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It is important to know the specific contaminants found in your local area because different regions can have different sources of contamination and varying levels of pollutants in the water. By understanding the contaminants that are prevalent in your area, you can take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of your drinking water. For example, if there is a known issue with arsenic in your area, you may want to test for arsenic in your well water.
Additionally, by being aware of the specific contaminants, you can make informed decisions about water treatment options or take preventive measures to minimize the risk of contamination. To determine whether a specific contaminant exists in your local area, consider the following steps:
Contact your local drinking water agency or health department: Reach out to your local authorities responsible for water quality. They can furnish information about local pollution concerns that might impact drinking water quality in your vicinity.
Get guidance on contaminants: These agencies can also advise you on which contaminants to test for, based on the groundwater quality specific to your region. Many states have websites available that will provide a lot of information.
For example, in Massachusetts, you can type in your address, and the system will let you know if you are at risk for Arsenic or Uranium (Figure 1), and in Rhode Island, the middle of the state has a beryllium issue (Figure 2).
Figure 1, Massachusetts DEP
Figure 2, Rhode Island DOH
Regularly test your well: The only way to know for sure what is in your well water is by regularly having it tested. If you observe any changes in taste, odor, or color, prompt testing is crucial. Remember, it is recommended to annually test your well for coliform bacteria and nitrates.
Home Transactions: If you’re buying or selling a property with a private well, it may be mandatory to have the well water tested. If you are buying a home, investigate, so you aren’t surprised later. We have had more than one well owner contact us, upset that they didn’t know there was an issue in their area, like arsenic, until after they purchased their home. Be sure to ask about any known contaminants that may be a problem and ask about any treatment systems that are in place.
For more information on sampling, check out the article, "What do I need to know about sampling my well water?"
Want to learn more about your private well and how to care for it?
Sign up for the free 10-week email course from PrivateWellClass.org. The class is a project of the University of Illinois and RCAP, with funding from USEPA.
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