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Jumat, 25 April 2014

Why Every Borehole Owner Should Pay Attention To Well Water Testing

By Essie Osborn


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.

The danger of contaminated boreholes should not be underestimated. Young people and those with debilitating diseases such as cancer and AIDS patients are especially vulnerable. Hepatitis, neurological disorders and dysentery are common. Diarrhea is another commonplace consequence. Borehole products can even lead to reproductive problems and many cases of neurological disorders have been linked to the use of suspect borehole products.

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 places that can test boreholes. Owners should be careful, however. Some test facilities are not recognized and their results are suspect. It may be better to use those facilities connected to local authorities or to local academic institutions. The internet is a wonderful source of information in this regard. Advice and guidance can also be sought from other borehole owners.

Having a private borehole is, for some people ate least, a privilege and for others it is the only way in which they can enjoy baths and moisture. Great care should be taken, however, to ensure that it is safe and that it does not contain potentially harmful contaminants. Tests should be conducted regularly and the quality of the product should be safe guarded.




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