(Private Wells)
Drinking a glass of water is usually considered a healthy activity, but on occasion, media
coverage of water quality issues has made many people think twice before filling a glass
from the tap. In one recent example, the EPA proposed to reduce the maximum allowable
amount of arsenic in public water systems from 50 parts per billion (ppb) to 10 ppb by
2006. More recent EPA reports suggest that the safe level for arsenic may be three (3)
ppb. While high arsenic levels are rarely an issue for public water supplies, they are more
common in private wells
The truth is that no water is naturally pure, not even bottled water. In nature, water
collects impurities from everything it touches as it flows in streams, sits in lakes and
filters through layers of soil and rock in the ground. Some of these substances are
harmless, but at certain levels some minerals can make water unpalatable or even unsafe.
While most drinking water is safe, you should know how to check for unsafe levels of
contaminants in the water that is pumped from your well when you turn on your faucet.
It is the responsibility of the homeowner to maintain and test a home's well water. For
most well owners, the last time the water was tested was when they put in the well or
purchased their home. The DNR recommends testing well water if a change in taste,
odor, or color is noted or if the well is modified in any way. Although there are some
reasons for change in taste and color that are not health threatening, it is best to have
testing done to identify and remove any contaminants. Even if there have been no
changes in the smell, taste, or appearance of your water, the DNR recommends yearly
testing.
When testing well water, it is important to know what contaminants to test for, how to
test, and what lab to use. The DNR identifies bacteria, nitrates, and lead tests as the most
important, but other testing may be necessary due to local conditions. The local DNR
water quality specialist will be familiar with local conditions and can tell you what tests
should be done in your area.
Comments(0)