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Statistics have shown that people in the United States have one of the safest and most reliable drinking water systems in the world. Millions of people in the country get their water from a public water system.
The water we drink comes from either surface water or groundwater source. Surface water gathers water from streams, rivers, reservoirs, and lakes. On the other hand, groundwater is found below the ground and is collected in pores and spaces in rocks or underground aquifers. Groundwater is brought to the surface by drilling wells and pumping.
You get your water in your home from surface or groundwater through a local water utility or privately by means of a private well. A private well uses groundwater as the source. If you have a well or other private water system, you are responsible for the water being safe and free of contaminants.
Known Problems From Water Wells
Some of the major problems include iron, hydrogen sulfide, and hardness. There is also the possibility of contaminants that can enter into the water and cause health issues. There are contaminants including lead, arsenic, and nitrates that are common chemicals found in well water. Another major issue is coliform bacteria that users should have tested for issues that can lead to germs and bacteria in the water.
Organic chemicals are also a leading contaminant along with heavy metals such as chromium, copper, lead, and many more.
Is Well Water Safer If It's Boiled?
Boiling water is definitely the best way to kill bacteria, viruses, and parasites in your well water. You need to bring the water to a full boil which happens as the water is swirling around. Keep it boiling for approximately one minute before using the water. Place the water in a clean covered, container and place it in your refrigerator. After 72 hours, toss out the leftover water. Water should be boiled for:
- Drinking
- Mixing with other beverages such as orange juice or lemonade
- Cooking
- Making ice cubes
- Mouth care such as brushing your teeth
You should boil the water for 5 minutes which will remove any bacteria. That said, boiling will not remove solids or other materials in your well water. You should have your well water tested regularly to make sure you have 100% safe water for all your daily uses.
Is Well Water Really Safe?
Keep in mind, unlike public utilities or tap water, well water is not regulated by the Safe Water Drinking Act. This law allows the EPA to set standards nationwide for drinking water.
That means your well water will not be tested or treated by the government. You will be totally responsible for the condition of the water. Make sure you test your water on a regular basis to guarantee its safety.
In the United States, studies have been conducted by the Department of the Interior and 23% of private wells contain a level of contaminated water which is high enough to cause many health issues. The leading contaminants in this water include radon, arsenic, uranium, manganese, and nitrate. Only the last contaminant, Nitrate, is the result of a nearby septic tank and fertilizer.
Even though it is not harmful, keeping track of water hardness in well water is a good maintenance practice. Unfortunately, it might not be a health risk but if the water source is connected to your home's indoor plumbing it can cause forming soap curds and deposits on the pipes.
Regularly testing for bacteria is very important. Some of the best times to test your well water are after heavy rainfall, after plumbing work has been performed, and there are changes in the taste or smell of the water.
What Can I Do To Keep My Well Water Safe?
Outside of health issues, well water has other issues. Sulfur can cause your water to have a really ugly taste that resembles rotten eggs. Iron can lead to rust on appliances and on your clothing. Hard water can leave spots on dishes and shower walls.
Water filters on the market are very good for removing contaminants from your water. If your water comes from a well, you will need a more robust water filtration system than what's used under your kitchen sink. Well water can cause contaminants to seep into the soil and your water system.
Most water filters use physical and chemical filtration to remove contaminants from the water. These filters work by taking the water coming into your home and pushing it through a filtration barrier or a chemical filtration to remove particles and contaminants from your water.
You might want to consider:
This Ultrafiltration system can reduce harmful substances with its 0.01-micron pore size, Any contaminant larger than 0.01 micron will be stopped by this membrane including bacteria, viruses, and many other contaminants. You will get the very best optimal filtration system on the planet!
Well water is a chosen source of water by millions of people worldwide. Unlike public water, you have a very important role in keeping this water safe for you and your family. Look into experts who test well water and get a really excellent water filtration system. You want to ensure you have clean, safe water and these two approaches are the best way to get started.