Although a private well is an effective solution when you don't have access to a municipal supply, homeowners are in charge of maintenance. Part of this means scheduling annual testing to ensure the groundwater is safe for consumption. Children are particularly vulnerable to certain contaminants, so well water treatment systems are essential if a test detects there’s one of these materials in your family’s water.

What Well Contaminants Are Harmful During Development?

1. Lead

In children, particularly those younger than six, this heavy metal can result in behavioral problems, learning difficulties, and hearing loss. It can also lead to brain, kidney, and nerve damage in people of any age.

Lead may be present in old or corroded pipes. Any amount is harmful, so if it shows up in your water test results, professionals recommend you install a well water treatment system.

2. Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring metal found in the Earth, so it can leach into groundwater from surrounding bedrock. Children who consume elevated levels of this metal may develop poor motor skills, memory problems, and attention deficit.

Manganese contained in food, such as leafy greens, nuts, and grains, is healthy. However, the Environmental Protection Agency recommends treatment for water with levels above 300 parts per billion (ppb).

3. Nitrate

Nitrate is a salty compound derived from nitric acid. It occurs naturally both in nature and the body, and food manufacturers use it to cure and preserve products. At high concentrations, it can prevent the blood from transporting oxygen, leading to methemoglobinemia, or blue baby syndrome, in infants.

The U.S. government permits up to 10 parts per million (ppm) in drinking water, although environmental groups recommend installing treatment systems if levels are half of that.

To purify your home’s water, contact Fogle Pump & Supply in Airway Heights, Colville, Deer Park and Republic WA. They have offered free water testing in Eastern washington for more than 38 years. If there are contaminants in your supply, they install a range of well water treatment systems, including reverse osmosis and sand filters. Learn more about your treatment options on their website, or call 800-533-6518 for free water testing.