Wells are an important asset for homeowners, but they also carry a lot of responsibility. Unlike municipal water sources, private wells are not regulated. This means that when contamination of any kind occurs, you have to take action immediately. Of course, before you can do that, you first have to know if your supply is affected. The EPA suggests that all well owners invest in annual testing.

Fortunately, our experts at Hague Quality Water of Maryland can return your water to its original condition. We’ve been assisting Maryland residents for decades, and our certified lab testing is second-to-none.

Signs that Your Well Water is Contaminated

More than likely, you’ll know whether or not your well water is contaminated. Even if you regularly perform maintenance on your well, contamination can occur. This can happen at any time, so it’s best to be aware of the signs.

Your well water could be polluted if you’ve noticed any of the following indicators:

• Cloudy water. Water should be crystal clear and pristine in appearance. If you fill up a glass and find the water murky, your well water could be contaminated. Cloudy water suggests that sediment, clay, silt and dirt have entered your supply. This could also be caused by air bubbles; in this case, your pump may not be functioning properly.
• Strange-tasting water. Many residents report chemical, metallic, soapy or salty-tasting water. These flavors can signal the presence of agricultural chemicals, alkaline minerals, road salt, or sewage. These are the last things you want in your water supply.
• Unpleasant odors. If your water smells like rotten eggs, sulfur bacteria or hydrogen sulfide gas may have infiltrated your well water. Sulfur bacteria occurs naturally and aids bacterial growth. This type of contamination can cause health issues like headaches, delirium and nausea.
• Family members becoming ill. People fall ill all the time for an array of reasons. However, if your family members are experiencing sudden health problems for no apparent reason, you should have your water tested. Some symptoms to watch out for include fever, cramping, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue.
• Discolored water. Is your water orange, brown or reddish? If so, it could contain tannins or iron. These aren’t usually hazardous in smaller amounts, but they aren’t pleasant to look at. An excessive amount of iron in your water can cause damage to your pipes.
• Oily film on water surface. Oily-looking water occurs when minerals and other organic matter are present in your supply. When mixed, these create an oily appearance. Your well pump may need to be replaced if this is a problem. Sometimes, this indicates that your well was installed too close to an untreated body of water.
• Stains on your water fixtures. Reddish stains in or around your water fixtures can indicate a high amount of dissolved iron. This can lead to health risks. Green stains, on the other hand, are usually due to a high level of acidic content. When acid corrodes, it damages pipes and leeches into the water.

Contaminants Typically Found in Well Water

With a certified lab test, you can find out what specific pollutants are in your water. At Hague Quality Water of Maryland, we frequently expose these contaminants during well water tests:

• Microorganisms – bacteria, viruses, and parasites found in sewage and waste
• Nitrate and nitrites – found in fertilizers, sewage, and waste
• Heavy metals – arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, and more
• Organic chemicals – found in pesticides, dyes, paints, pharmaceuticals, solvents, disinfectants and more
• Radionuclides – uranium and radium
• Fluoride (harmful in excessive amounts)

If you are worried that your supply has been compromised, we can provide testing and treatment solutions. These contaminants often come from agricultural facilities, junkyards, commercial activities, chemical manufacturing, residential chemical storage areas and septic tanks. That being said, these contaminants have a wide variety of sources.

Your number one defense against well water contamination is regular testing. At Hague Quality Water of Maryland, our testing procedure will give you peace of mind. Contact us today for more information.

Is Your Well Water Contaminated? Hague Quality Water of Maryland Can Help

If you are concerned about your private well water or the overall quality and contents of your water, we are here to help with your water improvement projects. We are committed to offering excellent service you can count on at all times. For additional assistance, call Hague Quality Water of Maryland at (410) 951-3366.