Most people do not realize how difficult it is to maintain a safe water supply in the United States so we wanted to point out Bacteria In Well Water Causes & How To Treat them. However, keeping our water system safe is important in maintaining the health of our communities.
The biggest risks are contamination, including hazardous bacteria.
Bacteria in Well Water Causes Health Problems and More
Bacteria are everywhere, and most do not pose any health risks. However, there is a small number that is hazardous, and suggest the presence of other contaminants that are in fact dangerous.
Of the bacteria that can be found in well water, the ones that are most concerning are coliforms, specifically E. Coli. These bacteria can cause gastrointestinal issues, some of which can be serious. This is why it is so important to keep drinking water clean from microorganisms like bacteria.
Bacteria is not the only water quality issue to affect source water safety. Of additional concern are other contaminants like viruses, parasites, heavy metals, volatile organic compounds and more.
What Causes Bacterial Contamination
Many bacteria you find in well water is not naturally found in the well. When they are present, it is a signal other things are going on.
Iron bacteria, for instance, are tiny organisms found in soil, shallow water, and surface waters. That means when you have a properly dug well, at least 10 ft deep, there should not be any of these bacteria in the water. While these bacteria are not known to cause anything harmful, they can create an environment conducive to harmful bacteria.
Cloriforms likewise do not naturally occur in well water. The presence of these specific bacteria indicates a breakdown in the system that might allow hazardous contaminants into the water. E.coli does typically comes from fecal contamination, both human and animal. Fortunately, septic systems water is safe short term water treatment for human contamination.
A properly dug and maintained well should not have an issue with these contaminants. Over time cracks in the pipes, the well casing, the well cap, the seals and more. These breaches in the integrity of your well allow contaminants from runoff, livestock and more.
Bacterial Testing for Wells
It is best to conduct water tests once a year to check for various contaminants, including bacteria. Experts recommend annual testing because the components age and as they do so can begin to leach contaminants.
Most bacteria testing will look for total coliform. If the tests are positive, further testing should be done to ensure the well is not contaminated with dangerous bacteria like E. Coli. There are many options for conducting the tests on your well, including through the health department, DIY kits, and testing services. Whatever way you choose to conduct your test, you want to be sure you have someone to interpret the testing results.
Options for Removing Bacteria
Due to the risks of bacteria in well water causes, you want to develop a plan to remediate the problem quickly. The most commonly used methods for disinfecting wells are chlorine solutions. This could be continuous chlorination as well as shock chlorination. Other options UV, ozonation, boiling, and pasteurization.
To ensure the safety of your family, it is best to contact a licensed well contractor or certified water specialist. These professionals are trained on how to match test results with the right amount of chlorine.
What have you experienced that makes you concerned you may have bacteria in your well water? If you would like you well water quality checked, Schedule an appointment us today