In industrial society, well water testing can mean the difference between healthy living and dangerous ingestion of toxic pollutants. Toxins can contaminate our well water from soil, as airborne particulates, or through runoff from agriculture and industry. In order to safeguard the health of our families well water testing is an essential preventative in our battle against environmental pollution that can cause serious disease.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology, surface water used for drinking or connected to shallow wells easily becomes contaminated by chemical pollutants. Groundwater is filtered but may contain pathogens. Arsenic and fluoride can enter the groundwater from eroded soil and rock layers. Hazardous industrial waste sites can contribute dangerous toxins that enter our drinking water supply. The Environmental Working Group reports that Chromium 6, a carcinogen of Erin Brockovich fame has been discovered by tap water testing in 31 U.S. cities. The highest levels were detected in Norman, Okla.; Honolulu, Hawaii; and Riverside, Calif.
Private Wells
There are approximately 400,000 private wells in Connecticut that serve approximately 15% of the state’s population of 3,510,300 persons. About 526,545 people are served by their own domestic drinking water source. Because private residential wells are not currently regulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency, well owners are responsible for the quality of their drinking water. Local Health Departments have jurisdiction over these wells. There are recommended tests for CT well owners.
Connecticut Recommended Testing
Well water testing should be performed annually. If no problems crop up in a 5 year period, you can continue testing at least once every 5 years. This test also indicates general water quality and shows if further tests must be made. In addition, whenever a new well is constructed a water test should be performed. Lead testing is essential when young children live in a home. Lead can leach from plumbing pipes and faucets in homes constructed prior to 1930. Lead solder was used up until 1988. Brass contains minute amounts of lead and is commonly used as a design finish in bathroom fixtures. When PH indicators are under 6.4, a sign of corrosive water, 3-5 year testing is advised. Lead testing must continue during pregnancy and while any child is under 6 years old. Arsenic, Uranium, Radon are typically tested prior to purchasing a home, then at least once every 5 years. These are naturally occurring chemical elements found in CT groundwater. Volatile Organic Compounds such as gasoline should be tested for at least once and repeatedly every 5 years if a child lives in the home. Fluoride should be tested for every 5 years if a child under 12 is present. Fluoride levels need to fall within a certain range. Excess fluoride leads to tooth discoloration. Too little leads to tooth decay.
Recommended Well Awareness Issues
- Review CT Guidelines regarding wells and well water testing.
- Next time you visit your doctor, ask about any well water issues that might impact your health.
- Keep posted on information from your local Health Department regarding well water problems in your area.
- Well water problems are often posted in the media so keep alert and take action when appropriate.
- Testing your well is your responsibility.
Most of us no doubt regularly maintain our homes and vehicles. We maintain our health by visiting our physicians when needed. Maintaining our wells is of equal or even greater importance because contaminated water can bring illness to our household while clean water will sustain our health.