How Water Well Testing Can Prevent Long-Term Health Risks for You and Your Family?

If you rely on well water, it’s important to ensure it is clean and free of contaminants. Though city water is monitored and treated, it should be tested by homeowners, as the water comes from underground. As per the US Geological Survey (USGS) – about 15% of Nevada residents depend on private wells for drinking water. 

While groundwater is generally safe, there is a chance it can be affected by natural and man-made contaminants. A study by the Nevada Division Of Environmental Protection (NDEP) found that some wells in the state contain arsenic levels above EPA safety limits. 

These contaminants cause digestive problems and other chronic illnesses. Hence, regular water well testing is important for your and your family’s well-being.

Keep your well water clean — get professional testing today!

How Well Does Water Testing Prevent Health Risks?

Here’s how well water testing prevents health risks – 

Detects Harmful Bacteria

Well water carries harmful bacteria like – E. coli and coliform bacteria that come from human and animal waste. These microorganisms are responsible for causing digestive issues, nausea, fever, severe stomach cramps, etc. 

Regularly testing well water ensures early detection of these bacteria contamination early – so that early precautions can be taken. 

Note: Preventive measures such as chlorination and UV purification are advised to get rid of these disease-causing bacteria. 

Identifies Heavy Metals 

Nevada’s soil naturally contains lead, arsenic, and other heavy metals that leach into the groundwater, making them risky for health. They have been linked to nerve damage, developmental delays in children, and even cancer. 

So, get your well water tested to check if there’s any dangerous metal present in the water. This helps you add a filtration system like – a reverse osmosis filter to ensure safe drinking water. 

Prevents Nitrate Poisoning

High nitrate levels in the water are dangerous for infants under six months. They can cause blue baby syndrome – a condition that affects oxygen in the blood flow. These harmful chemicals are mostly found in fertilizers that can seep into the well water and contaminate them.

Testing well water regularly can help identify and combat the rising nitrate levels in the water. For this, you can install a specialized filter for your little one at home. 

Ensure Safe Water Supply

It is important to have a safe water supply, as bacteria, viruses, and chemical pollutants can lead to serious infections or complications for people with weak immunity. It can even pose health risks to women who are expecting. 

Hence, it is important to get well water tested – it gives you peace of mind. It tells you whether or not you need disinfection systems like – UV or ozone treatment. Having these in place ensures you have a safe and clean water supply. 

Pro Tip: It’s wise to install a disinfection system even though the water quality is good. This is because well water is prone to getting contaminated. 

Prevents Plumbing And Skin Issues

While hard water is not always harmful to drink, it contains a high level of iron, magnesium, calcium, etc. These minerals can damage the skin, hair, and plumbing fixtures. Well water also contains rust and sediments, which can weaken the pipes and clog them – reducing the water pressure. This may lead to costly water pump repair, Sparks, NV.

Testing well water can help understand the mineral content. If the content is high, it is advisable to install a water softener or sediment filter to protect your home and health. 

How To Test Your Well Water?

Testing your well water ensures your water is free of contaminants that may cause serious illness. Hence, it is important to get the water tested every 3-5 years – unless you notice any sudden change in color, taste, and odor. If these changes happen, testing sooner is the smartest decision to make!

Here’s how to test your well water –

DIY Home Test Kits

DIY home kits are a good option if you want to check for minor contamination. You can find these kits online or at home improvement stores. These test kits usually check for pH, bacteria, nitrate, and hardness of water.

To use it, all you need to do is – collect the water sample and follow instructions on the packaging. You can compare the results using a color chart. Though they are easy to use and provide fast results, they are not always as accurate and precise as professional testing. Hence, it is advisable to contact a water testing service near you!

Professional Laboratory Tests

Professional laboratories that are certified under the CWA (Clean Water Act) or RCRA (Resources Conservation Recovery ACT) are only eligible for testing well water. These labs analyze your water for several contaminants, including – bacteria, heavy metals, pesticides, and chemicals. The process involves collecting a sample in a sterile container and sending it to the lab for testing.

The results usually take a few days to a couple of weeks – depending on the tests requested. In case a high level of contamination is found, the lab would recommend using filtration and treating the well water. Several well water testing companies in Nevada offer at-home testing, which makes the process convenient and reliable.

Expert Tips For Treating And Maintaining Safe Well Water

Knowing how to take care of your well water doesn’t begin or end with an initial installation. So, here are a few tips regarding how to maintain safe, well water for your home –

• Let the well breathe by not covering the well too much for an aesthetic look.
• Pay attention to the water if it contains colored particles floating. If yes, get your well water tested.
• Make sure the cap is secure – it keeps away nasty insects and prevents dead bugs from marinating in it.
• Don’t fertilize the mulch beds near the casing. Ensure that the waste is above 30 feet from the well cap.
• Conduct annual inspection – it allows you to adjust your water supply by installing a new home water system.

Ensure your family’s water is safe — schedule your water well testing today with Bruce MacKay!

Takeaway

It is important to make sure the well water is safe and free from all sorts of contamination for your safety, as well as for your family members. It also helps you comply with the health code. Moreover, it gives peace of mind – knowing that your family is safe and has access to clean drinking water.

Ensure Safe Drinking Water With A Clean And Maintained Well Water. Schedule A Water Test Today With Bruce Mackay Pump And Well Services!

Bruce Mackay Pump And Well Services offers quality well water testing that meets regulatory standards. We help you identify and address water contamination issues and maintain access to clean and safe water. To keep you safe and healthy, we perform EPA-certified tests and assess the results using the EWG’s recommendations. 

Contact Bruce Mackay Pump And Well Services for inspection and testing of the water tank for well water, Sparks, NV!