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Children’s Health is Wealth

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Private well owners are responsible for maintaining their wells to ensure the safety of their water supply. This article provides recommendations to well owners and their families to help safeguard drinking water for children. After all, they are the future!

Groundwater is stored in aquifers – layers of soil, sand, and rocks – but can come to the surface naturally through a spring or brought to the surface through a well. More than 13 million U.S. households depend on individual wells for their drinking water. Groundwater is naturally filtered on its way from the surface to the water table, so it is relatively free of particulate organic material and bacteria. However, it will only remain so if it is protected on its way from the aquifer to the tap.

Potential Contaminants of Concern

The following section provides information on contaminants that may be of special concern to households, especially with young children.

Bacteria and Other Microorganisms

We are in contact with millions of bacteria every day and nearly all of them are harmless. Yet some of these small organisms are responsible for waterborne illnesses. Bacteria, protozoa, algae, and fungi are all microorganisms. Microorganisms can only be seen through a microscope. Since we cannot see them without one, it is necessary to test your water. Waterborne microorganisms can trigger gastrointestinal illnesses, diarrhea, and vomiting which can be life-threatening for infants, children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Fluoride

Fluoride is a natural substance that comes from the element fluorine, which is naturally occurring in rocks and soil. As water passes through the earth, it absorbs fluoride. At low concentrations, fluoride is believed to prevent tooth decay and strengthen teeth. However, excessive amounts of fluoride consumed over time can accumulate in the bones and lead to skeletal fluorosis.

Lead

Lead is a highly toxic dull gray metal that is soft enough to be easily scratched with a house key. Lead can get into your water as it flows through your plumbing system. Corrosion can cause lead to leach from lead pipes, lead-based solder pipe joints, and brass alloy faucets. Lead exposure at even minimal amounts can create serious behavioral and brain developmental problems for children. Low-level exposure can cause irritability, hyperactivity, and inattentiveness. Children exposed to higher levels of lead may have delays in physical or mental development.

Continue reading about potential contaminants and the actions you should take in our Well Water & Children’s Health brochure and information sheet.

When it’s time to De-winterize

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When your home is supplied by a private well system, there are additional steps that need to be taken in order to de-winterize your well components. WSC recommends contacting a licensed well contractor to perform the de-winterization process. If you have a plumber that de-winterizes your home, confirm they are also certified in water wells. If you must de-winterize on your own, there are some important things you need to know.

Read through our information sheet before getting started.

January is National Radon Action Month

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Did you know you should test your well water for radon? Most homeowners are familiar with testing radon in the air, but many times testing radon in water is overlooked.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that has no color, odor, or taste. It comes from the breakdown of radioactive elements like uranium and radium in the ground. Soil under your home releases radon which can make its way through cracks or openings in your home and sometimes through well water. High levels of radon are commonly found in certain kinds of bedrock such as granite and dark shale. Radon can be inhaled when it is released from water while showering, washing dishes, or cooking. It can also be ingested directly through drinking water. Research shows inhaled radon is the greatest concern as it increases the risk of lung cancer. Drinking water contaminated by radon may raise the risk of stomach cancer.

Good news…radon exposure is completely preventable! Learn more about radon. Find a certified lab in your area for both air and water radon testing.

Conserve to Get Ahead of the Curve: Winter Water Savings Tips

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Even though it is winter and you are probably not using water as much as in the warmer months, you should still make an effort to conserve water. We have put together a list of free and inexpensive tips to help conserve water and save money throughout the winter and beyond.

Inside

  • Fix Leaks! The average household leak can waste 10,000 gallons of water a year. Call your plumber right away to fix any leaks in and around your home.
  • Protect your pipes. Find out how in our information sheet on Freeze Protection.
  • When in doubt drip your faucets. Leave faucets dripping slightly overnight in extremely cold weather (below 32°). This slight trickle allows constant movement of the water which will prevent freezing. Remember more water is wasted from a leaky pipe than from using this tip! You can still save the water you are dripping…just place a bucket or large pot under the faucet. You can use that water to flush the toilet in a power outage or water plants.
  • Mark and remember where your home’s shut-off valve is. Knowing where this valve is during a water pipe burst can prevent flooding or water damage.
  • Check your toilet. If it’s old, replace it with a more efficient low flow toilet. You can save five gallons per flush.
  • Save at the sink. Leave the water off when you are brushing your teeth or shaving at the bathroom sink. Leaving the sink running can waste thousands of gallons of water each day. This may be a hard habit to break, but it is an easy way to save water. Likewise in the kitchen! Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water instead of letting the faucet run. Soak pots and pans before washing and use less detergent so you don’t rinse as much.
  • Install water-efficient faucets throughout the house. There are numerous water-saving devices on the market. Look for WaterSense products to make your home conservation friendly.
  • Wash a full load. Washing machines and dishwashers can use a lot of water for each load. Make sure you are only using these appliances with a full load or remember to set your washing machine to the specific load size if it can be adjusted.
  • Change the fridge filter. Water filters in your refrigerator should be changed every 6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer. It is also extremely important to change your whole house water filters and maintain any other treatment devices if you have them.

