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Groundwater
protection | How do we get groundwater? | How
much water
and cost? | Do I need a contract? | Groundwater
quality basics
Schedule your water well checkup |Bacteria | Arsenic | Nitrates
 
What is Groundwater?
Groundwater is water below the land surface that fills
the spaces between grains of sediment and rocks, or fills cracks
and fractures in the rock. Saturated zones in sediment such
as sand and gravel, and in fractured rock formations, that
receive, store, and transmit water to wells and springs are
called aquifers.
Clean and plentiful groundwater is a vital resource
for personal and economic health everywhere in the United States.
Each day, over 130 million Americans get their drinking water
from groundwater. About 40 million are supplied from individual
home wells.
The Hydrologic Cycle
Water in aquifers comes from rain and melted snow
that filters through the soil. As the water moves down, plants
consume a portion, some is evaporated, and some is retained
by the soil. The rest seeps downwards, usually very slowly,
to add water to the aquifer. This process is part of the hydrologic
cycle. The amount and quality of groundwater varies from place
to place both within individual states and from state to state,
because geology, climate, and land use are different.
The quality of water from wells can
be influenced by:
• natural factor, such as the type of rock,
gravel, sand or soil
• pollution – for example, from poorly managed agriculture, individual
septic systems or community waste disposal sites.
Public education about contamination and community
involvement in protecting aquifers can help ensure safe drinking
water throughout the United States.
Potential threats to Groundwater
Most well water is good quality, because of the filtering
process in the soil and the long travel time underground between
the water occurring as rain and eventually reaching a well.
However, in addition to possible pollution from agriculture,
industry and transportation, even contamination sources in
our homes can pose threats to groundwater.
Incorrect disposal of common household chemicals
(polish, thinners, paints and so forth), excess use of lawn
and garden chemicals, faulty or overloaded septic tanks, or
an accidental spill during an automobile driveway oil change...
all of these can wreak havoc with drinking water safety. The
more informed that residents are, the better the prospects
for protecting groundwater.
A consumer guide summary
With your help, the professional work of groundwater
specialists and the regulation and technical work of government
agencies can ensure safe drinking water. What you know, and
what you do about contamination risks, are important for the
safety of water in homes and communities throughout the United
States.
What people should know:
• Where their drinking water comes from
• How contamination occurs
• What they can do to prevent problems
What every person should do:
• Handle domestic chemicals responsibly
• Protect water and earth from automotive fluids
• Maintain septic systems properly
• Use lawn and garden fertilizers and pesticides sparingly
• Safeguard the area around wells
• Always use licensed contractors for water wells
• Routinely check and maintain wells to prevent contamination
What communities should have:
• Land-use policies, such as zoning
• Agricultural best management practices (BMP)
• Water resource management plans
• Programs protecting aquifers and wells
• Well abandonment programs
• Groundwater education and consumer awareness programs
Some groundwater occurs at the surface as springs,
but in most cases, a water well is needed to reach the aquifer
where groundwater is found. Today, most wells are made by drilling
into the rock layers using drilling machines (rigs) to access
water deep beneath the surface. In most cases, electric pumps
are used to raise the water to the surface. The creation of
a water well (a specially engineered hole in the ground) consists
of several elements. After selecting the site to drill the
well (local codes and set-back requirements may limit choice),
the process usually includes drilling, development, testing
and equipment installation.
Drilling
For most home wells, the actual hole is usually drilled
at a diameter of between four and six inches. The drilling
method that the contractor decides as most appropriate will
depend on the geologic formations, the required water yield,
and the type of drilling equipment available. Drill rigs are
expensive and the use of the equipment, often hundreds of feet
beneath the surface, requires considerable skill. All wells
require casing to protect the well from possible contaminants
at or near the ground surface. Casing may not be needed for
the full depth of the well in solid rock. Wells in sands and
gravels will need casing to prevent cave-in. There may be a
need for a well screen or perforated casing, specially designed
to keep sand out, but let water into the well. Well screens
can be expensive, but in some situations they are needed to
ensure good yield and long-term use of the well.
Well Development
The drilling process often uses specially formulated
drilling mud to help carry the drilled pieces to the surface.
Most drilling also creates finely ground rock material. All
fine particles need to be removed from a well so that it may
efficiently produce water. The process of removing fine particles
is called “well development.” Drillers usually
do this by using compressed air or a bailer to agitate and
remove water in the well until it runs clear.
