If you’re a homeowner who relies on well water, it’s important to test that water regularly for contaminants. But what is “regularly?” How often should you test your well water?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Depending on the condition of your well and the type of water you are using, you may need to test more or less frequently. In this blog post, we will discuss the recommended timeline for water quality testing and some of the potential contaminants that you should be looking for.
What Water Contaminants Are Common to Wells?
There are many different contaminants that can be found in well water. Some of these contaminants are naturally occurring, while others may come from outside sources like runoff from agricultural fields or leaking septic tanks.
Common well water contaminants include:
- Bacteria: Bacterial contamination is one of the most common problems with well water. Bacteria can cause serious illness, so it’s important to test for bacteria regularly and take steps to eliminate them if they are present.
- Nitrates: Nitrates are a type of pollutant that can come from animal waste, fertilizers, and septic systems. High levels of nitrates in your water can be dangerous, especially for infants and young children.
- Lead: Lead is a metal that can leach into water from old pipes or solder. Lead can cause serious health problems like brain damage, so it is important to test for lead if your home has old plumbing.
- Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally-occurring element that can be found in well water. Arsenic exposure can cause cancer, and the substance is a known poison. As such, it’s important to monitor possible arsenic levels in your well water.
Well Contamination Risk Factors
There are a few factors that can increase your risk of well contamination. If any of the following apply to you, you should test your water more frequently:
- You have not tested your well water in the last year.
- Your municipality has issued a boil water advisory.
- You have noticed a change in your water’s taste, odor, or appearance.
- You or someone in your household has become ill with a gastrointestinal illness, and you suspect the water may be to blame.
- You have made changes to your home that could affect the well, such as drilling a new well or installing a new septic system.
- You have had flooding or heavy rains in your area.
If you are concerned about well contamination, it’s best to err on the side of caution and test your water more frequently. You can never be too safe when it comes to your family’s health!
Will You Be Able to Tell If Your Water Is Contaminated?
In some cases, you may be able to tell if your water is contaminated just by looking at it, tasting it, or smelling it. However, many contaminants are invisible to the naked eye and can only be detected through water quality testing.
That’s why it’s important to test your well water even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with it. Contaminants can cause serious health problems, and the only way to know for sure that your water is safe is to test it on a regular basis.
What Is the Recommended Timeline for Well Water Quality Testing?
The recommended timeline for water quality testing will vary depending on your municipality and the type of well you have, but typically, you should test your well water at least once a year.
The recommended timeline for water quality testing also depends on the type of contaminant you are testing for. For example, bacteria contamination should be tested every three months, while lead and arsenic should be tested annually.
If you are using your well water for drinking, cooking, or bathing, you may want to test more frequently to ensure that your water is safe. There are many potential contaminants that could be lurking in your well water, so it’s best to be proactive about identifying and addressing them.
Are Wells in Certain Areas More Dangerous?
Wells that are located in agricultural areas or near septic tanks are more likely to be contaminated than other wells. If your well is located in an agricultural area, you should test for nitrates every month. If your well is located near a septic tank, you should test for bacteria every three months.
It’s also important to note that private wells are not regulated by the government, so it’s up to the homeowner to ensure that their well water is safe. This means that testing and maintenance are even more important for private wells.
Why to Pair Your Well with a Whole-Home Filtration System
While testing your well water regularly is important, the best way to protect your family from contaminants is to pair your well with a whole-home filtration system.
A whole-home filtration system will remove contaminants from all the water in your home, not just the water you drink. This means that you and your family will be protected from exposure to harmful pollutants, even if you forget to test your water!
Installing a whole-home filtration system is an investment in your family’s health, so if you’re worried about contaminants in your well water, it’s worth considering.
Cleaner Water Means Peace of Mind
Wells require careful management, and choosing the best water filtration system for your particular well can seem tricky. But it doesn’t need to be! If you’re not sure where to start, our team of experts can help you find the right whole-home filtration system for your needs.
Whether you’ve just moved to a rural area and are new to well maintenance, or you’re a long-time well owner worried about the quality of your water, our team at The Science of Water can help. The health and safety of your household are important to us, which is why we offer a complimentary water test with every consultation. Once we have professional insights into the quality of your water, we can work together and determine the best solution for your household.
As a certified seller of Puronics water systems, we’re sure to have an answer to your water filtration needs. If you are interested in requesting your free water test or learning more about our services, contact us today to learn more!