2005
Well Testing Program Results
Click on a well contaminant to learn more about it.
Total Coliform
WHAT IS COLIFORM BACTERIA?
Coliform is a family of bacteria common in soils, plants and
animals. Fecal coliforms are bacteria that live in the digestive
systems of humans and other warm-blooded animals and may cause
disease. Because fecal coliform bacteria are difficult to test
for, total coliform is tested for instead.
HOW DO COLIFORM BACTERIA GET INTO WELL WATER?
Coliform bacterial can get into your well when nearby sewers
overflow or septic tanks leak. If coliform is found in a well,
it generally means that surface water has somehow leaked into
the well water. Improperly maintained treatment devices also can
be a source of contamination.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?
If the total coliform count is high then it is very possible
that harmful germs such as viruses, bacteria and parasites may
also be found in the water. Health symptoms related to drinking
water with a high total coliform count generally range from no
ill effects to cramps and diarrhea. In healthy adults, these effects
are usually mild and do not last long. Infants, children, the
elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems may have
more severe symptoms.
Nitrates
WHAT ARE NITRATES?
Nitrates are chemical compounds made from Nitrogen (N) and Oxygen
(O). They have the chemical formula NO3
HOW DO NITRATES GET INTO WELL WATER?
Nitrates can come from sewage or from fertilizer runoff from
farms.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS? Click
here for our nitrates graph
Nitrates can cause a condition known as Blue Baby Syndrome (methemoglobinemia)
in babies less than six months old as well as older people, pregnant
women, people with low stomach acidity, and people who lack certain
enzymes. In some cases, this syndrome can lead to diarrhea, vomiting
or even death.
Iron and Manganese
WHAT ARE IRON AND MANGANESE?
Iron and manganese are common metallic elements found in the
earth's crust.
HOW DO IRON AND MANGANESE GET INTO WELL WATER?
Water percolating through rock can dissolve minerals containing
iron and manganese and allow them to enter well water.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?
Iron and manganese can cause deposits that build up in pipelines,
water heaters and water softeners reducing water pressure and
causing stains in laundry. Iron and manganese in drinking water
are not considered health hazards.
Lead
WHAT IS LEAD?
Lead is a metal that was used in the past to make household plumbing
materials. Lead pipes and solder can still be found in many older
homes.
HOW DOES LEAD GET INTO WELL WATER?
Lead can enter your well water from household plumbing as water
travels from the well to your tap, especially if your water is
acidic. Other sources of lead include municipal landfills, industrial
facilities and waste sites.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?
Drinking water contaminated with lead can cause a variety of
adverse health effects. In children, exposure to lead in drinking
water can result in delays in physical and mental development.
Adults who drink water with high lead levels over many years could
develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.
pH
WHAT IS pH?
The pH is the measure of how acidic or alkaline well water is.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS? Click
here for our pH graph
If well water is too acidic, it can carry other contaminants
from the ground or plumbing fixtures to your tap.
Volatile Organic Compounds
WHAT ARE VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS?
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are industrial and fuel-related
chemicals.
HOW DO VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS GET INTO WELL WATER?
VOCs can enter well water from leaking underground storage tanks,
municipal waste landfills, industrial facilities or hazardous
waste sites.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS?
The effects of exposure to low levels of VOCs are not well understood.
High levels of exposure have been found to cause liver, kidney
and nervous system disorders, irregular heartbeat, high blood
pressure, anemia, and cancer.
