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Many private well users know very little about the quality of the water in their well. The only way to determine the safety of the water for human or livestock consumption is to have the water tested by the well user. Water testing should be a regular routine for private well users since water quality can change over time. The following link gives guidelines for specific health related contaminants that can be tested for and a suggested timeline for how often to test for them.
To ensure that the results from your water test is reliable it is recommended that water samples be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis and that the proper instructions are followed when collecting the sample.
Water test results can be confusing and are only useful when you understand what the results mean. The following publication is useful in helping people to interpret their test results.
The construction of an individual well has a major influence on the quality of the well water. It is common for wells located very close to one another to produce water of very different water quality because of the well depth, casing depth, land-use activities, and the soil and rock types which the well has been drilled through or located in. Knowing as much information as you can (including your WI Unique Well number) about your well is important and can be useful when trying to find solution to water quality problems.
There are a number of different reasons why private wells may become contaminated or observe changes in water quality. Some are due to natural causes while many are caused by human activity. Because groundwater is actually precipitation that has infiltrated into the soil and rock below us, what we do on the land surface can often have a large effect on the quality of our groundwater resource and private wells. While some land use activities have a larger impact on water quality than others, there are a number of things private well owners can do at home which may help to reduce the potential for groundwater contamination and improve their water supply.
Water is a shared resource, we all must do our part to help keep our groundwater supplies safe.
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Other Useful Information on Drinking Water Issues
Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in soil and rock and under certain conditions can be released into groundwater and enter wells. Elevated levels of arsenic have been found in a number of wells throughout the state with the majority of these being reported in northeastern Wisconsin. Because arsenic is a known carcinogen, the State of Wisconsin has recently lowered the allowable level of arsenic in drinking water to 10 micrograms per liter (ug/L, also called parts per billion or ppm).
For the most up to date information on arsenic in drinking water visit the Wisconsin DNR arsenic page.
Increased levels of copper in drinking water is caused by corrosive water and the dissolution of copper plumbing. Levels of copper in drinking water greater than 1.3 milligrams per liter (mg/L, also called parts per million or ppm) may cause digestive problems.
Hard water is caused when water comes in contact with rocks such as limestone and dolomite which contain calcium and magnesium. While hard water is not a health concern, excessive amounts of water hardness can cause lime or scale build-up in pipes and reduce the effectiveness or life of your plumbing. Water softeners are a common and effective treatment device for homes with water hardness problems.
Although iron in drinking water is not a health concern, concentrations over 0.3 milligrams per liter can cause undesirable taste and discoloration problems. Water high in iron are also susceptible to iron bacteria.
Not naturally occurring in Wisconsin groundwater at levels of health concern. Found in water supplies with lead solder or pipes, especially when water is soft or corrosive. While lead is never desirable, concentrations greater than 15 micrograms per liter (15 ug/L also known as parts per billion or ppb) can cause brain, nerve, and kidney damage, especially in young children.
Nitrate nitrogen (commonly referred to as nitrate) is one of the most common chemicals found in Wisconsin groundwater. Approximately 12% of private wells in the state exceed the drinking water limit of 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L, also called parts per million or ppm) for nitrate nitrogen.
A pesticide is any substance used to control or repel unwanted pests and includes insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. When pesticides are spilled, disposed of, or applied on the soil, some amount can be carried into groundwater and your private well. There are many pesticides and the effects of many pesticides on health are not known. If you suspect contamination or live close to areas where pesticides are used it is always a good idea to have your water tested.
Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs)
Other Useful Extension Bulletins on Drinking Water Issues
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