Yield Tests
For most home wells, it is not necessary to undertake
extensive testing. Experienced drillers will have a good idea
of the well’s performance from the drilling and development
process. The yield potential is important for selecting the
right pump and for advising the well owner about maximum yield.
It is very important to know the well’s limitations.
Ideally, water will flow into the well at the same rate that
it is removed by the pump. There are three important pieces
of information needed for designing an efficient water system:
1. The static water level
2. The water level after pumping a known volume of water
3. The time it takes for the well water level to recover after pumping
stops
For low yield wells, a long-term well
test of eight hours or more is recommended.
Low-Yield Wells
In some areas of the United States, wells are not
capable of producing the amount of water normally expected
for domestic supply (2-6 gallons per minute). However, with
an adequate storage tank, a well producing as little as one
g.p.m. can be sufficient for domestic needs. In many wells,
several hundreds of gallons of water are already stored in
the well column! For every foot of a 6-ich diameter well below
water level, there are 1.5 gallons of water.
When properly designed and managed, low-yield
water wells can provide a viable supply for a home.
Example: There are 1,440 minutes in every day.
If a well produces one gallon per minute of water throughout
the day, 1,440 gallons of water could be pumped into the storage
tank. Assume that a family of four is served by the well, and
that each family member uses 75 gallons of water a day, or
a total of 300 gallons. Total consumption for the entire family
would be less than 21 percent of the water stored in the tank.
The well would be required to produce water for a total of
only five hours per day in order to replenish the water used.
(Note – Check locally; some rules may
require a higher well yield to obtain approval for a home supply.)
How much water do you need?
If you plan wisely, a good, dependable water well
can supply you with all the water you need now and in the future.
A rule of thumb is to allow for between 75 and 150 gallons
per person per day. You need to take into account the peak
demand. For example, when there may be extra guests at holidays
or on weekends. Outside use of water can pose much greater
demands. You need to calculate the required well yield if your
well is needed for additional water uses such as :
• Swimming pool
• Heating and cooling
• Lawn and garden irrigation
• Fire protection
For agricultural needs -- dairy, irrigation,
etc.-- refer to a farm expert.
Where should the well be located?
There are four important considerations for siting
a home water well:
• Where there is groundwater
• Away from sources of contamination
• Convenient for power supply and close to the home
• Accessible for drilling and pump installation equipment (most wells will
have to be serviced from time to time)
In large property lots it may be necessary
to obtain advice from a hydrogeologist. In most cases, the
driller’s local experience will enable a site to be chosen.
Local setback codes must be obeyed. If possible, always locate
the well at a higher elevation than any waste water septic
system or other drainage systems. Local rules will specify
minimum acceptable distances between wells and other structures.
County health officers, sanitarians and groundwater contractors
can give you advice on well location.
Correct water well design and casing installation
is important to protect against contamination risks. Old and
abandoned wells can pose particular risks and such wells must
always be decommissioned and sealed by a professional.
Pump Selection
There are many different water pumps on the market.
Most groundwater contractors sell, install and service pumps.
Before you and your contractor can decide on the appropriate
pump, you need to know the following:
• How much water will be needed at peak demand
• The well’s yield potential (gallons per minute)
• Diameter of well at pumping level (diameter of well may be smaller than
at ground level)
• Water level drawdown at given pumping rates
• Depth of groundwater below the surface (in some geologic conditions,
water levels will drop in drought conditions and the pump
will therefore need to be placed deep in the well)
• Distance and elevation of the home above the well
Most home-well pumps, unless used to irrigate
gardens or paddocks, will only be used for a few minutes at
a time or perhaps an hour or two each day. These days, many
contractors can either provide a complete well-to-faucet water
system or they will refer you to trusted specialists. There
are often consumer advantages in purchasing a system from a
single contractor. When you buy a complete installation, you
are in effect giving the contractor the responsibility for
your home water supply. If there is ever a problem, you just
need to make one phone call.
If your drilling contractor does not sell or
install pumps, he may arrange to subcontract the work to a
dependable pump installation specialist. All technical water
well installation work, including wiring and plumbing, should
be performed by a licensed contractor who will guarantee his
work and render quick service. If you need to save money, do
such work as trenching, etc., yourself, but don’t sacrifice
quality and efficiency. For example, using an oversize or undersize
pump, however cheaply you were able to buy it, will not be
as efficient in water production, energy cost or reliability,
as installing the correct pump, wiring, and tank for the job.