Outside

  • Winterize your irrigation system. Cooler weather and seasonal precipitation make it possible to stop irrigation in the winter. Only potted plants and other winter annuals need occasional watering. For information on winterizing your irrigation system contact your irrigation company and read our information sheet.
  • Winter is the perfect time to modify or make plans to modify your landscape to use less water. Consider low-water gardens that attract wildlife, such as butterflies or birds, or try native plants.
  • Avoid watering in the evening. Fungal problems are more likely if plants are wet all night during cooler months.
  • Put any soaker hoses and sprinklers away for the next few months.
  • Lawns need very little irrigation in the winter. At the most, apply ½ inch of water every three weeks if there is no rain.
  • Use organic mulch around winter plants and trees.
  • Use a carwash to wash vehicles. If you hand wash your car, use a bucket and a spray nozzle.

Want more tips? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Hotline HOT Topic: For the record…

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How can I find my well records?

Well records (also known as the well log, well completion report, or drilling report), usually include a reference number for the well, the date the well was drilled, the well contractor, the well owner at the time of construction, location of the well, and various construction details such as drilling method used, depth of the well, depth and type of casing (lining of your well/visible pipe aboveground), and depth and size of the pump. Most states require well contractors to file these records when a new well is drilled and many states have searchable databases to retrieve this information electronically. Local health departments may also keep a copy of these records. If you need help locating your well records contact the wellcare® Hotline.

If your well is older (20+ years), well records may not be available for your well. Not to worry! You can write down all your well information in our Well Owner’s Manual. Get your free copy by emailing your name and address to info@wellcarehotline.org or download it from our website.

Test before you treat, your system could be incomplete

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First and foremost, it is important to note that not all well water needs to be treated. Most well water comes from groundwater and is a safe, reliable drinking water source for you and your family. Before considering any type of water treatment, you should have your water tested by a certified water testing laboratory. If you need help locating a water testing laboratory or determining what to test your water for, contact the wellcare® Hotline at 888-395-1033, or read our Well Water Testing information sheet and use our interactive map.

If your water tests positive for a contaminant, the important question is whether the contaminant found poses a threat to your health at the level it was found. Many contaminants do not pose a threat to health, but can cause the water to change color, cause staining, have an odor, or have an unpleasant taste. Use our wellcare® information

sheet Understanding Your Well Water Test Results or contact the wellcare® Hotline to help with interpreting your results.

Selecting Water Treatment

As a private well owner, you are responsible for taking the right steps to keep your water clean. The more you know about the quality of your water and what treatment may be needed, the more likely you will be able to avoid unnecessary, costly, or inappropriate equipment. Only one water treatment – disinfection or shock chlorination – is managed easily at home. Most other treatments require the service of a certified water treatment professional. If you need water treatment, contact your licensed well contractor for recommendations for treating the problem or locate a water treatment professional in your area using the Water Quality Association’s website.

Well owners have four primary options for water treatment:

  • Disinfection or shock chlorination of the well
  • Point-of-Use (POU) – installed under the kitchen sink to filter contaminants from drinking and cooking water
  • Point-of-Entry (POE) – installed at the point where well water enters the home plumbing system
  • Multi-stage treatment – to filter multiple contaminants or improve water quality for all household uses

Before purchasing a water treatment device, ask if it has been approved by NSF International, a non-profit group that develops standards for equipment related to public health. NSF International certifies water treatment devices as effective in removing specific contaminants. You can search for certified water treatment devices on NSF’s website.

Download our Water Treatment information sheet to learn about the different types of treatment options available. Discuss treatments options with your water treatment professional.

Avoid a freeze, it’s a breeze!

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Concerned there may be another Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse, or Snowzilla? Don’t worry, we’re here to help protect your pipes and well from freezing again!

If you are in an area that tends to reach or has ever had freezing temperatures, you should make every effort to prevent your pipes, well, and well components from freezing. When pipes freeze, the flow of water is completely blocked. Since water expands as it turns into ice, the pipes are very likely to burst. It could also ruin your well pump and other exposed well components. This can be an expensive problem to fix and a disastrous occurrence in frigid winter months. If your well or pipes freeze, contact your licensed well contractor or plumber as soon as possible.

Your Well System

Help keep your well from freezing with a pitless adapter. A pitless adapter attaches to your well casing to provide a sanitary and frost-proof seal between the casing and the water line running to your home. This device protects the water from freezing and permits convenient access to the well and well components without having to dig around the well. The adapter is connected to the well casing below the frost line, which is the depth at which the ground does not freeze. Water from the well is diverted horizontally at the adapter to prevent it from freezing. Contact your licensed well contractor to discuss installing a pitless adapter.

You should also protect your wellhead from getting damaged by snow and heavy equipment like snow blowers and plows. There are existing older wells that are in a driveway, close to the driveway, or close to a road. Consider adding a fiberglass driveway marker to help with locating the well. If your well gets covered by snow, you will easily find it and can carefully remove the snow around it.

