Is Well Water Bad For You?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Well water can be safe for drinking and all other household needs

, as long as you make sure to test your water supply regularly and select treatment solutions in line with your results.

What are the disadvantages of well water?

  • Hard Water and Scale Buildup.
  • Harmful contaminants such as bacteria, lead, and arsenic.
  • Pumps need to be replaced every 10 or so years.
  • Bad taste.

Is well water healthier than city water?


Well water typically tastes better due to the lack of added chemicals

(ask anyone). Public water is treated with chlorine, fluoride, and other harsh and dangerous chemicals. Well water travels straight up from the ground; you get all the health benefits of clean water with none of the harsh chemical additives.

Is it safe to shower in well water?

If your water at home is from a private well or small community well, you should boil the water or use approved bottled water for drinking. Sometimes a well is more likely to become contaminated with bacteria.

Bathing is not a problem using well water

.

Can well water cause health issues?

Additional information about well maintenance and water testing is available at Healthy Water’s Well Testing page. The presence of contaminants in water can lead to health issues, including

gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders

.

How often should you test your well water?

At a minimum, check your well

every spring

to make sure there are no mechanical problems; test it once each year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.

Should you filter 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 you drink well water?


Well water can be safe for drinking and all other household needs

, as long as you make sure to test your water supply regularly and select treatment solutions in line with your results. Learn more about the well water treatment options that are available for your specific needs.

Is well water better than bottled water?

Bedrock well water often has

higher levels of dissolved minerals

and is valued for its great taste and high-quality. Water that has been carbonated. This is different than soda water, seltzer water, and tonic water, which are not considered bottled waters.

What happens if you drink well water?

Contaminants in our water can lead to health issues, including

gastrointestinal illness, reproductive problems, and neurological disorders

. Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems may be at increased risk for becoming sick after drinking contaminated water.

How long does well water last?

Most wells have a lifespan of

20-30 years

. Since sediment and mineral scale build up overtime, water output may wane over the years.

How expensive is well water?

Installing a complete well water system costs

$25 to $65 per foot

, irrigation wells run $50 to $100 per foot, and geothermal wells are $15 to $40 per foot. *Prices typically include drilling, pump, casing, and complete installation. Consult with a professional well driller.

Can well water cause hair loss?

Damage. That’s because

hard water

contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This produces a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. … Leave these issues unresolved and it could even lead to hair loss.

Can I boil well water to drink?

Boiling. If you don’t have safe bottled water, you

should boil your water to make it safe to drink

. Boiling is the surest method to kill disease-causing organisms, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites.

Can I shower in untreated water?


The water may be used for showering

, baths, shaving and washing, if absolutely necessary, but don’t swallow water or allow it to get in your eyes, nose or mouth.

How do I know if my well water is safe to drink?

Water that’s safe to drink should ideally be clear with no odor or funny taste. One way to tell if water is contaminated is to

look for turbidity, or cloudiness

. While cloudy water isn’t necessarily dangerous to your health, it could signal the presence of unsafe pathogens or chemicals.

Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.