Water is a vital element in each of our lives. Not only is it essential to our health, but we also use it for numerous household tasks. Every day we use water for cooking, bathing, and cleaning, and drinking; but how often do we think about its source?
Where does our water come from? How is it treated? How do we know it is safe to drink? To answer these questions, it's important to go back to the basics. There are two main sources of water: surface water and groundwater. Surface Water is found in lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Groundwater lies under the surface of the land, where it travels through and fills openings in the rocks. The rocks that store and transmit groundwater are called aquifers. Groundwater must be pumped from an aquifer to the earth's surface for use.
Consumers receive their water from one of two sources: a private well, or a community water system. A household well pumps groundwater for household use. The source of a community water system may be either surface water or groundwater.
Private Household Wells
Approximately 15 percent of the U.S. population relies on individually owned and operated sources of drinking water, such as wells, cisterns, and springs. The majority of household wells are found in rural areas.
Those who receive their water from a private well are solely responsible for the safety of the water. Private wells are not subject to federal regulations, and are generally regulated on a very limited basis by states. Local health departments may assist well owners with periodic testing for bacteria or nitrates, but the bulk of the responsibility for caring for the well falls on the well owner.
Since the well owner is primarily responsible for the water, it is important to know what poses a threat to the well and the groundwater which is its source. A variety of sources can cause well water to become contaminated.
Several contaminants occur in nature that may present a health risk if they are found in drinking water. They include bacteria, viruses, uranium, radium, nitrate, arsenic, chromium and fluoride. Many of these contaminants are naturally present in rock formations, and consequently end up in the water supply.
Other sources of contamination are a result of human activity such as manufacturing or agriculture, or individual misuse. The following activities may cause harmful chemicals to enter the well water owner's water supply.