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.
From the microbiological standpoint, the more specific E. Coli test is often used. Positive E. Coli tests indicate contamination by fecal material. While the indicator E. Coli that grow on the microbiologist plates are generally harmless, there is a greater chance of germs that do cause diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea or dysentery are present. This indicator strand of E. Coli should not be confused with a more harmful strain often on the news.
In order to test the level of acids or bases in the sample, the lab often tests the pH. This level affects both taste and looks of the water. Neutral samples have a pH of 7. If this number is too high or too low, heavy metals can leach out of the pipes into the drinking supply. In addition to damaging the pipes, continuing to drink the liquid could make one ill.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
Volatile organic compounds are a problem in some regions. They are generally the result of industrial pollution or fuel spills. The exact VOCs for which the sample should be tested will vary by location. Check with the local heath department or testing lab for further information.
Other health concerns are also location specific. These could include chemicals such as radium, mercury or arsenic. You may live in an area where wells need to be tested for specific germs to ensure safety for the family.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
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.
From the microbiological standpoint, the more specific E. Coli test is often used. Positive E. Coli tests indicate contamination by fecal material. While the indicator E. Coli that grow on the microbiologist plates are generally harmless, there is a greater chance of germs that do cause diseases such as hepatitis, diarrhea or dysentery are present. This indicator strand of E. Coli should not be confused with a more harmful strain often on the news.
In order to test the level of acids or bases in the sample, the lab often tests the pH. This level affects both taste and looks of the water. Neutral samples have a pH of 7. If this number is too high or too low, heavy metals can leach out of the pipes into the drinking supply. In addition to damaging the pipes, continuing to drink the liquid could make one ill.
While nitrates are found in many types of food, they should not be in your drinking supply as they can make you and others sick. Sources of nitrates include animal waste, septic tanks, flooded sewers and polluted storm water. Fertilizers and runoff from farming can also affect the well's quality. The natural geographic features surrounding wells can increase nitrate levels.
Volatile organic compounds are a problem in some regions. They are generally the result of industrial pollution or fuel spills. The exact VOCs for which the sample should be tested will vary by location. Check with the local heath department or testing lab for further information.
Other health concerns are also location specific. These could include chemicals such as radium, mercury or arsenic. You may live in an area where wells need to be tested for specific germs to ensure safety for the family.
Generally, homeowners should submit samples to a lab for well water testing annually. Samples should also be submitted when there is a difference in quality of if land disturbances have occurred. With proper testing, you ensure your supply remains healthy for the family.
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