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 are used as determiners of the quality of the supply along with the presence of contaminates. Indicator strains of bacteria and chemicals, which do not necessarily cause illness, are checked. Their presence indicates the supply may have been contaminated by germs, including those in raw sewage that can cause illness.
Bacteria from the digestive systems of other warm blooded animals and humans is of grave concern. Labs often perform a total coliform test to indicate the presences of these bacteria in the submitted sample. If these counts return large numbers, there is a greater chance of disease causing organisms in the supply that can bring harm to those who consume the product.
A more specific bacterial test is for Escherichia coli, often abbreviated as E. Coli. A positive test for E. Coli indicates fecal contamination of wells. While the indicator form of E. Coli is generally harmless, the germs that contaminate wells when it is present may cause health problems including hepatitis, dysentery or diarrhea. Owners should note the presence of the indicator E. Coli is not the same as the more dangerous strain of the bacteria that often makes the news.
Labs generally perform a pH test. This test is quick to perform and determines whether the sample is acid, base or neutral. While a reading of 7 is neutral, higher or lower numbers can affect quality. Non-neutral samples may erode heavy metals form pipes. This causes plumbing problems and may make consumers sick in a home.
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.
In some regions, volatile organic compounds from fuel or industrial pollution contaminate wells. The exact VOCs for which one should test depend on the location in which one lives. If they are a problem in your region, the local health department can tell you the tests to have completed.
Some health concerns are regionally specific. For example, heavy metals may be a problem, especially in the Western USA. In other regions, there may be specific bacteria which is of concern and for which the sample should be tested. The local health department of the laboratory can help homeowners determine the tests which are necessary to ensure their safety.
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 are used as determiners of the quality of the supply along with the presence of contaminates. Indicator strains of bacteria and chemicals, which do not necessarily cause illness, are checked. Their presence indicates the supply may have been contaminated by germs, including those in raw sewage that can cause illness.
Bacteria from the digestive systems of other warm blooded animals and humans is of grave concern. Labs often perform a total coliform test to indicate the presences of these bacteria in the submitted sample. If these counts return large numbers, there is a greater chance of disease causing organisms in the supply that can bring harm to those who consume the product.
A more specific bacterial test is for Escherichia coli, often abbreviated as E. Coli. A positive test for E. Coli indicates fecal contamination of wells. While the indicator form of E. Coli is generally harmless, the germs that contaminate wells when it is present may cause health problems including hepatitis, dysentery or diarrhea. Owners should note the presence of the indicator E. Coli is not the same as the more dangerous strain of the bacteria that often makes the news.
Labs generally perform a pH test. This test is quick to perform and determines whether the sample is acid, base or neutral. While a reading of 7 is neutral, higher or lower numbers can affect quality. Non-neutral samples may erode heavy metals form pipes. This causes plumbing problems and may make consumers sick in a home.
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.
In some regions, volatile organic compounds from fuel or industrial pollution contaminate wells. The exact VOCs for which one should test depend on the location in which one lives. If they are a problem in your region, the local health department can tell you the tests to have completed.
Some health concerns are regionally specific. For example, heavy metals may be a problem, especially in the Western USA. In other regions, there may be specific bacteria which is of concern and for which the sample should be tested. The local health department of the laboratory can help homeowners determine the tests which are necessary to ensure their safety.
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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