If you own a well or other private water system, you should schedule annual inspections for contamination. Many pollutants may affect groundwater, and can only be removed with specific treatment. Long-term exposure can cause health issues. Use this guide to find out what contaminants a yearly inspection will protect you from. 

3 Elements That Typically Cause Well Contamination

1. Nitrates 

Because plants require nitrates to grow, these chemicals are found in fertilizers. They’re also present in animal waste. They are absorbed by groundwater, and heavy rains or earth movement can deposit them into your well.

Once nitrates are in your water system, they can only be removed with water treatment. Young children who ingest nitrates can get methemoglobinemia, or “baby blue syndrome.” In adults, long-term exposure may result in serious gastrointestinal problems.  

2. Bacteria 

The presence of fecal coliform and E. coli in your well can mean that other harmful bacteria are in your water system. These can penetrate your water well from pasture or septic runoff, or due to an improperly sealed Well Head.

Symptoms of drinking contaminated water include diarrhea, nausea, and headaches. 

3. Radionuclides 

Radionuclides are radioactive elements that contaminate groundwater, and can leech into your water system. Certain radionuclides occur in small doses naturally in the soil, but the increase in nuclear power plants and mining has added more of them to the environment.

Uranium, radium, and radon are common examples of radionuclides. When exposed to these contaminants for a prolonged period, you can experience an increased risk of cancer and kidney damage. 

Luckily, regular water testing and treatment will prevent these issues. Keep your water system clean with the help of Fogle Pump & Supply in Airway Heights, Deer Park, Colville, and Republic WA.. These water well specialists will find the right pump for your well, drill a new well,, or provide continued maintenance and inspections. Look to them for the latest in high-quality water filtration systems. Go online to learn more about their water treatment services, or call 800-533-6518 to request a free water test to check for certain contaminants. Other contaminants like Nitrates, Lead, Urainium and Arsinic can all be tested for a fee at a State certified Lab.