How Safe Is Well Water?

Many Americans use water from their own private wells, which aren't regulated by any public organizations. Because of this, private-water supplies aren't examined and can bring some unhealthful side effects to the table, depending on different factors.

If you and your family drink water from a private well, there are a few things you can do to ensure your water is safe to consume.

Some Background Information

• Public-water systems are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, but private-water systems cannot be managed by this organization.

  Though private wells may be subject to certain rules set forward by local government institutions, these systems are obviously not ruled as much as public systems. Private well water is not governed by EPA regulations. Because of this, private wells might be of low quality or contaminated.

  According to EPA, around 15 percent of Americans rely on their own private supplies.

Health Risks

• Water can be contaminated by different pollutants, some natural. Here are some contaminants and problems they can cause, according to EPA.

  Microorganisms, like bacteria or viruses, can be picked up by runoff and can make you ill.

  Radioactive elements can be found in rock and ground water. Radon, a gas released as uranium breaks down, can be dangerous when consumed. Other natural elements can also contaminate water supplies.

  While fluoride is sometimes added to water for dental health, it also occurs naturally and too much can damage bone tissue and discolor teeth.

  Pollution from septic tanks, farm wastes, landfills and garbage dumps can add bacteria and nitrates to your water supply, which can be very dangerous to infants, the elderly and those with weak immune systems.

  Fertilizers and pesticides can leak into ground water.

  The improper disposal of common products like cleaning solvents, paints, motor oil and detergents can harm drinking water.

Factors

• How close your well is to pollutants is the major factor. According to EPA, septic systems, silos, and livestock should be kept at least 50 feet away. Storages for petroleum, manure and fertilizer should be kept 100 feet away, and manure stacks 250 feet away.

  Other factors deal with geography, like how fast or often precipitation can carry pollutants through the soil to your ground water.

How to Prevent Contamination

• Take action to keep harmful chemicals away from your well. Make sure that runoff flows down and away from the well and not toward it. Run regular tests on your water to keep an eye out for dangerous pollutants. Also, investigate the well for cracks or damage.

How to Fix It

• Private wells are their owner's responsibility, so you should take the steps to ensure that it doesn't become polluted. However, if your well is contaminated, the best course of action is probably to find and eliminate the source of the pollutant and contact your government's local-health department.