Millions of people take the water that they get from their taps for granted but there are also many other people that are dependent upon boreholes for their supply. The Environmental Protection Agency in the United States has very strict regulations regarding public systems, but these do not apply to privately owned systems such as boreholes. The onus is therefore on the consumer to make sure well water testing is conducted regularly.
Owners of boreholes must make sure that they have the quality of the water tested regularly. Even if it looks clean, it may contain a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to the health of those drinking it. The University of Montana conducted studies of privately owned boreholes and found that close on forty per cent of the samples contained dangerous levels of coliform bacteria and many samples even contained unacceptably high levels of nitrate.
There are large numbers of contaminants, including bacteria and chemical as well as biological agents that can infect a borehole. Testing for all of them is not viable because it is an expensive process. Experts agree, however, that a standard analysis should include tests for coliform bacteria and nitrates. These contaminants may cause disease. Tests should also be done for the presence of dissolved solids.
There are a number of serious diseases that can be contracted from utilizing private boreholes. Gastrointestinal illnesses are common but hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery is also a great danger. There may even be reproductive consequences and it is especially young people that are in danger of contracting life threatening conditions. People undergoing drastic treatments such as chemotherapy are also specifically vulnerable.
There are many reasons why boreholes can become infected with harmful contaminants. Nearby mining operations, for example, can pollute the underground table. The use of lead piping can also play a seriously negative role. Seepage from sewage pipes or septic systems have proven to be a grave concern. Even pesticides and chemicals used at nearby farming or manufacturing operations can prove to be detrimental.
It is important to test boreholes at least annually. It may be better to test more often if there are developments in the area. New mining activities, new farms and seismic activities may all influence the quality of borehole content. It is also important to order new tests if the color, consistency or any characteristic changes when a tap is opened. The same holds true if any member of the family falls ill unexpectedly.
There are a number of institutions that offer test services. Care should be taken to only use those organizations that are properly registered and that carry a seal of approval from the local authorities. The internet is a good source of information in this regard. It is recommended to check with other borehole owners and use only those facilities that have a good reputation.
Having a private borehole is, for some people ate least, a privilege and for others it is the only way in which they can enjoy baths and moisture. Great care should be taken, however, to ensure that it is safe and that it does not contain potentially harmful contaminants. Tests should be conducted regularly and the quality of the product should be safe guarded.
Owners of boreholes must make sure that they have the quality of the water tested regularly. Even if it looks clean, it may contain a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to the health of those drinking it. The University of Montana conducted studies of privately owned boreholes and found that close on forty per cent of the samples contained dangerous levels of coliform bacteria and many samples even contained unacceptably high levels of nitrate.
There are large numbers of contaminants, including bacteria and chemical as well as biological agents that can infect a borehole. Testing for all of them is not viable because it is an expensive process. Experts agree, however, that a standard analysis should include tests for coliform bacteria and nitrates. These contaminants may cause disease. Tests should also be done for the presence of dissolved solids.
There are a number of serious diseases that can be contracted from utilizing private boreholes. Gastrointestinal illnesses are common but hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery is also a great danger. There may even be reproductive consequences and it is especially young people that are in danger of contracting life threatening conditions. People undergoing drastic treatments such as chemotherapy are also specifically vulnerable.
There are many reasons why boreholes can become infected with harmful contaminants. Nearby mining operations, for example, can pollute the underground table. The use of lead piping can also play a seriously negative role. Seepage from sewage pipes or septic systems have proven to be a grave concern. Even pesticides and chemicals used at nearby farming or manufacturing operations can prove to be detrimental.
It is important to test boreholes at least annually. It may be better to test more often if there are developments in the area. New mining activities, new farms and seismic activities may all influence the quality of borehole content. It is also important to order new tests if the color, consistency or any characteristic changes when a tap is opened. The same holds true if any member of the family falls ill unexpectedly.
There are a number of institutions that offer test services. Care should be taken to only use those organizations that are properly registered and that carry a seal of approval from the local authorities. The internet is a good source of information in this regard. It is recommended to check with other borehole owners and use only those facilities that have a good reputation.
Having a private borehole is, for some people ate least, a privilege and for others it is the only way in which they can enjoy baths and moisture. Great care should be taken, however, to ensure that it is safe and that it does not contain potentially harmful contaminants. Tests should be conducted regularly and the quality of the product should be safe guarded.
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