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Testing Well Water

There are many different tests available to well owners. Certain tests will be more important for some than others due to the variety of substances present in different regions. These regional factors can be natural or be the result of that areas specific human activity. Many county health departments offer water testing, but you should consider using an accredited private testing laboratory to ensure the best results.

Once your water has been tested, the next step is to compare the levels on contaminants with the EPA and state regulations on drinking water to see if your water exceeds any recommended levels. If you have identified existing problems, it is still possible to use the well water, but you must look into treatment options.

Outlined in this section are some of the more common tests available to well owners. Most tests should be performed annually or even more often if repairs have been conducted.

Testing Results

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Arsenic Testing

Arsenic Testing Most arsenic in wells originates from wither natural deposits or industrial or agricultural pollution. According to a study done by the National Academy of Sciences, high levels of arsenic in drinking water can cause bladder, lung and skin cancer. It also has adverse effects on the nervous system and the heart. Some studies show consumers developing malignant tumors on the skin and lungs and adverse effects to the nervous system. It is important to test private wells if arsenic has a known presence in the region since there may be no indication that it is in the water.

BTEX and MTBE Testing

BTEX and MTBE Testing BTEX and MTBE are chemicals that contaminate water by leaching out of underground gas storage tanks. They have been associated with cancer, leukemia and irritation to the respiratory system. If there is a gas station within a quarter of a mile, BTEX and MTBE analysis should be performed. Experts suggest that this test should also be conducted annually if gasoline leaks are a problem in the area.

Hard Water Testing

Hard Water Testing Hardness is usually a result of dissolved calcium and magnesium in the water. These minerals can often shorten the lifespan often appliances such as washing machines, water heaters, and dish washers and lead to deposits on certain surfaces. It also reduces the effectiveness of cleansers and soaps.

Hydrogen Sulfide Testing

Hydrogen Sulfide Testing Decomposing organic matter underground can cause hydrogen sulfide to leak into well systems. It usually presents with a rotten egg odor and sulfur taste in the water. Hydrogen sulfide is corrosive to metals such as iron, steel, copper and brass. It is typically not harmful unless present in extremely high quantities.

Iron Bacteria Testing

Iron Bacteria Testing Iron bacteria are small nuisance organisms that create rust deposits that cause red stains and often produce musty tastes and smells. They typically live in shallow soils and can be introduced into wells during installations and repairs.

Manganese Testing

Manganese Testing Manganese can cause brownish-red staining in fixtures or laundry. It is usually present in most drinking water and health concerns only arise with extremely high concentrations. Most signs of manganese will appear before the levels rise to a harmful level.

Nitrates and Nitrites Testing

Nitrates and Nitrites Testing Nitrates and nitrites are found in many fertilizers used on plants and vegetables. Thus, contamination of drinking water with nitrates and nitrites can be the result of fertilizers, animal wastes, septic tanks, municipal sewage treatment systems and decaying plant matter. Nitrates and nitrites affect wells differently depending on the type of soil and bedrock present, and the depth and construction of the well. The effects of nitrates and nitrites can be especially severe in infants leading to "blue baby syndrome" or a loss of oxygen in the blood. They can also be particularly harmful to the elderly and immunocompromised. Private wells should be tested for each year for nitrates and nitrites due to the serious health risks and large impact of agricultural industries.

Pesticide Testing

Pesticide Testing Pesticides often wash away from the application site and seep into surface and ground water or are misused making them more dangerous. Most pesticides can be toxic to humans at high levels. If you live near an area where pesticides are commonly used (a golf course, an orchard or an agricultural area) you may want to have your water tested for pesticide contamination.

pH Level Testing

pH Level Testing It is best for the pH of drinking water to be balanced around a pH of 7. Water with a low pH is acidic and thus corrosive to metals. It may leach copper and lead from residential plumbing. A higher pH level can be an indication of hardness which causes problems of build-up and wear and tear on appliances.

Radon Testing

Radon Testing Certain areas are also at a higher risk of radon contamination of wells. Once radon becomes concentrated in the well and then in the home, it can escape the water and enter the air. If the home air is not well ventilated the radon can grow to dangerous levels. Both drinking radon and inhaling it has been proven to lead to lung cancer. Radon usually enters the water as a byproduct of uranium decay. It is recommended that private wells get radon analysis since radon cannot be detected unless tested.

Total Coliform Testing

Total Coliform Testing - Coming Soon

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