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Reasons to Test My Private Well Water

Many homes in suburban and rural areas rely on private wells for water, and unlike municipal water systems, the homeowner is responsible for testing the quality of the water and treating it, if necessary. While in many cases the quality of well water is as good or better than municipal water, there is always the possibility of contamination from your property or those around you, especially if you live near a farm, a manufacturing facility, a salvage yard or any other commercial enterprise. Water contamination can cause a number of comfort and health problems, ranging from water that has a poor taste, to gastrointestinal illnesses or heavy metal poisoning.

With our comprehensive well water testing and treatment services, our water quality experts at Water Doctor can help you provide clean, healthy water for your family that protects their health, as well as their comfort. Keep reading below to learn more about why testing your private well water is so important.

Reasons to Test Your Well Water

Ideally, you should test your well water at least once a year, as recommended by the EPA, but testing it more often can allow you to catch problems early. Regular well water testing can:

  • Protect your family from illnesses, infections, and heavy metal poisoning
  • Improve the quality, taste, and smell of your water
  • Control hard water to improve cleaning ability and bathing comfort
  • Protect plumbing fixtures and laundry from lime scalee, soap scum, rust, and staining
  • Prevent plumbing and fixture damage from acidic water, corrosion, and mineral accumulations

Well water testing determines which contaminants are in your water supply, allowing you to choose the best treatment option for your needs, from sediment filters, to reverse osmosis and UV purification.

Signs That You May Have a Water Quality Problem

It is not always easy to spot contaminated water. Water that looks clean and clear can easily contain bacteria or lead, or it may simply taste odd. Water that is not perfectly clear, or that has a objectionable taste or smell, may be perfectly safe to drink. Here are a few signs that you should have your water tested as soon a possible:

  • Frequent stomach problems, flu-like symptoms or other illnesses
  • Abnormal tastes or smells in the water
  • Soaps that do not lather or rinse well
  • Rust or other stains on fixtures or laundry
  • Low water pressure or restricted water lines
  • Clogged plumbing fixtures

If you notice any of these problems, have your well water tested by a professional.

Common Well Water Contaminants

Here are just a few of the contaminants that can be present in well water:

  • Bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other microorganisms
  • Metals like iron, copper, lead, and cadmium
  • Arsenic, acids, nitrites, nitrates, minerals, and salts
  • VOCs, oil, gasoline, pesticides, and other chemicals
  • Radon, radium, or uranium

In minuscule amounts, these contaminants may not do much harm, and some, like the minerals and iron, may actually be healthy. But as levels approach the limits set by the EPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act, the chances of health problems increase dramatically.

For Well Water Testing and Treatment, Call Water Doctor Today

At Water Doctor, we can test your water quality and offer treatment solutions that address any water quality concerns, including reverse osmosis, water softening, UV purification, and iron removal systems.

Contact Water Doctor today at 877-677-9275 for an appointment!

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