Homeowners in the Warrenton, VA area often come to us with questions about well water and what they should expect and what they should know. Working with a well is a somewhat new experience for some in the Northern Virginia area, and with inexperience comes questions – that is where we come in. Below are some of the most asked questions we receive from clients with regard to wells and well water. If you have further questions, give our experts at Soils and Environmental Services a call today!
Should I have my private well tested for purity?
Absolutely; not only for your own protection, but also as your responsibility. All homeowners are responsible for ensure that their water is safe to drink, which is typically oversee by local or county departments. While the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is responsible for overseeing the public water supply in the country, but private wells are not under their jurisdiction.
My well water tastes ok, but the test results indicate my water is contaminated. How do germs and chemicals even get in my well water?
Since a private well such as that at your Northern Virginia home uses groundwater as the source of water in the well, there are many options for contamination to make its way into your water supply. Commonly known sources of contaminants include naturally occurring minerals like arsenic and uranium, man-made contaminants like pesticides, fertilizers and biosolids. Local manufacturing processes, sewer leaks, failed septic systems in the area and other issues can easily lead to a contamination of the ground water.
My water smells a bit weird, should I worry about getting sick from drinking it or cooking with it?
If the smell has always be present, and your water was previously tested, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, if you notice a significant or sudden change in your water, testing should be completed immediately. While you should not panic, as a change in the smell, color taste of your well water is not a guarantee of a health hazard, it could be a sign of contamination and should be evaluated sooner rather than later.
For more information on well water testing or well water safety contact the professionals at SES today.