We live in the country outside Oklahoma City, and there are farms and a truck stop nearby where we live. We just moved here and have two kids and my wife wants to get the well water checked. What do you recommend we test for?
-Jim
Oklahoma
Jim,
We recommend the WaterCheck by National Testing labs. It is a professional EPA-certified laboratory results that is a fraction of the cost of regular laboratory testing. This is a comprehensive test that will test for a range of chemicals and metals including; bacteria, metals, other inorganics, volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides, PCB's, and more (Click here for full list).
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| WaterCheck w/ Pesticide Option |
This brief article gives
information about several common contaminants found in private wells. It should
help you decide what to test for, when to sample your well, and how often.
Why Should I Test My Well?
Municipal city water systems are
required to test their water supplies regularly to ensure the water is safe to drink.
However here is no requirement to test a private well except for bacteria when
it is first drilled or the pump is changed. The fact is, you are responsible
for making sure your water is safe.
Most private wells provide a
clean, safe supply of water; however, contaminants can pollute private wells,
and unfortunately you cannot see, smell or taste most of them. Consequently,
you should test your well water on a regular basis. The decision on what to
test your water for should be based on the types of land uses near your well.
What Tests Should Be Done?
A general mineral analysis which
includes nitrate plus coliform bacteria is a good place to start. If you
live near gas stations, industry, agricultural areas or a major highway you
would also want to test for organic compounds, heavy metals, pesticides and
herbicides as well.
General Minerals
A general mineral test will
include calcium, magnesium, chloride, nitrate, potassium and sodium along with
metals such as iron and manganese. If you are experiencing stains or sediment,
a general mineral analysis will tell you what is causing the problem. If
the water has a funny taste or odor a general mineral analysis with bacteria
will usually tell you what is causing the problem.These tests show if the water
will be corrosive to pipes, or form mineral scale in your pipes, and the levels
of minerals and salts. If you are having problems with color in the water or
brown staining additional tests for tannins is recommended.
Coliform Bacteria
Coliform bacteria live in soil,
on vegetation and in surface water. Coliform bacteria found in the intestines
of warm-blooded animals and their feces are called E.coli. Some strains of
coliform bacteria can survive for long periods in soil and water and can be
carried into well casings by insects. Coliform bacteria are the most common
contaminants found in private water systems. Private wells should be tested at
least once a year for bacteria. However, bacteria are only one of many possible
contaminants.
Lead and Copper
Testing for lead and copper
should be done on “first draw” water that has been stagnant in the distribution
pipes for at least six hours. If lead and copper levels are high due to
plumbing, they can usually be reduced to acceptable levels by flushing the
faucet for a minute or two before
collecting water for drinking.
Nitrate
Nitrate forms when nitrogen from
fertilizers, animal wastes, septic systems, municipal sewage sludge, decaying
plants and other sources combines with oxygenated water. In infants under six
months of age, nitrate exposure can cause a serious condition called
methemoglobinemia or “blue-baby syndrome.” Infants with this condition need
immediate medical care because it can lead to coma and death. Test for
nitrate if a pregnant woman or infant will be drinking
the water. Everyone should have their water tested for nitrate at least once.
If you live in an area within ¼ mile of a corn, soybean or vegetable field, you
should test your water for nitrate regularly. Well owners should also test for nitrate regularly if
their well is located near an area where fertilizers are manufactured or
handled; or an animal feed lot or manure-storage area.
Solvents, Gas and Oil
Household and industrial
solvents, gasoline and fuel oil are examples of volatile organic chemicals or
VOCs. Some VOCs are relatively non-toxic, while others can cause cancer, birth
defects and reproductive problems. Fuel oil and gasoline can enter groundwater
as a result of a leaking storage
tank or spill. Wells that are located within ¼ mile of an active or abandoned
gasoline station, home or farm fuel tank or bulk storage tank have about a 25%
chance of being contaminated and should be tested at least once for pVOCs (VOCs from petroleum products).
Paint thinners, dry cleaning
chemicals and industrial solvents can enter groundwater
from spills, improper disposal, leaking storage tanks and landfills. Wells that
are located within ¼ mile of a landfill, dry cleaner, auto repair shop or
industrial site where solvents have been used should be tested for VOCs. Because solvents, gasoline and
fuel oil are common in our environment, all owners of private wells should
consider having their water tested for VOCs at least once.
Pesticides and Herbicides
Pesticides are chemicals used to
control weeds and insects. Some of these have entered groundwater as a
result of their use on farm fields. Others have been found in groundwater
following spills and improper disposal. Long-term use of drinking water that
contains pesticide residues may increase your risk of developing cancer or
other serious health problems.
If your well is located within a
short proximity to a corn, soybean or vegetable field, you should test your
well water for pesticides. You should also consider a pesticide test if your
well is within less than a mile where pesticides are manufactured or used. Well
owners who are uncertain about the use of pesticides in their area may also
want to consider having their water tested at least once.
We hope this information helps you solve your
problems, if you have any further questions, or would like to update us
on the progress of your testing process - we love pictures and
testimonials! - you can reach us at support@cleanwaterstore.com or on Facebook. Thanks for the letter!