Freezing temps on the way and no time to make adjustments?

If your wellhead is exposed to outside elements and freezing temperatures are on the way, wrap it with insulation, blankets, towels, or anything else you can find that will not cause damage to the wellhead but can help protect it from the cold.

Read on to learn about protecting your pipes, pump, tank, and our tips if your pipes or well system are already frozen.

After the Fire: Water Well Safety

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Returning home after a wildfire can be overwhelming and dangerous. We gathered some safety tips for re-entering a burned area and how to care for your well.

Tips for re-entering an area that has been affected by wildfires:

  • Avoid damaged or fallen power lines.
  • Be careful of ash pits (depression filled with hot ashes) and burned trees. Serious burns or injuries can occur.
  • Wear protective gear before sifting through debris to avoid breathing in harmful dust or ash.
  • Hazardous household materials like automotive fluids, paint, solvents, etc. should be disposed of properly to protect people and the environment.
  • If you suspect electrical damage or gas leaks, do not try to use your electricity or anything with a flame. Instead, use a flashlight for your light source and report problems to your local utility. DO NOT stay in the home as there is a risk of electrical shock or explosion.
  • If sewage is visible, limit access to the area and contact your local health department for assistance.
  • Do not turn on the water if you notice damage to your wellhead or well components above ground. Contact a licensed well contractor to assess and repair damages.

After a wildfire, underground well components like the pump may not be harmed. However, if your home and yard have been burned, it is necessary to complete a visual inspection of your well system and have any damage repaired before turning on the water.

Check the following for damage:

  • Wellhead– casing, cap or seal, and any other above ground piping
  • Tank– pressure or storage tanks (cisterns)
  • Electrical– wires and control box
  • Treatment– filters/housing, tanks, chemicals

Contact a licensed well contractor immediately for repairs. Shock chlorination or disinfection should be performed after repairs are made. Your well contractor will determine if this is required. It is important to note that shock chlorination/disinfection will not remove metals, pesticides, or other types of non-biological contamination. Do not drink or cook with the water until a water test is performed and confirms no harmful contaminants are in your water.

Download our wellcare® information sheet on Wildfires & Wells from our website to continue reading about water testing and caring for your water treatment and septic systems after a wildfire.

Water you giving to the next generation?

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When someone says drought, do you think about the water coming out of your taps, groundwater, or your well water? Don’t take water for granted! Just because it is there now, doesn’t mean it will be there in the future.

Drought is a period of drier than normal conditions (low or no rain or snow!) that result in water-related problems. Drought can last for months or years or may be declared after as few as 15 days. Many areas face serious regional water shortages because water is being used faster than it can be replenished naturally. Water conservation can help well owners secure their drinking water supply, save money, and protect the environment. Don’t wait until a prolonged drought creates a water emergency. Consider measures today to preserve your water supply.

Download our information sheets on Drought and Your Well and Water Conservation to learn about steps you can take. For more tips search #conservewater #savewater and #waterconservation on our social media pages.

Hotline HOT Topic: What products can I use with a water well system?

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Before you do your summer chores, you should read more…

As the weather gets warmer in most of the country, you will be spending more time outdoors. Our wellcare® Hotline has received several calls on what products are okay to use near or with a water well system.

The easiest answer is, do not use chemicals. Pesticides and fertilizers can reach aquifers through the soil by way of rain or snow recharge. Not using chemicals may not always be realistic, but we have put together some tips to help lower the risk of contamination to your drinking water:

Outdoors

The concern – Proper storage and disposal of products and using chemicals near your well.

  • Storing/disposing of chemicals– If you have open containers, store them as far away from your well as possible (at least 100ft.), in their original container with labels intact, and tightly closed. Clean up any spills immediately. Bring unwanted pesticides to your local household hazardous waste collection program. Try using earth911.com to find locations near you where you can recycle.
  • Car washing– Choose non-toxic, biodegradable soap that is free of phosphates, fragrance, chlorine, and petroleum-based ingredients. Avoid using acid-based wheel cleaners. Wash and rinse your car away from your well.
  • Lawn care– Fertilizers can be beneficial to your lawn and garden. However, many fertilizers contain nitrogen, which can convert to harmful nitrate. There are several alternatives to chemical fertilizers available at most garden centers that use natural materials to enrich soil.
  • Pest control– Pesticides can contaminate water resources, so it is best to use natural products like citrus peels, cucumbers, vinegar, traps, essential oils, or plant herbs like peppermint. The list of remedies seems endless!
  • Weeds– It may be easier to use weed killer, but it isn’t the safest option. Instead, try pulling the weeds, spot treat with salt, lemon juice (just don’t accidentally spray your flowers or lawn), vinegar, or boiling water.

Indoors

The concern – Anything that goes down the drain if you have a septic system. We recommend not using bleach products as this can kill the good bacteria in your septic. In turn, if the septic doesn’t work properly in can contaminate groundwater – your well water! You will also want to be careful with cleaning products that contain bleach as well.

For more tips on what not to put down the drain, read our information sheet on Your Septic System.