Wells can provide an affordable, safe, and reliable source of drinking water. However, just like water from municipal supplies, they can become contaminated. There are a few types of contaminants that can occur in well water, including physical, biological, radiological, and chemical pollutants. Of the latter, pesticides are some of the most common. Here’s what you should know about these chemicals and how to address them with the help of a water well services professional. 

What Water Well Owners Should Know About Pesticides

Understanding Pesticides

Pesticides are chemicals used in gardening, landscaping, and farming. There are several categories. Fungicides are a type of pesticide used to prevent mold and mildew, while herbicides reduce weed growth. Nematicides are used to minimize worm populations, and insecticides are used to combat termites and beetles. These chemicals can contain oxygen, sulfur, chlorine, nitrogen, phosphorous, and bromine as well as heavy metals like arsenic, lead, sulfites, copper, and mercury. 

Effects

Pesticides can be flushed away by rainfall and wind and seep into the groundwater to contaminate it, making it unsafe to drink. The impact of these chemicals depends on the type and degree of pollution.

Exposure can affect various parts of the body, including the nervous system, eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, gastrointestinal system, kidneys, liver, and blood. Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, and digestive issues. In the most severe cases, people may experience heart attacks or convulsions.

How to Avoid Them

If you use pesticides on your property, avoid spraying right before rain or before putting on your sprinklers or irrigation system. Ensure you’re using the exact amount of pesticides necessary and not more. Also, mix, pour, and store your chemicals safely and avoid applying them directly to the ground, as this can increase the risk of contamination.

If you’re concerned you may have a contamination problem, stop using the water and call a well services professional immediately. Have your water tested at least once a year as well, regardless of whether you suspect contamination or not. If the test is positive for pesticides, treatment options such as reverse osmosis or granulated activated carbon treatment can resolve the issue. 

If you’re a Thomas or Grady County, GA, resident in need of water well services, turn to Gainous Well Drilling. Based in Cairo, the skilled drilling contractors at this local family-owned and -operated company have a combined total of more than 50 years of experience in well drilling, installation, and maintenance. Call (229) 377-7883 to speak with a friendly staff member to schedule water well services or visit the website to learn more about their offerings.