Well water is a natural resource directly tapped from underground aquifers. Unlike water from municipal sources, which undergoes very elaborate treatments through the distribution system to the end users, well water is directly drawn from the earth by drilling or digging a well. This natural source collects the water from the ground, hence rich in naturally occurring minerals, but it requires careful handling for safety and reliability.
Types of Wells
The type of well you have can greatly affect the quality and quantity of the water you can access. Here are the three main types of wells:
- Dug Wells: This is the oldest of wells, many of which have been dug by hand. They are typically quite shallow, with a depth of no more than 30 feet, so they are considered quite vulnerable to contamination from surface runoff. They are generally filled with rocks or bricks to prevent a cave-in but are less reliable than other deeper wells.
- Drilled Wells: Advanced technology has created drilled wells that can extend hundreds of feet below ground. A drill rig is used in making drilled wells; it’s used to ensure the water is free of pollution. Because of their depth, they are generally more reliable and are less likely to become contaminated compared with dug wells.
- Driven Wells: These wells are built by driving a small-diameter pipe into water-bearing, sandy, or gravelly ground where the water table is near the ground's surface. Because of this, driven wells are normally shallow and hence more easily contaminated. They do, however, have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to construct compared with drilled wells.
Testing Well Water Quality
Testing the quality of well water is very important for ensuring that it is safe to drink. Unlike municipal water, which is regularly tested and treated, well water can be affected by various contaminants that pose health risks. Regular testing will find the presence of such harmful substances as bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals, so treatment can be promptly carried out.
How to Test
Well water is tested in two main ways: through DIY test kits or professional testing services.
- DIY Testing Kits—Available at local hardware stores and over the internet. They are inexpensive, quick, and can effectively work for popular contaminants. However, these tests will not be as accurate or thorough as a professional test.
- Professional Testing—Assure thorough testing of well water by hiring a professional. Experts use these advanced methods to find a vast array of contaminants to ensure peace of mind and detailed information about water quality.
Common Contaminants and Treatment
Contaminants
Many different types of contaminants have the potential to harm well water, and these can cause various health risks:
- Bacteria: Pathogenic bacteria may cause gastrointestinal illnesses and other infections.
- Nitrates: Nitrates typically are derived from agricultural runoff. They can affect infants and create "blue baby syndrome."
- Heavy Metals: Heavy metals are: Lead, arsenic, and mercury. They all have long-term health effects, especially neuro and developmental problems.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options for contaminated well water:
- Filtration: Removes particulates, sediment, and some contaminants. Filters may either be placed at the entry or point of use.
- Chlorination: Effective in killing harmful bacteria and other such pathogens. It is commonly applied as a shock treatment after contamination takes place.
- UV Treatment: Ultraviolet light destroys living organisms but without chemicals. This treatment is effective when eliminating bacteria, viruses, and protozoa.
Benefits of Well Water
Minerals
One big advantage of well water is that it is full of all-natural minerals. It may be in the form of calcium or magnesium, both of which are highly important to a person's health. They may improve one's immune system, bone strength, and skin health.
Cost Savings
There might be some initial costs for drilling and setting up a well, but in the long run, there are plenty of savings. Well water is free after it has been sourced—meaning you will not be charged any water bill every month. In the long term, this can help save you a lot of money, especially in areas where water prices are often high.
Independence
Since having a well, you're no longer dependent on municipal water supply. This is especially very beneficial in rural areas or periods of droughts when the supply may be cut short. You have your water supply at your command with a well; it is constant and, most importantly, you are self-reliant.
Cons of Well Water
Maintenance
There are some obligations linked to being the owner of a well, one of the most important being its maintenance. To ensure that the well keeps providing clean, safe water, it needs to be inspected and maintained regularly. This includes searching for leaks, ensuring the pump is functioning adequately, and sometimes testing the water quality. All this might be more expensive in maintaining a well over long distances.
Risk of Contamination
Although several benefits come with using well water, it, however, presents a couple of risks. Perhaps the most severe risk of well water is the fear of contamination. Runoff from agriculture, septic systems, natural deposits, and heavy metals from the soil can, over time cause contamination of well water sources. Hedging against these risks consists of regular testing, the right construction of the well, and preventing contamination whenever possible by ensuring potential wells remain far enough away from the source.
Reliability
Another con to well water is reliability in supply. Wells rely on the water table, which has been known to fluctuate seasonally and during times of drought. Mechanical failures such as a broken pump, will also take out the water supply line. A reliable water supply includes planning for these possibilities by using a backup generator for the pump or a deeper well.
In conclusion, this well water may be an excellent resource, providing a user with natural, mineral-rich water that will lead to independence from municipal supplies and long-term savings. However, this too becomes a commitment to regular maintenance and monitoring of its safety and reliability. For everyone thinking about or using well water, it is important to understand the types of wells, the reasons for testing, and the possible hazards and benefits.