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Well water contamination
Ground water wells supply over 92% of the water we use in Florida to water our lawns, wash cook and drink. Most of these wells supply good water. Unfortunately, some wells have been contaminated by leaking gasoline storage tanks, pesticide applications, landfills, or poor disposal of toxic wastes.
If your home is serviced by a groundwater well, it is important to have your water tested to make sure that your family is getting safe drinking water that has not been contaminated. Testing of private water wells is the responsibility of the owner, and the state recommends routine testing.
The most common and widespread contaminants in Southwest Florida are bacteria, nitrates, and lead.
Bacteria is one of the most common types of contaminants in ground water. Diarrhea is a common symptom of drinking water that has been contaminated with bacteria. Most testing for bacteria is a test for Coliform. Although coliform itself isn’t dangerous, it’s presence indicates the presence of other bacteria. If you have had any well repairs, if your well was flooded, or if other wells in your area have been contaminated, you should probably have your water tested.
Nitrate in drinking water that is above acceptable levels is an immediate danger to children under 3 years of age. In some cases, nitrates from drinking water have reacted with hemoglobin in infants blood and produced an anemic condition known as “blue baby syndrome”. Nitrates can seep into ground water from fertilizers. So if you live in an agricultural area, or have an infant, it is important to test for nitrates.
Lead in drinking water is usually not a problem with the well water itself, but with the piping being used to get the water into your house. lead piping, lead solder, or other lead containing components of your plumbing system. For this reason, it is important to test for lead even when you are not on a ground water well. Lead is also especially dangerous to children. Excessive amounts of lead can lead to nervous system disorders, or brain or kidney damage.
Are Public Water Systems Safer?
public water supplies are required to test for a variety of contaminants such as pathogenic organisms, radioactive elements, and toxic substances. However, these tests are done at the water processing centers. The water is then sent through aging underground pipes where they break off from the main line to the pipes put in when your home was built. This leaves plenty of places for contamination to occur. If you live in an older house or neighborhood, you should have your water tested regularly. If you live in a new home, or new neighborhood, then you should still test your water, but maybe not as frequently. Changes in color, taste or smell of your water may indicate the need for testing.
So if you want or need your water tested in Southwest Florida, contact Crystal Clear Water at (239)-424-8444 24/7 and we will make sure your water system is safe, clean, and looking and smelling great!
