In many locations, homes require wells to meet their needs. Although the EPA requires that public supplies be tested to ensure the match the standards that have been established, such procedures are not required of private wells located in the USA. Well water testing is beneficial in ensuring that the home has a safe supply to meet occupant needs.
Several tests that are performed are for indicator organisms and chemicals that show the likelihood of more dangerous contaminates. While these indicator strains or chemicals may not cause illness, they often occur with more dangerous ones for which testing is more difficult. Their presence indicates potential contamination by such problems as raw sewage.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
Samples are also often tested for an indicator strain of E. Coli. A positive result indicates fecal contamination in the supply. Although the indicator strain of E. Coli is generally harmless, its presence indicates other germs that can cause health concerns including dysentery, hepatitis and diarrhea. Homeowners should not confuse the indicator strain with the more harmful one that often makes the news due to restaurant or food contamination.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
Nitrates are a part of many foods, but should be in the pipes of the home as continual consumption can make you ill. Sources of these chemicals include flooded sewers, septic tanks, animal waste and polluted storm waters. They can also come from farm runoff, affecting the quality of wells in the area. In addition, natural deposits in the area often increase their levels.
Contamination by volatile organic compounds is generally regional. These contaminates come from man made pollution, such as industry or fuel spills. Check with the lab or local health department to determine the VOCs for which regional wells should be tested.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
In general, it is a good idea to test samples of the supply at least once per year. Additional tests should be submitted if one notes a difference in quality or if there have been local land disturbances. With proper well water testing you protect the health of all living in the home.
Several tests that are performed are for indicator organisms and chemicals that show the likelihood of more dangerous contaminates. While these indicator strains or chemicals may not cause illness, they often occur with more dangerous ones for which testing is more difficult. Their presence indicates potential contamination by such problems as raw sewage.
One of the greatest concerns is contamination by bacteria often found in the digestive systems of humans and other warm blooded animals. For example, the lab may perform a total coliform count to indicate the number of such bacteria in the sample size. If such counts are high, there is a larger chance of the presence of other bacteria, which can cause harm, being present in the sample.
Samples are also often tested for an indicator strain of E. Coli. A positive result indicates fecal contamination in the supply. Although the indicator strain of E. Coli is generally harmless, its presence indicates other germs that can cause health concerns including dysentery, hepatitis and diarrhea. Homeowners should not confuse the indicator strain with the more harmful one that often makes the news due to restaurant or food contamination.
The pH of the sample indicates if it is acid or basic. The pH affects the taste as well as the looks of one's supply. The pH of a neutral sample is 7.0. If numbers are much higher or lower than 7.0, the liquid can leach heavy metals from pipes to the tap. Liquids that are not neutral can also damage pipes and over time make the occupants of the home sick.
Nitrates are a part of many foods, but should be in the pipes of the home as continual consumption can make you ill. Sources of these chemicals include flooded sewers, septic tanks, animal waste and polluted storm waters. They can also come from farm runoff, affecting the quality of wells in the area. In addition, natural deposits in the area often increase their levels.
Contamination by volatile organic compounds is generally regional. These contaminates come from man made pollution, such as industry or fuel spills. Check with the lab or local health department to determine the VOCs for which regional wells should be tested.
Specific locations may also have specific healthy concerns. Chemicals, including heavy metals may be a problem locally. In other areas, wells should be tested for specific bacteria in order to ensure the home has a safe supply.
In general, it is a good idea to test samples of the supply at least once per year. Additional tests should be submitted if one notes a difference in quality or if there have been local land disturbances. With proper well water testing you protect the health of all living in the home.
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