Well Information
Posted by Becky on 17 Feb 2010 | Tagged as: Quinte, Re/Max Quinte, Trish Belford, real estate, tips
As many of our faithful bloggers are aware, Trish Belford and her team like to inform their clients and the public on various topics relating to real estate. This time, we’d like to discuss wells and possible contaminants.
What Could be wrong with my water?
Even though your water may appear to be fine, there are many possible contaminants that you can’t taste, see or smell.
Total coliforms- Coliforms are bacteria. Even a low count of total coliforms (1-5) may indicate the presence of other more harmful bacteria with similar life cycles. Caution and retesting is recommended. A higher total coliform count (6-80) is a strong indicator that disease-causing micro-organisms may be present. Assume that your water is unsafe for drinking without treatment.
E.coli- E.coli is one strain of bacteria associated with human and animal fecal matter. Any detectable presence of E.coli in your well water means your water is unsafe for drinking without treatment.
Nitrate- Nitrate is not bacteria, it is the end result of a chemical reaction. The presence of nitrate in your water can be the result of commercial fertilizers and human or animal wastes. Infants less than six months old can become sick from drinking formula or eating cereals made with water high in nitrate. Nitrate reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood, resulting in blue baby syndrome.
Sodium- Common domestic water softeners increase the level of sodium in drinking water. Individuals on salt-reduced diets should consult their physician if sodium levels in drinking water exceed 20mg/litre. Salts used on roads, driveways and other paved areas may also contaminate groundwater.
Metals and minerals- Metals and minerals in your water can come from natural sources, or from landfills, road salts, septic systems, agriculture, golf courses, mining and construction. Lead and copper can leach out of your plumbing. Chloride, which comes from many of these sources, can be an early indicator of further contamination.
Gasoline, oil and diesel fuels- Look for these if you’ve had a spill, have a buried fuel tank near your well, or detect fuel odours or films.
Solvents- Test for these if you are concerned about chemical spills, nearby solvent use, or a strong chemical odour. Solvents have been linked to cancer.
Pesticides- Test for these if you are concerned about past or present us of pesticides near your well, if you’ve had a spill or leak, or if you are concerned about possible back flow through your plumbing into your well during mixing of pesticides.
www.trishbelford.com
613.969.9907
Source: Well Aware: A Guide for Well Owners, p. 17-18.
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