Well Water Safety Tips
Water is the source of life. We use it for hydration, cleansing, relaxation, and recreation. So how do you know that what you’re drinking is safe, especially when it comes from the ground? With some thoughtful planning and maintenance, well water can be delicious and clean. Read on to discover our top well water safety tips and contact us to schedule water testing and treatment with North Florida Water Systems Inc today!
Know How Well Water Becomes Contaminated
The first step in keeping well water safe is to know how it becomes contaminated in the first place. Well water is pumped up from underground aquifers that store pockets of water that have accumulated from sources such as rainfall and above-ground rivers and lakes. Unfortunately, these sources of water can carry bacteria, chemicals, and even waste. This pollution can be introduced from a variety of sources, including the following.
- Landfill Seepage
- Improperly Situated Or Maintained Septic Systems
- Farm Waste
- Landscaping Fertilizers & Pesticides
- Chemical Spills
- Urban Runoff
Knowing how your well receives its water can help you determine what contaminants it may be susceptible to.
Proper Well Drilling
New well drilling is about more than just finding an aquifer. An experienced well-digging company will keep such things in mind as the well’s relative distance from septic and sewage systems, as well as run-off potential. In addition, finding the right location for a new well can help keep it safe and working for many years to come.
Monitoring At The Tap
Some contaminants are visible to the naked eye, so your first line of defense is inspecting the water that comes from your well. When not treated for human or animal consumption, well water can often stain and carry a lousy smell similar to rotting eggs. However, if your water is treated or you notice colors or smells that aren’t usual, your water may be contaminated. If you’re not consuming this water, washing dishes or bathing in it can still carry risks. Even just using the water for waste removal can cause issues. Once a concern arises, it should be dealt with immediately.
Test Annually
While some contaminants can be smelled or seen, most are invisible without the proper tools. However, this doesn’t make them any less dangerous. Undetected bacteria and chemicals can be the most dangerous contaminants in well water. That’s why it’s paramount to have well water tested at least once a year to ensure its continued safety. If you believe there may be issues caused by things such as heavy storm runoff, be sure to check it more often. A well water treatment company can test the water for contaminants and treat the water to remove any concerns.