Having your own private water source is a great thing, but with that comes the responsibility to make sure the water coming out of it is clean and drinkable. In order to maintain the quality of water that you and your family are consuming, it is important to understand how your well water can become contaminated, whether it be from natural or man-made contaminants.
Potential Contamination Issues
Some of the ways a well can become contaminated include:
- A well that was dug, then lined with poorly sealed brick, stone, or tile
- An inadequately sealed casing that goes through a bedrock formation which can allow contaminated water to infiltrate the aquifer
- If your well casing does not extend high enough out of the ground, surface water runoff can enter the top of the well
- Corrosion can accelerate the deterioration of older well casings and allow contaminated water to seep into the well through holes or cracks
- If your well casing is not deep enough, water near the surface of the ground can find its way in
- If the well cap is improperly installed, insects and small animals can enter the well
- A source of contamination such as a septic system is too close to the well, and the casing does not extend deep enough to ensure bacteria has been filtered out
Though many of the bacteria that live in wells are harmless to humans, the U.S. Geological Survey found that over 20% of private wells contain at least one contaminant at levels of potential health concern.
If you suspect that there are issues with your well, it is always best to consult with a professional.
At Domer’s, we’re proud to be a fourth generation water well drilling business, and we cater to both commercial and residential needs. We can help rehabilitate your well and ensure that your water stays contaminant-free in the future. For any questions about our well services, give us a call today at 863-763-3417.