Elements Found in Natural Spring Water

Natural springs are commonly fed by an underground aquifer, which comes to the surface and creates the spring. While underground, the water travels through various geologic formations, and naturally occurring elements can wash into the water. Some of these elements can be harmless and others can be dangerous if ingested over time.

Radium

• Radium is a naturally occurring element that is radioactive. While there is little immediate health risk to ingesting radium through drinking water, it can lead to an increased risk of cancer if ingested over several years or decades. The Environmental Protection Agency has placed limits on how much radium is allowed in drinking water and municipalities must filter out the radium before it can be consumed by the public. Radium has no odor or taste associated with it.

Iron

• Iron is an element that is beneficial to humans as it helps transport oxygen in blood. Water with higher concentrations of iron will have a metallic taste and possibly a reddish tinge. If the water is allowed to evaporate, there will be sediment rust on the bathtub or sink. Iron in water creates rust and can discolor clothing if used in washing machines as well as bath tubs and faucets.

Calcium and Magnesium

• Calcium and magnesium are relatively harmless in drinking water, but these dissolved elements can make the water "hard." Hard water can be difficult to use for cleaning because the soaps and detergents will bond with the dissolved metals creating a "soap curd," according to the University of Nebraska. It will also create a layer of film on your skin. There are no negative health effects associated with drinking water with calcium and magnesium; they are actually beneficial to the body.