Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, nausea, headaches, fever, fatigue , and even death sometimes. Infants, children, elderly people, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get sick or die from disease-causing microorganisms in drinking water.
Is well water Toxic?
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.
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 do you tell if your well water is contaminated?
- Scale or Scum. Scale buildup or a scummy feeling from water is often associated with calcium or magnesium. ...
- Unclear or Turbid Water. ...
- Green Stains on Sinks or Faucets. ...
- Brown or Red Stains on Sinks, Clothes, or Dishwasher. ...
- Salty Taste. ...
- Soapy Taste. ...
- Chemical Taste. ...
- Metallic Taste.
Is well water usually safe to drink?
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.
Can well water have parasites?
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.
Can well water cause autoimmune disease?
The most common diseases associated with water quality issues are typically related to diarrhea, dysentery , travelers disease, and other gastrointestinal issues, but there are approximately 80 suspected or known autoimmune disorders that may be related to water quality issues.
How often should you test your well water?
You should have your well tested once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, you should test for those as well.
Can I pour bleach down my well?
Mix 2 quarts bleach in 10 gallons of water; pour into well. Connect a garden hose to a nearby faucet and wash down the inside of the well. Open each faucet and let the water run until a strong chlorine odor is detected, then turn it off and go to the next one. ... Pour it into the well without pumping.
Is well water safer than city water?
As a natural source from the Earth, well water automatically tastes better than city water . Well water is also healthier because it’s full of minerals and isn’t treated with harsh chemicals. City water is treated with chlorine and fluoride because it comes from lakes and rivers with many pollutants.
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.
How can I naturally purify my well water?
- 1 – Boiling. Boiling water is the cheapest and safest method of water purification. ...
- 2 – Filtration. Filtration is one of the effective ways of purifying water and when using the right multimedia filters it’s effective in ridding water of the compounds. ...
- 3 – Distillation. ...
- 4 – Chlorination.
Does well water need to be treated?
No single treatment type will protect against all problems . Many well owners use a home water treatment unit to: Remove specific contaminants. Take extra precautions because a household member has a compromised immune system.
Do water filters remove parasites?
In a word, no. Brita-type filters are designed to take out waterborne contaminants such as chemicals, and to remove sediment . They aren’t at all intended to “purify” water or remove biological nasties such as giardia.
Can well water cause kidney problems?
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.
What do you do if your well water is contaminated?
If your well has been contaminated or you suspect that it may be contaminated, DON’T drink the water . Contact your local, state, or tribal health department for specific advice. You need to properly disinfect or treat the water and have it tested before drinking/using the water!
