Friday, January 13, 2012

Well Water Tests Protect Safety And Health

By Beatrice Nelson


There are those who dig down into an aquifer or underground stream to obtain fluids to drink. Before they actually start to utilize this source of liquids for sustenance, they should have well water tests performed to make sure that there are not any impurities present that could be dangerous to their health. These examinations should be done annually, even if the shaft remains in constant use, to make sure nothing harmful has crept in. The examinations should also occur when the taste, smell, or appearance of the liquid has changed.

Two tests that are essential are for bacteria and nitrates infiltration. Both of these substances can signify an unhealthy condition exists. One must treat the situation before the liquid can be safely drank.

One of the most common microorganism to contaminant underground liquid is coliform bacteria. This substance is normally filtered by the ground soils as it make its way down to an aquifer when snow melts or it rains. However, there are times when there are gaps in this natural filtration system and the bacteria ends up directly in the aquifer. This condition has the potential to make people sick.

Two other microorganisms that are commonly found are iron and sulfur bacteria. These do not normally pose a health risk to people, but their presence can affect the quality of the liquids. They can have a strong order and taste that most people find repulsive. They also can erode the plumbing system and cause expensive repairs.

When nitrates get into the underground supply, children under the age of six months are susceptible to a particular health problem. The nitrates go through a conversion process when deposited into the stomach of a baby. The nitrites interfere with the ability of the blood to move oxygen through the circulatory system. This can cause the baby to turn blue and make them look like they are being suffocated.

Other substances can also get into the aquifers that are dangerous to people. Well water tests can alert a person to these dangerous conditions. These examinations should be performed on newly dug shafts before they are used and at least yearly while being used.




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