Testing water quality for health and
safety
All new wells should be tested for bacteria and nitrates.
In deciding whether or not water conditioning equipment is
needed, tests should be made for acidity (pH), hardness and
iron. Many laboratories offer a homeowner package for water
analyses. In addition to checking health aspects for human
use, remember that some garden plants have very specific water
quality tolerances.
How much will a well cost?
Some contractors may offer a fixed price. Others will
charge according to the depth drilled and the materials used.
Wells of the same size in the same locality usually do not
vary much in cost. You can obtain a rough estimate of drilling
costs in your area by consulting neighboring well owners or
local contractors. The total cost of installing a well and
water system is often itemized in estimates as follows:
• Cost of permits
• Mobilization cost
• Drilling cost per foot (will vary with diameter, some drilling costs
may increase with increased depth)
• Casing, cost per foot (depends on type used)
• Cost of other materials (such as screens, seals, etc.)
• Grouting, cementing (often included in drilling cost)
• Developing (usually based on a per hour charge)
• Test pumping (usually based on a per hour charge)
• Pumping equipment, pipes, valves, controls, etc. (the cost of bringing
electric power to the well head is not usually included)
• Water quality laboratory analysis
• Water treatment conditioning equipment such as a softener (this part
of the water system is often quoted separately, after
the water quality has been analyzed)
No groundwater contractor wants to drill a “dry” hole,
but when dealing with subsurface geology, it is difficult to
guarantee finding water or to predict its quantity and quality.
Consumers should keep in close touch with the contractor during
the drilling process so that they are available to discuss
matters such as the need for extra depth to increase yield
or well storage.
Beware of inexperienced contractors!
It is recommended that a written contract be prepared
and signed prior to starting any construction. This will provide
the property owner with an itemized list of expected costs.
Most contractors will have a printed form which can be completed
for each well. The contract will reduce the chance for misunderstandings
and include legal phrases to identify liabilities and responsibilities.
In the past, too many homeowners have paid dearly
for using amateurs or part-time, non-specialists for water
well work. Check that your contractor is licensed (if your
state has a licensing requirement), insured, and experienced.
Beware of high pressure or scare tactics, or “bonus offers” to
get your business. Property owners can become involved in litigation
involving uninsured contractors. If an employee of an uninsured
contractor is injured on the premises of your home or building,
you may be responsible for his injuries or disabilities. In
addition, you probably have no protection in the event of damage
to your property or the property of others by the driller or
pump installer during the course of the work.
Forty-seven percent of the United States
depend on ground water for their basic drinking water supply.
Having a basic understanding about ground water quality will
help ensure that your well is supplying potable water for
your household. Along with human activities, water quality
is affected by a combination of natural processes. Most relate
to chemical compositions underground. However, other factors
such as biological, physical, and radiological conditions
can affect water quality as well. The National Ground Water
Association recommends that water well owners have their
wells checked and tested by a certified and/or licensed contractor
every year to ensure water safety.
Hard Water
The most common problem associated with ground water may be hardness,
generally associated with an abundance of calcium and/or magnesium
dissolved in the water. Hard water has not been shown to cause health
problems, but can be a nuisance as it may cause soap curds and deposits
to form on pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Over time this can reduce
the diameter of the pipes. Calcium and magnesium are found in ground
water that has come in contact with certain rocks and minerals, especially
limestone and gypsum. When these materials are dissolved, they release
calcium and magnesium. Hard water is considered bad for your plumbing,
but people with heart or circulatory problems may want to consult their
physician about drinking softened water, because the softening process
removes calcium and magnesium, and adds sodium to the water.
Iron and Manganese
A "rusty" or metallic taste in water is a result of iron, and
sometimes manganese, in ground water. They not only create a bad taste,
but they also can stain pipes and clothing. Iron and manganese are naturally
occurring, and most ground water has some amount of dissolved iron and
manganese in it. It comes from contact with minerals that contain iron,
such as limestone, coal and shale. There are several treatment methods.
Installing a water softener may help if iron and manganese are present
in low quantities and the softener is designed for their removal. Aeration
(the addition of oxygen to the water), chlorination, and feeding ozone
or hydrogen peroxide can aid in the precipitation of iron, which is removed
from the water by filtration.
