Is it safe to drink well water from the tap?

Is it safe to drink well water from the tap?

Yes, as a private well owner, you are responsible for testing your well to ensure the water is safe to drink. EPA is responsible for making sure that the public water supply within the United States is safe. However, EPA does not monitor or treat private well drinking water.

How do you know if your well water is safe to drink?

County health departments can conduct water tests for bacteria and nitrates. If you want to test for other substances, ask them for a list of state-certified drinking water testing labs. You can also call the NGWA’s toll-free Private Well Owner Hotline at 855-420-9355.

How often should you treat your well water?

Homeowners with private wells should have their well water tested every 3 to 5 years for some contaminants, including bacteria. If these tests turn up positive for bacteria, chlorinating the well may be a way to resolve the problem.

How do I purify my well water?

Shock chlorination is the process by which home water systems such as wells, springs, and cisterns are disinfected using household liquid bleach (or chlo- rine). Shock chlorination is the most widely recommended means of treating bacterial contamination in home water systems.

Can you get a parasite from well water?

The most common way to become infected with giardia is after swallowing unsafe (contaminated) water. Giardia parasites are found in lakes, ponds, rivers and streams worldwide, as well as in public water supplies, wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks and spas.

What shampoo should I use for well water?

ion™ Hard Water Shampoo helps prevent build-up of hard and well water minerals. Reduces dryness and damage while adding shine and moisture. Increases manageability and helps reverse and prevent discoloration. Deep yet gentle cleansing safe for all hair types, including chemically-treated hair and can be used daily.

What does well water do to blondes?

What negatively happens to hair when washed with well water? For most people, any lighter hair color (anywhere from the lightest blonde to even the lightest brown) can develop a yellowish, brassy tint from well water.

Is well water hard or soft?

Well water is not inherently hard, but it is more likely to be hard because the water is coming from the ground instead of dedicated reservoirs. Water stored in the ground will take on the attributes of the soil surrounding it, meaning well water may have excess minerals stored in it.

How do I know if my well water is hard?

Signs of hard water in your home include:

1. White scaling on faucets.
2. Soap scum on tubs and sinks.
3. Dingy whites from your laundry.
4. Mineral residue left on dishes and glassware.

Why is my well water so soft?

When the hard water passes through the tank, the sodium/potassium change places with the calcium/magnesium, allowing the hardness to be trapped in the tank, replaced by the sodium/potassium, and causing the water to come out of the tank to be, you guessed it, soft.

Do you need a water softener if you have a well?

The minerals calcium and magnesium are what make well water hard. Unless you live in a region where there is naturally less of these minerals, a home with a private well will likely require a water softener. Keep in mind, the equipment may need to be updated to efficiently and effectively treat your well water.