While many people depend on public-supply water, many people also supply their own water. This is especially true in rural areas, where there are few large-scale public water systems. A basic diagram of a well’s operation shows how it works. Large wells have the capability to supply a greater number of people. They also are cheaper to install than larger public systems. Know some important facts about well water systems by visiting website:

Contaminants in untreated well water

Untreated well water may contain a variety of contaminants. Testing is important for those with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, senior citizens, and people with a history of gastrointestinal illness. Heavy rains may also contain fecal matter, leachate from landfills, and nitrates from farmlands. Likewise, a leaking septic system may leak into a well and cause contamination.

Although public and private wells are generally safe, untreated well water can contain high concentrations of a wide range of chemicals. One recent study found that up to 13 percent of untreated drinking water contained industrial chemicals and pesticides. Public wells are generally less of a health concern because water suppliers test them regularly. Nevertheless, there are still alarming levels of untreated well water. Despite the risks, a healthy and clean source of water is the most important option for those unsure of their local environment.

In addition to viruses, bacteria, and parasites, untreated well water may cause gastrointestinal problems, reproductive issues, and neurological disorders. Individuals with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to these illnesses. To learn more about specific bacteria and chemicals found in untreated well water, visit the CDC Healthy Water website. The website also features an alphabetical index of water-related diseases. This will give you a better understanding of the type of contaminants present in your local water.

Sources of contamination

Drinking contaminated water may cause a number of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, neurological disorders, and reproductive problems. People with weakened immune systems and infants are especially vulnerable. Health experts recommend testing your water at least once a year to protect yourself and your family. There are many sources of contamination in well water systems, including failed septic systems, fertilizers, pesticides, and runoff from urban areas.

Typically, groundwater is filtered by physical processes, making it cleaner than surface water supplies. However, even underground aquifers are not immune to contamination from bacterial contamination. In some cases, the contamination comes from unregulated dumping, such as dumping discarded food in open fields. These contaminated sites create an eye sore, attract disease-carrying insects and rodents, and contaminate surface waters. If possible, try to limit your exposure to these types of materials by using a multi-layered system.

Treatment options

If you have a well, there are many different treatment options for well water. Before you purchase a system, though, you should know what contaminants it will treat. Then, think about your budget. If you’re on a tight budget, you might not need a complex system – an inexpensive treatment system will do the job just fine. On the other hand, if you have a large budget, you can go for a more comprehensive system.

A multi-layered system may reduce sediment and other contaminants. This type of system is more expensive and larger than a single filter, but you can set it up to automatically backwash itself to keep the water clear. A whole-house treatment system is also a good solution for iron reduction in well water. These systems can reduce odor and staining caused by iron. Some of these units can even remove chlorine. However, these solutions aren’t suitable for every system.

Health risks

The risk of bacterial contamination in well water is real, but testing for contaminants is relatively easy. The EPA requires public water systems to test for bacterial and chemical contaminants. Private wells do not have to test for bacterial contamination. EPA recommends testing well water every five years. The CDC provides a list of certified labs to perform the testing. But even if you are certain your well is clean, you should test it anyway.

If your well contains high levels of total suspended sediment (TSS), it may be contaminated with oxidized metals and microbial life. Lead and manganese can harm your child’s kidneys, causing learning problems and delayed development. Other possible contaminants in well water include heavy metals, including lead and chromium. Some sources of well water are more contaminated than others. Therefore, it is important to test your water before you begin using it.