A well can provide a home with fresh water for many years. However, since well water is not part of a municipal water supply, it is the responsibility of the homeowner to have the well water tested to ensure that it is clean and free from contaminants. If you own a home that uses well water, there are several reasons to have your water tested, such as:
Annual Inspection
When a home uses well water, it is highly recommended to have the well and the water inspected annually. During a well inspector, the well will be checked for structural soundness and the components of the well, such as the well pump, will be checked to ensure that they are in good working order. In addition, a sample of the well water will be taken and sent to a lab for testing. Regular well inspections can give you the peace of mind of knowing that the well water that you and your family use will not have any problems.
Pregnancy and/or Caring for and Nursing an Infant
If you have recently discovered that you are pregnant, it is in your best interest to make arrangements to have your well water tested. The same applies if you have an infant in your home and you're nursing. Pregnant women and young infants are more at risk if water is contaminated and are more likely to fall ill from a water-borne illness. Having your well water tested will help ensure that mother and baby are not being exposed to contaminated water.
Extended Gastrointestinal Issues
Minor gastrointestinal illnesses are very contagious and not uncommon. But if you and your family members experience an extended period of gastrointestinal issues, you need to rule out your well water as the cause. If your well water has been contaminated with copper or microorganisms, drinking the water can cause stomach problems. One of the best things you can do is have your well water tested so you can know for sure if it is causing illness. If your water is contaminated, you can make arrangements to have the problem fixed.
Home is in the Vicinity of Industrial Sites, Farms, or Waste Disposal Sites
The water that fills a well comes from deep below ground, and it can be susceptible to contamination if the well is in the vicinity of a farm, industrial site, or waste disposal site. If you live near any of these things, it is best to have your well water tested more often to ensure that the groundwater supply has not been compromised by chemicals, fertilizers, or poisons.
Contact a water testing service for more information and assistance.