Well Water Treatment

In our largely urban society, drawing water from a well probably seems like a quaint idea from simpler times. But in reality, about 15 percent of Americans depend on private wells as their primary source for drinking water. These private water sources, which by definition each serve less than 25 people a day, are generally not subject to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations. And in most local jurisdictions, oversight ends after wells are initially installed. Therefore, continued vigilance and treatment of problems must be provided by informed individuals who use private wells on a daily basis.

Groundwater Contaminants

• Private wells draw from groundwater, the product of rain that has filtered down through loose soils and come to rest on harder layers of underlying rock. On its journey to this rocky layer, groundwater can absorb any soluble contaminants it encounters along the way. Possible contaminants include pesticides, chemical fertilizers, landfill seepage, urban runoff, and seepage from breached septic tanks and underground fuel tanks. Problems can also stem from excessive fluoride and biological agents like bacteria.

Testing

• To ensure their continued health and safety, private well owners must have their water tested. Testing programs exist in many U.S. counties, and certified private labs also offer testing services. The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) recommends annual testing for common problems like nitrates/nitrites and coliform bacteria. The EPA also recommends testing at least every three years. Local conditions may indicate the need for additional tests. For instance, wells within a quarter mile of a gas station should be checked annually for gas or gasoline additives. Low water pH may mean leakage from copper or lead pipes. Wells in areas with known arsenic or radon problems should be tested annually for those substances. Problem indicators may also include persistent bad odors (excessive iron bacteria, sulfur or methane) and staining of laundry or laundry equipment (excessive manganese or iron).

Treatment Options and Resources

• Water treatment is necessary if tests point to the presence of dangerous contaminants. Different types of contamination require different treatments, and modern technology has produced a wealth of options. The NSF and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) place water treatment systems into two major categories: point-of-entry systems (which treat water as it enters a residence) and point-of-use systems (which treat individual taps or faucets). Within these general outlines, treatment methods include: filtration, use of water softeners, ultraviolet treatment, reverse osmosis and distillation. Each of these methods is effective, depending on the existing form of contamination.
  Together, the NSF and ANSI test and independently certify a large number of water treatment products. Their extensive database breaks products down by model, model number, manufacturer, plant location, method of treatment and product effectiveness. The NSF also maintains an in-depth online contaminant guide, and provides online copies of its contaminant testing protocols.

A Note About Fluoride

• The EPA is particularly concerned with fluoride contamination in private wells. Heightened levels of fluoride in children 8 years and under can cause enamel fluorosis, which leads to staining and pitting of tooth enamel. When wells present moderately elevated levels of fluoride, parents of young children may want to consider alternate drinking sources, or install filtration devices. At higher concentrations, even families without small children should consider taking preventive action.