Many homes are built where municipal utilities are not available. They depend on wells for cooking, drinking and cleaning. While the EPA mandates that public supplies be tested, these rules do not apply to private wells in the United States. Well water testing benefits homes by ensuring all who live there have a safe supply to meet their needs.
There are several indicators of quality and contaminates for which a home's supply should be tested. While the bacteria and chemicals for which the supply is tested may not cause illness, their presences may indicate contamination by sewage or other germs that 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
There are several indicators of quality and contaminates for which a home's supply should be tested. While the bacteria and chemicals for which the supply is tested may not cause illness, their presences may indicate contamination by sewage or other germs that 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.
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.
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.
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.
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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