When your home’s main water source is a well, it is a good idea to get the water tested on a regular basis. There are plenty of reasons to get this type of testing done by professionals. While those who use a city or municipal source of water do not have to worry about this, those who rely on wells should definitely look into it. The importance of water testing should not be overlooked: routine water well testing can keep you and your family safe from serious health problems.
Why is water testing so important?
The most basic reason for water testing is to make sure your home’s water is safe for consumption. Your well is not monitored by any state or federal agency, so it falls on you to make sure the water in there is safe to use and drink. Water testing can show you if there is an abundance of contaminants in your well. For example, if you live in an area with a great deal of agriculture, you will want to make sure you get your water tested because nitrates and pesticides can easily get into the soil and contaminate nearby wells.
Who should test my water, and how often should I get it done?
You should call on a company like Haferman Water Conditioning to get your water tested and to learn even more about the importance of water testing. Your well should be tested on a yearly basis or if:
- You notice a change in your water quality, like in smell or taste.
- People in your home are suffering from an illness that might have originated in your water.
- Your area experiences a large flood or storm that might have affected the water quality.
- You recently had some type of maintenance or repair work done on your well.
- There is a pregnant woman or an infant under the age of six months living in your home.
What are some examples of contaminants that might be found in my water?
You can get two types of testing done: bacteriological and chemical. Bacteriological will test coliforms and E. coli. Chemical testing will look for fluoride, arsenic, nitrates and copper. You should get bacteriological done frequently until a good sample history has been found. Chemical should be done at least once a year.
