Reasons to Test Your Well Water

Having a well as your primary source of water supply can be of utmost convenience for your household. However, this does not make it exempt from contaminants and pollutants. Homeowners typically will know there is something wrong with their water supply if it turns an off colour or has odour emanating from it. It should be noted though that these are not sure-fire signs that your water is unhealthy. Other contaminants may not be easily noticeable yet have adverse effects on the people using that water supply. Here are some of the reasons why it is good to opt for occasional water testing even if you do not suspect a problem with your water supply.

Residents and pets are experiencing gastrointestinal problems

Typically, when your loved ones or pets are experiencing gastrointestinal distress, you will chalk it up to something they ate. Although this illness can be caused by a myriad of things, one of the aspects to look into should be your water supply. Some of the contaminants that can go undetected to the naked eye include microorganisms breeding in the water and copper pollution. Ignoring the signs of gastrointestinal distress will simply lead to extensive exposure to the polluted water and this can escalate into more serious health problems. As such, it would be best to have water testing conducted to ascertain the cause of the gastrointestinal problems.

Your plumbing system comprises lead and brass

Another reason your water may be contaminated is because it is being pumped through lead pipes or coming into contact with brass fixtures. Over time, lead starts to corrode. This debris is then deposited into your water supply. The longer the water keeps passing through these fixtures, the higher the chances of lead and brass contamination. This can lead to a host of health problems including kidney damage, development of mental disabilities and more. Lead and brass fitting in plumbing are typical in older homes. Thus if your residence was not built in the recent past, it would be pertinent to have occasional water testing to ensure that your pipes are not corroding.

Your home is in close proximity to a farm or industrial facility

Well water is derived from deep aquifers in the earth. These aquifers are do not have stagnant water, as the water will flow in from different areas. As such, the water is at risk of having chemicals and other pollutants seeping into them especially if they are in close proximity to industrial facilities or farms that use chemicals. To avoid gradual poisoning from these chemicals, it is best to opt for occasional water testing to keep you and your family safe.