Could your water well be supplied by corrosive groundwater?
It’s certainly possible, according a new report from the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The study of more than 20,000 wells across the United States revealed the potential for corrosive groundwater in all 50 states. If your well is compromised, lead and other metals from your pipes and fixtures can leach into your drinking water, putting the health of your family at risk.
Potential for Water Well Corrosivity in Utah and Wyoming
The USGS research found that 25 states have either a “high” or “very high” prevalence of corrosive groundwater. The states with the largest percentages of affected wells are mainly in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, Southeast and Pacific Northwest regions of the country.
So what are your chances of having a corrosion problem in your water well?
Utah groundwater was determined by the study to be at a moderate risk for corrosivity. Only 7.9 percent of the Utah water wells tested were found to be potentially corrosive. Wyoming fared even better, rating a lower risk. Only 7.1 percent of the tested Wyoming wells were affected.
Detecting Water Well Corrosion
The results of the study seem to indicate that homeowners in Utah and Wyoming need not be as concerned about corrosivity in their groundwater. However, any excess levels of lead and metals can be quite dangerous, as we have unfortunately seen in Flint, Michigan.
In adults, high lead levels can increase the likelihood of chronic health issues, including cancer, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney disease and memory impairment. For children, the health risk is even greater, as their growing bodies easily and quickly absorb lead.
Children who contract lead poisoning can experience brain damage, behavioral disorders, seizures and other serious health problems.
You might notice symptoms of corrosivity. Some homeowners report bluish-green stains in the sink, a metallic taste or unexplained leaks in metal plumbing components. Sometimes, however, the signs of contamination aren’t so obvious.
Because lead is such a health hazard in drinking water, water safety experts recommend that you test your well on an annual basis.
Solving the Problems of Corrosive Well Water
A professional well contractor can test your water for lead and, if a problem is found, recommend the safest and most effective solutions.
In some cases, you may need to replace your metal pipes with plastic PVC pipes. Or, you could opt to install a water treatment device or filter to reduce corrosivity in your well water. Some well owners also choose to use small devices that use distillation, reverse osmosis or an activated alumina filter to remove metals at individual household taps.
If you are worried about lead in your well, you aren’t alone. To protect your family’s health and your peace of mind, schedule water quality testing with Mike Zimmerman Well Service LLC. Serving customers in Utah and Wyoming, we are the Intermountain West’s premier licensed, bonded and insured water well contractor.
