Something we hear from people who don’t know a lot about private well systems are concerns that wells aren’t safe. Old stories of children trapped in uncovered wells come to mind. Additionally, talk about contamination is commonplace from people with city water supplies. However, is this accurate? Is well water more dangerous than city tap water? Thankfully, water from wells is very safe. The images of falling into a well are absolute impossibilities with modern well design. At worst, you might trip over it if you happen to be wandering around blindfolded at night, but there are some things to keep in mind so you can safely enjoy your well and protect the environment.
Wells Need Testing
Well water comes from the ground, so owners need to test the water annually. Well water, when properly filtered, is usually safer and cleaner than city tap water. However, well spoilage does occur and needs to be fixed if and when it happens. The chemical composition of the water can also change if someone introduces contamination to the aquifer. Elements like arsenic, radon, and even uranium are in the soil at different levels around the country. These elements dissolve in groundwater as it moves through the rock. So, for biological and chemical reasons, it’s important to keep a close eye on the quality of your water.
Well Water Can Cause Stains
This is especially true of older wells and old plumbing. If your well is older, there’s a chance you’ll notice water stains on the fixtures, sinks, tubs, and so on. While some of this may be lime and can be removed fairly easily, many stains in older systems are caused by high iron content.
While iron itself is not an issue in the water, it can change the taste and look of your water, as well as stain anything that touches your water – including laundry. These stains can be a special challenge, and if the problem isn’t treated at the source, it can come back time and again. Calcium and magnesium are also present in most groundwater, which will make the water hard without a filtration system and water softener.
Wells are Safe If You Have Information
When properly maintained and monitored, water wells are not dangerous. Modern wells are smaller, relatively closed systems compared to the hand-dug wells of the past, often with only a single point of entry at the water table via the well’s pump. While this water is some of the cleanest on earth, it must still be filtered and softened to make sure your appliances and well equipment can continue to operate for as long as possible. There is no danger of playing children falling down a modern well. However, if you decide at any point to abandon your well it must be done properly, or contaminants could enter the water table from the well. This process, like all processes involving repairing or maintaining your well, should be done with professional guidance.
Are wells safe? In this day and age, yes. By working with the best in the industry, you can be assured that your well is safe.
