Nearly 50 million people rely on private wells as their main source of drinking water. Unlike public water sources, there are not any mandatory tests required to check for contaminants. However, the EPA’s National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations (NSDWRs) provide well owners with water testing standards they can perform to check for the common contaminants listed here and others that could make your household sick. 

Which Contaminants Are Found With Well Water Testing?

1. E. coli

Escherichia coli is a large and diverse group of bacteria found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Although many strains are harmless, others can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, respiratory illness, and pneumonia. 

One particular strain, known as O157:H7, lives in the waste of contaminated people and animals. Runoff, flooding, and sewage overflows can cause the waste to end up in private water wells. Water testing for this and other E. coli strains is recommended if you live on or near cattle farms. 

2. Giardia

Giardia is a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines of infected people and animals. When the parasite passes out of the infected body in feces, it can live on surfaces and in water from weeks to months. People infected with the parasite can develop diarrhea, gas, stomach or abdominal cramps, upset stomach, nausea, and dehydration. Anyone that relies on a water well should regularly test and treat the water to protect against it. 

3. Radon

Radon is an inert, colorless, and odorless radioactive gas that comes from the natural breakdown of uranium in the ground. Since water wells tend to span ten to hundreds of feet beneath the ground, they are susceptible to radon accumulation. It then enters the home, where the majority of it is dissolved into the air and can be breathed in. When this happens, it can damage the lung tissue and potentially lead to lung cancer. 

Any remaining radon consumed in the drinking water can potentially lead to internal organ complications. The EPA recommends anyone that relies on a private well to regularly have water testing performed by a state laboratory certification office. 

Ensure your family has safe drinking water by having the team at Hartmann Well Drilling & Service LLP test your private well for contaminants at least once a year. Since 1932, this family-owned company has provided water well drilling services to New Prague, MN. They test for harmful bacteria, nitrates, lead, arsenic, and other known pollutants. Call them today at (308) 758-2202 to schedule testing today, and visit their website to learn more about their other well services.