Yes, BOROUX Can Filter Out Contaminants in Well Water.
The BOROUX Foundation Filters are proven and extremely effective at blocking numerous contaminants, including contaminants commonly found in well water. The activated-carbon infused with silver, that the BOROUX Foundation Filters are made of, are exceptional at blocking unwanted contaminants.
Why is it important to filter well water?
Well water is not regulated by the government (which has its pros and cons), which leaves the responsibility of the water quality up to the well owner. Without proper maintenance and upkeep, wells can deliver unhealthy water. Land surrounding a well drilled 50 years ago is probably a lot different that what it currently looks like today, with the increase in pesticide use and development. All that affects the ground water, which is what goes into wells.
Maintaining and testing a well regularly is the first step to keep the water quality acceptable. Filtering it further, with a BOROUX is the step the solidifies peace of mind. Just in case anything changes in between the times that the well is tested, BOROUX consistently and reliably filters out contaminants to deliver safe, clean water.
Private well owners are responsible for delivering safe drinking water to their households. Approximately 42 million people in the U.S. are on well water, which is about 23 million households. The quality and safety of drinking water from private domestic wells are not regulated by the Federal Government under the Safe Drinking Water Act. They're often not regulated by most state governments and laws either.
What contaminants are in well water?
The contaminants in well water varies, and depends on the location, age, and source water. Oftentimes, wells are used in rural areas, which typically has higher levels of bacteria, heavy metals, organic chemicals, radionuclides and fluoride. Leakage and seepage introduces many contaminants in ground water. Naturally occurring fluoride can be present in many aquifers which then shows up in private wells.
How to test well water?
With so much variability from place to place, well water quality is questionable. Find certainty by testing the well. Simple Labs offers comprehensive test kits. These kits provide a clear report of which contaminants are present, and how much of each contaminant is present. For example, a report may show that there's only traces of mercury, and high levels of pesticides in the water. The detailed report is an excellent snapshot of well water quality. Professional testing can also be commissioned.
Testing your private well’s water quality on a regular basis is an important part of maintaining a safe and reliable source. The test results allow you to properly address the specific problems of a water supply. This will help ensure that the water source is being properly protected from potential contamination, and that appropriate treatment is selected and operating properly. It is important to test the suitability of your water quality for its intended use, whether it be livestock watering, chemical spraying, or drinking water.
Regular testing is important to:
- Identify existing problems
- Ensure water is suitable for the intended use, especially if used for drinking by humans and animals
- Track changes over time
- Determine the effectiveness of a treatment system
The quality of a water source may change over time, even suddenly. Changes can go unnoticed as the water may look, smell, and taste the same.
Is my water safe to drink?
The only way to tell if your drinking water is safe is by having it tested at a certified laboratory. Harmful contaminants are invisible to the naked eye, so water which looks and tastes good may not necessarily be safe to drink. These toxins can exist in surface and groundwater supplies, and can cause immediate harm in humans if not properly treated. Certain chemical contaminants that are sometimes found in a water source can cause long term health problems that take years to develop. Frequent water testing will identify unsafe water and ensure that the treatment system is treating the water to a satisfactory level.
What tests should I have done?
Useful tests are available to help determine the health and safety of a water supply, and the performance of a water treatment system. Your local health department can assist in selecting tests important for assessing your drinking water.
- Basic water potability.Include tests for coliform bacteria, nitrates, pH, sodium, chloride, fluoride, sulphate, iron, manganese, total dissolved solids, and hardness.
- Ions.Ions such as sodium, chloride, sulphate, iron, and manganese can impart objectionable taste or odor to water.
- Sulfate.Excessive amounts of sulfate can have a laxative effect or cause gastrointestinal irritation.
- Fluoride.Fluoride is an essential micro-nutrient, but excessive amounts can cause dental problems.
- Total dissolved solids.Represent the amount of inorganic substances (i.e. sodium, chloride, sulphate) that are dissolved in the water. High total dissolved solids (TDS) can reduce the palatability of water.
- Additional testing.Other tests may be appropriate if a particular contaminant is suspected in the water. For instance, groundwater sources are sometimes tested for arsenic, selenium, and uranium. Both surface and groundwater sources may also be tested for pesticide contamination.
How often should I test my well water?
Private well water should be tested a minimum of once per year. Drinking water supplies obtained from shallow wells and surface water sources should be tested more frequently (i.e. seasonally), as they are more susceptible to contamination.
It is important to test your drinking water at the tap and at the source. Testing both will help you determine if your treatment system is performing correctly, and if the quality of your source water has changed.
Where can I get my well water tested?
Contact your local or state Health and Human Services Department. They will be able to refer you to a certified laboratory in your area. In addition, many communities offer free screenings, called “Test Your Well” events. You may also use the Find a Contractor feature on Wellowner.org to find well water testing companies in your area.
Well Contamination
A well can easily be contaminated if it is not properly constructed or if toxic materials are released into the well. Toxic material spilled or dumped near a well can leach into the aquifer and contaminate the groundwater drawn from that well. Contaminated wells used for drinking water are especially dangerous. Wells can be tested to see what chemicals, pathogens and other contaminants may be in the well and if they are present in dangerous quantities.
