The Importance of Providing a Regular Water Test

If you are a homeowner with a private water well, testing your water periodically for quality and contamination is important. There are many potential contaminants that can enter into well water that can pose a threat to humans, animals, and plants alike, and a simple water test can let you know if any of these contaminants are present in your water. While many homeowners believe that contaminants would be easily detectable by sight, odor, or taste, the truth is that many carcinogens and toxins are not detectable outside of laboratory tests.

How Does Well Water Get Contaminated?

The first thing we should look at when explaining the importance of water testing is how well water can get contaminated in the first place. In some cases, this happens simply from contaminants that get into the water supply from nearby soil and rocks. Uranium, arsenic, radon, and many types of bacteria can enter into the water supply in this way. It is also possible for contaminants in the air or on the ground to get into the water supply as they are filtered into the ground via rainwater and melting snow.

In today’s world, human pollution is another primary cause of well water contamination. Industrial and commercial waste, salt from roadways, garden fertilizers, household chemicals, and many other things that result from human activity and industry frequently make their way into groundwater supplies and eventually into well water. Because of this, it is recommended that you test the water in your well frequently. This can help you not only learn what contaminants are found in your water, but in what quantities, so that you can learn the best course of action to keep you, your family, and your pets safe from the hazards of contaminated water.

What Types of Tests Should I Get?

When it comes to how you want to test on water in your well, there are a few different tests you may wish to consider. One is a standard analysis, which will check for the most commonly found contaminants, such as lead, arsenic, and bacteria. In states where naturally radioactive elements are common or where nuclear power provides electricity, radiological analysis is often recommended to test for radon gas, uranium, and other radiological substances. Last, you may wish to consider allowing experts to test water in your well for VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, which often come from machinery and industry but can be found in remote areas.

Is a Test for Water Contamination Really Necessary?

While not all states require water quality testing, it is certainly critical that you perform such tests. Contamination of well water may not have immediate effects, but many contaminants can lead to cancer and a wide range of other potentially life threatening side effects and conditions. Testing your water quality can be fairly inexpensive, and it is always worth the cost to help ensure that your family is drinking safe, clean water. If you have not had a water test in a number of years, it is recommended that you order one today.