
2. Unclear or Turbid Water.
3. Green Stains on Sinks or Faucets.
4. Brown or Red Stains on Sinks, Clothes, or Dishwasher.
5. Salty Taste.
6. Soapy Taste.
7. Chemical Taste.
8. Metallic Taste.

What is the most common contaminant in well water?

Common contaminants found in well water, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), include:

1. Radon. Radon is commonly found in water but can be hard to detect.
2. Arsenic.
3. Nitrate.
4. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
5. Microbial Contamination.
6. Additional Contaminants.

Can a contaminated well be fixed?

If you find that your well water is polluted, fix the problem as soon as possible. You may need to disinfect your water have a new well drilled, re plumb or repair your system. Consider hooking into a nearby community water system (if one is available).

How is contaminated well water treated?

Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlo- rine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems.

How do you clean contaminated well water?

Fill the bucket with clear water from the well. Add about 300g of HSCH and stir until dissolved. For every cubic metre (m3) of water in the well add 10 litres (half bucket) of the chlorine solution. Double the quantity of HSCH added if the solution is to be used for cleaning well linings or aprons.

Can contaminated well water make you sick?

Can bacteria in well water make you sick? yes, household well water that is contaminated likely holds coliform bacteria and E-coli. These microorganisms can be the cause of enteric diseases.

How do you fix contaminated well water?

Can you get parasites from well water?

Swallowing contaminated water The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing unsafe (contaminated) water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas.

Should you filter your well water?

Well water is great because it’s pretty much free and there’s lots of it. However, well water can contain bacteria, lead, arsenic, chromium 6, mercury, radon, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) – it’s hugely important to have a suitable water filter system in place to protect you from contaminants.

Can wells be cleaned?

There a two processes for cleaning your well, mechanical and chemical. The most effective strategy is a combination of the two. Both methods offer a variety of options. The best solution is to consult with your well contractor water specialist.

Who is responsible for contamination of a well?

Contamination of a private well can impact not only the household served by the well, but also nearby households using the same aquifer. Owners of private wells are responsible for ensuring that their water is safe from contaminants.

How are microorganisms contaminating the well water?

P eople that consume drinking water containing microorganisms can experience gastrointestinal illnesses and infections. Water run-off from rainfall or snow-melt can contaminate private wells by washing microorganisms into the well system or seeping underground.

How are heavy metals contaminating our well water?

Heavy metals can contaminate private wells through groundwater movement and surface water seepage adn run-off. People that consume high levels of heavy metals risk acute and chronic toxicity, liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer.

How many people get their drinking water from private wells?

Overview of Water-related Diseases and Contaminants in Private Wells. Over 15 million U.S. households obtain their drinking water from private wells , which are not covered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that protect public drinking water systems.