3 Possible Problems With Drinking Wells
Many people love the convenience of drinking wells. You don't have to pay the city for your water, and you don't have to worry about how the city treats its water. However, when you have a well, you need to do a little extra work to make sure your water is healthy and your well is in good condition. If you would like to know more, check out these three possible problems with drinking wells.
1. Microbiological Contaminants
Microbiological contaminants include any bacteria, viruses, and parasites that may invade your well water. These critters are common and found just about everywhere, but when they get into your drinking water, they can lead to illness, such as E. coli or leptospirosis.
These microbiological invaders can get in your well water in multiple ways. First, rainwater and snow can drain them into your drinking well. However, if you have a septic tank, damage to the tank could cause waste to leak into the well, especially if there is also damage to the well's walls.
2. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals include arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, and others. They can get into your well water the same way microbiological contaminants can: being brought in by rain or floodwaters. The groundwater the drinking well uses may also contain a lot of heavy metals. Last, if you have an older plumbing system, especially one that uses copper and lead, your well water may get doused with heavy metals as it makes its way to your faucets.
Small amounts of heavy metals are not too harmful, but if you consume an excess amount, it can affect your kidneys and liver. In some cases, it can even increase your risk of cancer.
3. Radionuclides
Radionuclides are radioactive elements like uranium, and they are commonly found in the ground. They are usually harmless because you are exposed to so little. However, when they build up in your well, they can contaminate your water. Too much exposure can increase your risk of cancer and destroy your kidneys.
In some cases, groundwater may simply contain high levels of radionuclides, but this type of contamination usually comes from uranium mining, coal mining, milling, and nuclear plants.
If you use a drinking well, you need to monitor the quality of your water. Well inspections can help identify any structural damage, but inspectors can also test for possible contaminants in your water and make necessary adjustments. If you would like to know more, contact a well inspection company in your area today.
