Water contamination can occur from agricultural runoff, chemicals, flooding, animal waste, and more. Though some dirty water may be unsafe, many common contaminants can sneak in without changing the color, odor, or taste. The danger of unknowingly drinking this contaminated water is why maintaining and testing your residential water well is so crucial.

The Risks of a Contaminated Residential Water Well

1. Gastrointestinal Illness

Contaminated water may carry water-borne disease, which gets into the body when consumed. The top ten water-borne illnesses in the United States are giardia, legionella, norovirus, shigella, campylobacter, copper, salmonella, hepatitis A, cryptosporidium, and E.coli. These diseases can cause gastrointestinal illness along with other symptoms, and in some cases, may cause death. They are especially dangerous for those with a weak immune system, such as seniors and infants.

2. Reproductive Problems

Drinking contaminated water for long periods has been connected to reproductive problems such as infertility. Contaminants such as Kepone, for example, disrupt the control mechanisms of estrogenic activity in women. Genetic toxicants may cause irreversible damage to the gene pool, which affects both men and women, and is particularly dangerous when consumed for multiple generations.

3. Cancer

Prolonged exposure to dirty water has been determined as a significant cancer risk. Common contaminants that have been associated with cancer include arsenic and fertilizer byproducts such as nitrate. High levels of arsenic, for example, have been discovered to be a of cause bladder cancer. High nitrate levels can cause cancer in the stomach, esophagus, bladder, brain, rectum, colon, kidney, and pancreas.

A reputable water well service will keep your drinking water – and family – safe with a pure supply. John D Hughes Wells & Pumps offers a complete range of services for your residential water well in Enterprise, AL, and throughout Coffee County. They have more than 60 years of experience with water well drilling, pump service, and testing. They use state-of-the-art equipment and knowledgeable technicians for reliable services at affordable rates. See what they offer online and call (334) 347-9757 to schedule an appointment.