Is My Well Water Contaminated?

If your home in Pisgah Forest, NC relies on well water for its taps and appliances, it’s important to regularly inspect your well and the quality of the water it’s producing. Homeowners that use municipal water sources don’t have to worry about getting tests done, because this is done by the city. As a well owner, you’re essentially on your own with regard to water quality.

So, what are some ways you can tell if your well water is potentially contaminated, so you can determine if a well water test in Pisgah Forest, NC is necessary? Here are a few issues to consider:

• Buildup of scum or scale: A scale buildup in the water or a scummy feeling that occurs after you’ve used the water generally indicates there is an elevated level of magnesium or calcium in the water. When found in high concentrations, these minerals cause elevated levels of water hardness. If this is an issue in your well, you’ll likely see a white substance get left behind on faucets, showerheads, pipes and appliances, and may see a bit of cloudiness in your water.
• Green stains on fixtures: Keep an eye out for stains on any appliances or fixtures that use water. Green stains in particular are problematic, as they could indicate an elevated level of acid in the water. This could be a result of contaminants such as copper, iron, magnesium or zinc, which can leach into the water and flow through the pipes. Over time, they could cause corrosion or general weakening in the pipes. These contaminants can also cause health risks such as kidney and liver disease, nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Lack of clarity: Unclear or cloudy water can be a sign that you need to have a well water test conducted. If your water comes out looking murky, this could be due to the presence of rust, dirt, silt or clay salts in the water. Well water gets taken from the ground, which means it will pass over different materials on its way up, carrying these kinds of particles and contaminants along with it. This could also be a sign of poor plumbing, including rusted or corroded pipes.
• Poor taste: Your well water should always taste clean and fresh. If it doesn’t, this could indicate there’s something wrong with your well water. A salty taste indicates a higher than usual sodium or chloride content. A soapy taste means you have elevated levels of alkaline minerals like calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium or potassium. A chemical-like taste could be a result of nearby pesticides or chemicals that ran off into the water supply. A metallic taste could indicate the presence of acidic contaminants.
• Strange smells: There are a few different smells that could indicate problems with your well water. A rotten egg smell means there’s either sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas. A detergent smell indicates a likely septic tank leak into the water well. A chlorine smell likely means excessive chlorination.

For more information about what to do if you have contaminated well water in Pisgah Forest, NC, contact Royal Water Works, Inc. today.

Categorised in: Well Water