Water problems not to be ignored

Be sure to have your water tested, especially if you are on a well

Date published: 6/26/2009

AS AN EXTENSION agent concerned with all aspects of water quality, I often hear about the problems homeowners are experiencing with their household water. Most of these issues involve homeowners who have private wells. In the greater Fredericksburg area more than half of all housing units are served by individual water systems that depend on groundwater sources.

If your water comes from a public or municipal system, it is regulated by federal and state standards and regularly tested for contaminants. These contaminants include microbial pathogens, radioactive elements and certain toxic chemicals. With these systems there is seldom a need for home water treatment.

If you are on a private well you are personally responsible for testing and treating the water to avoid health risks. No water is 100 percent pure. It will usually contain minerals, gases, bacteria, metals and chemicals. Many of these are harmless, but some can harm your health, damage equipment, stain fixtures such as tubs and sinks, or emit odors.

One major concern is microbial pathogens in the water supply. These include bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can turn up if your well is near a septic tank or an area subject to animal wastes.

Your local health department can test your water for the presence of coliform bacteria, which originate in the intestinal tracts of humans and animals. A positive coliform test indicates that the water may be polluted with sewage or animal waste, and further tests are advisable. Health problems caused by such contamination include headaches, nausea, intestinal disturbances and waterborne diseases.

The Virginia Department of Health recommends that private well water be tested for bacterial contamination at least once a year. All county health departments offer residential water testing for a small fee.

Many contaminants are categorized as "nuisance contaminants," such as iron, non-coliform bacteria, copper, sulfates, and chlorides or salts. These have no adverse health effects at low levels, but make the household water unsuitable for some uses.

Mac Saphir is an agent in Virginia Cooperative Extension's Bowling Green office specializing in crop and soil science. Phone 804/633-6550; fax 804/633-2429; e-mail msaphir@vt.edu.

Follow us on

Date published: 6/26/2009