Opening a tap at will is something that is taken for granted by most people in developed countries. Yet, in the United States alone, about fifteen per cent of people are relying on boreholes. Public water supply systems are carefully monitored to make sure that it is safe but private boreholes are not part of any formal system. Owners of boreholes have to take personal responsibility to make sure that they conduct regular well water testing.
Owners of boreholes must make sure that they have the quality of the water tested regularly. Even if it looks clean, it may contain a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to the health of those drinking it. The University of Montana conducted studies of privately owned boreholes and found that close on forty per cent of the samples contained dangerous levels of coliform bacteria and many samples even contained unacceptably high levels of nitrate.
It is not really feasible to test regularly for all the various contaminants that can be found in privately owned boreholes. The tests are expensive. Experts advise that it is necessary to test for coliform bacteria and nitrates, however. Both of these are common contaminants and they can pose a threat to human health. Tests should also be conducted for the presence of dissolved solids, but this contaminant is mostly cosmetic.
There are a number of serious diseases that can be contracted from utilizing private boreholes. Gastrointestinal illnesses are common but hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery is also a great danger. There may even be reproductive consequences and it is especially young people that are in danger of contracting life threatening conditions. People undergoing drastic treatments such as chemotherapy are also specifically vulnerable.
Boreholes are vulnerable to contamination of a wide variety of agents that can be harmful to humans. This is especially the case in areas where there is heavy industrial operation or mines. If lead pipes are used there should also be cause for concern. Even farming operations that use pesticides and other chemicals can contaminate the underground table, thereby causing harm to the users of boreholes.
It is important to test a well that is used for domestic purposes at least once a year. The frequency should be increased if activities in the area increase. This may be mining or new farms. Also, if any member of the household falls ill the borehole should be one of the first suspects. This is especially true if the color of the content changes or if there is suddenly some sediment present.
There are a number of institutions that offer test services. Care should be taken to only use those organizations that are properly registered and that carry a seal of approval from the local authorities. The internet is a good source of information in this regard. It is recommended to check with other borehole owners and use only those facilities that have a good reputation.
Private borehole owners should take the quality and safety of their water seriously. It is vital to have it tested from time to time and to be aware of changes in the color and consistency. If this is not done, disease and discomfort are almost sure to result.
Owners of boreholes must make sure that they have the quality of the water tested regularly. Even if it looks clean, it may contain a variety of bacteria that can be harmful to the health of those drinking it. The University of Montana conducted studies of privately owned boreholes and found that close on forty per cent of the samples contained dangerous levels of coliform bacteria and many samples even contained unacceptably high levels of nitrate.
It is not really feasible to test regularly for all the various contaminants that can be found in privately owned boreholes. The tests are expensive. Experts advise that it is necessary to test for coliform bacteria and nitrates, however. Both of these are common contaminants and they can pose a threat to human health. Tests should also be conducted for the presence of dissolved solids, but this contaminant is mostly cosmetic.
There are a number of serious diseases that can be contracted from utilizing private boreholes. Gastrointestinal illnesses are common but hepatitis, diarrhea and dysentery is also a great danger. There may even be reproductive consequences and it is especially young people that are in danger of contracting life threatening conditions. People undergoing drastic treatments such as chemotherapy are also specifically vulnerable.
Boreholes are vulnerable to contamination of a wide variety of agents that can be harmful to humans. This is especially the case in areas where there is heavy industrial operation or mines. If lead pipes are used there should also be cause for concern. Even farming operations that use pesticides and other chemicals can contaminate the underground table, thereby causing harm to the users of boreholes.
It is important to test a well that is used for domestic purposes at least once a year. The frequency should be increased if activities in the area increase. This may be mining or new farms. Also, if any member of the household falls ill the borehole should be one of the first suspects. This is especially true if the color of the content changes or if there is suddenly some sediment present.
There are a number of institutions that offer test services. Care should be taken to only use those organizations that are properly registered and that carry a seal of approval from the local authorities. The internet is a good source of information in this regard. It is recommended to check with other borehole owners and use only those facilities that have a good reputation.
Private borehole owners should take the quality and safety of their water seriously. It is vital to have it tested from time to time and to be aware of changes in the color and consistency. If this is not done, disease and discomfort are almost sure to result.
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