Sulfur
Sulfur can occur in ground water in two forms: sulfides
and sulfates. Sulfides are naturally occurring in much of the
United States in limestone containing organic materials; ground
water affected by oil, gas, and coal deposits; in marshes and
manure pits; and in the byproduct of well-established iron
bio films. Sulfates often come from the dissolving of minerals,
such as gypsum and anhydrite. A “rotten egg” smell
coming from your water indicates the presence of hydrogen sulfide
gas. Along with creating an unpleasant odor and taste, sulfides
cause corrosion to plumbing and darken water. There are several
methods for treating sulfur. Call our office for more information.
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Wells tapping ground water resources can provide
drinking water of the highest quality. Owning a private household-supply
water well allows homeowners to control their own water supply.
Ownership also comes with the responsibility of keeping the
water well in good working order.
Why is a checkup important?
A properly constructed and maintained household-supply
well will provide you with many years of quality service. We
recommend a water well maintenance check up every five years
to ensure the proper operation of the well and prolong its
years of service, as well as monitor the water quality.
Steps you can take to help maintain your water
well:
:
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and
motor oil far away from your well, and maintain a "clean" zone
of at least 50 feet (15.24 meters) between your well and any kennels
or livestock operations. Also, always maintain proper separation between
your well and buildings, waste systems, or chemical storage areas. Your
professional water well contractor is familiar with the applicable local
codes. Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing
(well) to ensure it is in good repair and securely attached. Its seal
should keep out insects and rodents.
Keep your well records in a safe place. These include the construction
report, and annual water well system maintenance and water testing results.
Get your water tested anytime there is a change in taste, odor or appearance,
or anytime the system is serviced.
Coliform bacteria originate as organisms in
soil or vegetation and in the intestinal tract of warm-blooded
animals (fecal coli). This group of bacteria has long been
an indicator of the contamination of water and possible presence
of intestinal parasites and pathogens. The coliform bacteria
are relatively simple to identify, are present in much larger
numbers than the more dangerous pathogens, and react to the
natural environment and treatment processes in a manner and
degree similar to pathogens. Thus by observing coliform bacteria,
the increase or decrease of many pathogenic bacteria can be
estimated.
Where are they found?
The many sources of bacterial pollution include runoff from woodlands,
pastures and feedlots; septic tanks and sewage plants; and animals and
wild fowl. Domestic animals contribute heavily to the bacterial population.
Many coliform bacteria enter natural streams by direct deposition of
waste in the water and the runoff from areas with high concentrations
of animals or humans.
How could they enter a water system?
The most likely sources come from where the water is used, the spigot,
sink, or unclean containers. Another source includes back flow from
a contaminated source, a sink-top carbon filter, bucket of water, or
puddle at the end of a hose. Also, reduced pressure or suction in long
water lines, or drawing in soil water at the joints are sources as
well.
Why test for coliform bacteria?
While most coliforms are not pathogens, they serve as indicators of the
microbial quality of water. Public health officials have tested for
total coliform bacteria and fecal coliform bacteria for most of this
century as a way of checking the quality of water.
Pathogens – the bacteria, protozoa, and
viruses that make people sick – can be rare and difficult
to detect even if they are present in the water. Total coliforms
are indicators and are more common and easy to grow. Testing
for them provides a margin of safety. Pathogens may not be
present if coliforms are, but it would be wise to look for
problems just in case.
Total coliforms are mostly natural residents
of soil and water. Fecal coliforms are those that are usually
found in the fecal material of animals. Their presence usually
means that the water may be contaminated by sewage effluent.
Finding the source of the problem and correcting it is very
important.
If my well has bacteria, should
we drink bottled water?
If you have unsafe levels of coliform bacteria you should obtain an alternative
source of drinking and cooking water until the problem is solved. Don't
neglect to solve the problem. In the U.S., the Food and Drug Administration
administers commercial bottled water quality.
How do we prevent
this from happening again?
If possible, do whatever it takes to correct the problem in your existing
system. If necessary, install a new well and water inlet system, bringing
it up to your state's code and good industry practice. Hire experienced
water well drillers who are certified and/or licensed in your state and
come recommended to you. Look for quality – not price – first.
If some people in our area have wells contaminated
by bacteria, should we try to hook into public water?
