What You Need to Know About Well Water Testing

If there’s a well on your property, it’s vitally important that you know how, when and why you need well water testing in Tampa, FL. Florida is lucky enough to boast plentiful groundwater, but there’s always the chance that harmful bacteria, chemicals and other contaminants can seep into the supply. About 20 percent of Florida’s residents get their water from wells, and each year, thousands are sickened by a contaminated water supply. Since the responsibility to test water is on the private landowner, you need to get your well water tested frequently.

What kind of contaminants are common?

In Florida, the most common contaminants include lead, bacteria and nitrates. These can lead to a number of different health problems—and for some vulnerable populations, they may prove fatal.

If you live in an agricultural area, it’s especially important to test for nitrates. Nitrates in drinking water can be fatal to children under three months of age, and can cause “blue baby syndrome” (a type of anemia). Test for nitrates at least once every three to five years, if not more often.

Lead, on the other hand, is usually found in pipes or components, not in the well water itself. It’s particularly problematic for young children, but can harm anyone. Brain, kidney and liver damage are all issues that stem from lead poisoning.

Coliform bacteria, which is bacteria from a mammal’s intestinal tract, can cause diarrhea and other unpleasant symptoms if consumed. Test for coliform bacteria any time you’ve experienced flooding, or if the taste, smell or color of your water has changed recently. If your neighbors’ wells have tested positive for coliform bacteria, that’s a sign you’ll need to test your water as soon as possible.

How to test your well water

The CDC recommends that you test your well water at least once every spring to check its quality, and any time you have reason to believe the quality may have changed. This could be due to increased agricultural activity, negative tests from your neighbors’ wells, flooding and other natural disasters. Because you rely on your well for clean drinking and bathing water, it’s crucial that you test regularly.

You should also test your water any time you replace part of your well components, or you notice a change in water quality. Your health depends upon it.

To test your well water, you can either call your local health department, work with a local water testing company or purchase an at-home testing kit. Generally, your local health department will be able to give you several options to choose from.

Whatever you choose, make sure that you test for the most common contaminants each year, and get full testing every three to five years. Well water testing in Tampa, FL is the best way to monitor water content and quality, and ensure your family is getting safe drinking water.

For well service and repair, let the team at Advanced Pump & Well Service help. Get in touch with us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.

Categorised in: Well Water