Wells offer clean, fresh water for drinking, cooking, bathing, and household cleaning. However, as a private well owner, you're responsible for obtaining inspections and routine testing to ensure your family's source of hydration is safe. Regular water well services help maintain your well, but there's still a chance that certain hazards can contaminate your supply. The following guide explores a few of the most common. Here's what you should know. 

What Are the Most Common Contaminants Found in Residential Wells?

1. Nitrites & Nitrates

Nitrites and nitrates are found in fertilizers, but they're also present in human and animal waste. These substances are particularly dangerous if consumed by pregnant women and babies, as they're associated with health effects like shortness of breath. Fortunately, water purification systems eliminate harmful nitrates from drinking water. You can also take care to use safe practices when caring for your lawn, including storing fertilizers indoors or in a shed and never using them near the wellhead.

2. Bacteria & Other Microorganisms

Microorganisms can make their way into your water supply in a few ways. Contamination from sewer lines, septic systems, or animal waste can seep through the soil and into your underground aquifer thanks to runoff from rainfall or melting snow. These bacteria and viruses can cause significant health issues, including gastrointestinal distress. This is especially true of E.coli, which is linked to nausea, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. If you have a septic tank on your property, you can ensure it's properly maintained by having the system inspected routinely, and the tank pumped every three to five years to prevent leaks and other issues. 

3. Heavy Metals

There are roughly 40 heavy metals, but those commonly found in drinking water include copper, lead, manganese, arsenic, and chromium. If you live near industrial plants, such as petroleum refineries, there's a risk that the waste products they produce will make their way into your water supply. Consuming heavy metals over a long period can increase your cancer risk and damage your organs. Having a water well service test your water yearly is a must to gauge its quality and detect contaminants before they cause health problems.

Rest easy knowing your water supply is safe when you schedule routine water well services from Elberta Pump Repair & Well Drilling Inc. in Alabama. They've provided repair, installation, and maintenance for customers throughout Baldwin and Mobile counties for over 16 years. Every job they perform is backed by a one-year warranty, and they pride themselves on making repairs quickly and efficiently. Visit the website for a complete list of services, or call (251) 986-3055 to schedule an appointment.