Generally, area-wide coliform contamination is very rare. Usually the
problem is at the wells or drinking water source, or may be due to faulty
waste disposal on vulnerable land.
Look to your own source. If the costs of upgrading, property values,
etc. exceed the cost of hooking to public water (seldom the case) then
hook up. Also, if your ground water source is poor in quantity or quality,
and solutions are too expensive or too much trouble, then hook up. Do
not accept reasoning from neighbors or water districts that if some wells
are contaminated, they all are, or that the only solution to low yields
or poor quality is municipal water.
What about bacteria in public
water systems?
A: About 40,000 of the 210,000 ground water-supplied public water systems
reporting via the Federal Reporting Data System have had microbial violations,
indicating bacterial presence in their ground water, wells, or distribution
systems during the last five years. Smaller systems and non-community
systems tend toward violations from source water contamination.
Contamination of distribution systems results from cross contamination
and back flow events, and from bacterial growth within a system. Some
septic systems, displaced by rising ground water pressure or flooding,
may become hydraulically connected to wells. They are the most frequently
reported causes of contamination in ground water disease outbreaks associated
with the consumption of untreated ground water in the U.S. Other sources
are animal feedlots and the like.
What if my water is brown, or black,
or smells bad?
The water may not be unsafe to drink, but you should test it just in
case. Also test for "iron bacteria" or biofouling, iron, manganese,
and sulfur. Water treatment methods are available to provide clear, odor-free
water. Check with several water treatment professionals for options.
Many people are alarmed when
they hear that their drinking water, either from a public or
private water system, may contain arsenic. What do you do if
your water contains arsenic, and can it be removed? You can
find the answers to these and many other questions about arsenic
below.
What is Arsenic?
Arsenic is a semi-metallic element with the chemical symbol "As." It
is a member of the nitrogen family, and it occurs naturally in rocks,
soils, and waters that come in contact with these rocks and soils. Arsenic
is odorless and tasteless.
Arsenic can combine with other elements to form
inorganic and organic arsenicals. In general, inorganic derivatives
are regarded as more toxic than the organic forms. While food
can contain both inorganic and organic arsenicals, primarily
inorganic forms are present in water.
Exposure to arsenic at high levels poses potential
serious health effects as it is a known human carcinogen, or
cancer-causing agent. It also has been reported to affect the
vascular system in humans and has been associated with the
development of diabetes.
Arsenic enters the human body principally through
the mouth, according to the CDC, and inhaled arsenic also is
absorbed through the lungs into the bloodstream. "Small
amounts of arsenic may enter the body through the skin, but
this is not usually an important consideration," reads
the CDC's Public Health Statement on arsenic.
Is my private well at risk?
There are wells in some parts of the Southwest and other localized areas
around the U.S. that exceed the U.S. EPA arsenic standard for drinking
water. Your local environmental health department may have information
on any areas of your county that may be prone to the presence of arsenic.
Private well water should be tested annually for bacteria, nitrates,
and anything else of concern to the well owner, such as arsenic. Testing
should be conducted by a certified drinking water laboratory. The U.S.
EPA offers a state-by-state listing of certification officers, or call
the National Ground Water Association at (800) 551-7379. The certification
officer in your state can provide a list of certified labs in your area.
If you do have an arsenic level in your water
that is higher than you would like, there are water treatment
technologies available to address the problem. Do not attempt
to remove arsenic by boiling water. This will only concentrate
the arsenic.
What types of treatment solutions are available
to private well owners?
NSF International, a not-for-profit organization that develops standards,
product testing procedures, and certification services for products including
water treatment devices, has certified point-of-use reverse osmosis and
distillation devices for the reduction of arsenic in drinking water.
Pretreating water through chlorination or oxidation may be necessary
to make reverse osmosis devices effective for arsenic removal. NSF also
is working on certification standards for filtration devices that can
be used to reduce arsenic. For more information or a list of NSF-certified
devices, contact the organization at 877-8-NSF-HELP.
Some of the treatment technologies may not be
amenable to point-of-entry, or whole-house, treatments. In
these cases, point-of-use units, which treat water at the tap,
may be the best option.
Following installation of a treatment device,
water quality should again be tested to verify the operation
of the device. After that, water should be tested at least
annually to confirm treatment effectiveness. A maintenance
agreement for such devices is highly recommended.
Again, since water quality varies greatly, be
sure to have your water tested, and consult a local water professional
for advice before purchasing a water treatment system.
How does arsenic enter a private water system?
Arsenic occurs naturally in rocks and soil, water, air, and plants and
animals. It can be further released into the environment through natural
activities such as volcanic action, erosion of rocks, and forest fires,
or through human actions. Approximately 90 percent of industrial arsenic
in the U.S. is currently used as a wood preservative, but arsenic is
also used in paints, dyes, metals, drugs, soaps, and semi-conductors.
Agricultural applications, mining, and smelting also contribute to arsenic
releases in the environment. Arsenic-related pollutants enter the ground
water system by gradually moving with the flow of ground water from rains,
melting of snow, etc.
Testing water for arsenic in areas where arsenic
is a concern is an important strategy for private water well
owners to safeguard the health and well being of their family.
Working with a water professional to monitor and maintain the
quality of the well and water supply is an important responsibility
of the private water system owner. Your ground water contractor
is your central source of information about caring for your
system. Keep your contractor's phone number handy. Your contractor
is often your best source of local information for testing,
treatment, and maintenance information.
What is the measurement of arsenic?
Arsenic in drinking water is measured in parts per billion (ppb). The
U.S. EPA-established maximum level for arsenic in drinking water was
changed in November 2001 from 50 ppb to 10 ppb. The U.S. EPA does not
regulate private water wells, but its drinking water rules provide a
good standard by which to measure your water quality.
What are the symptoms of overexposure to arsenic?
Observable symptoms of arsenic poisoning are: thickening and discoloration
of the skin, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, numbness in hands
and feet, partial paralysis, and blindness.
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Contamination from nitrates is one of
the problems that can arise after severe flooding or heavy
rains in rural areas.
What are nitrates?
Nitrates are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that combine with various
organic and inorganic compounds. They are essential nutrients for plants,
which absorb them from soil. The excess nitrates not used by the plants
are carried through the soil to ground water in a process called "leaching." Once
in water, they remain there until used by plants or another organism,
or removed by water treatment techniques.
What are sources of nitrates?
The greatest source of nitrates is fertilizers that are used to provide
nitrates to crops. Animal and human waste also contains nitrogen in the
form of ammonia. Decomposing plant and animal materials also generate
nitrates.
Why should I be concerned about nitrates?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a maximum contaminant level
for nitrates at 10 parts per million. High levels of nitrates can cause
health problems, including methemoglobinemia, commonly known as "blue
baby syndrome."
In blue baby syndrome, nitrates are reduced
to nitrites in an infant’s stomach. When the nitrites
enter the bloodstream, they interfere with the blood’s
ability to carry oxygen to body tissues. This can be an acute
condition in which the baby’s health deteriorates rapidly
in a span of a few days. It can cause shortness of breath,
increased susceptibility to illness, heart attacks, and even
death by asphyxiation.
Older children and adults are able to withstand
higher levels of nitrates than babies because of stronger stomach
acids that kill the bacteria.
However, there have been reports that nitrates
could potentially be linked to gastrointestinal cancer. The
EPA also says that long-term exposure to water over the maximum
contaminant level can cause diuresis (excessive discharge of
urine), increased starchy deposits, and hemorrhaging of the
spleen.
How can nitrates reach my private water supply?
Nitrates are very soluble, and do not bind with soil so the potential
is high for them to migrate to ground water. This is especially true
if your water well system is near agricultural land or animal feed lots.
Incidents such as heavy rains, flooding, chemical spills, or failed sewage
systems can cause nitrates to enter soil near your private water well,
too.
How can I tell if my water has nitrates in it?
The one way to know for sure is to have your water tested because nitrates
are tasteless and odorless. Contact a state certified private lab or
call 517 335 8184 for a kit.
Will boiling water get rid of nitrates or lower
nitrate levels to a safe amount?
No, because nitrates don’t evaporate. In fact, boiling will increase
the concentration of nitrates in water.
What can be done if nitrates are in my water?
Water containing nitrates can be treated by a variety of methods. The
EPA has approved certain methods for removing nitrates and nitrites,
including reverse osmosis and ion exchange.
Reverse osmosis or a disposable mixed-bed deionizer
work best on point-of-use systems (installed in places such
as the kitchen sink where water is mostly used for drinking
or cooking). Ion exchange, used along with a water softening
system, can provide a whole-house solution for nitrate contamination.
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