In some areas, you might not have the privilege of enjoying natural precipitation throughout the year. Little rainfall, coupled with rising populations across cities and suburban areas can make you experience severe water shortages at certain times of the year. By having a well, you can enjoy a reliable supply of water in times of shortages, but you need to go for a well built well to refrain from taking contaminated water. The following discussion sheds more light on contamination of water wells:
What Forms of Well Water Contamination Might Occur?
• Pathogenic Contamination: Pathogens are disease-causing microorganisms that cause infections in both plants and animals. Pathogens can survive in various environmental conditions until they find a suitable host where they can thrive. Common pathogens found in water wells include viruses, bacteria and fungi. They originate from faecal waste disposed of by animals and humans alike. Particularly, the presence of latrines, sewage and waste disposal systems in proximity to the water wells elevates the risk of pathogenic contamination.
• Chemical Contamination: Chemical contamination is another problem you might encounter with water wells. Artificial chemical contamination occurs when people use chemical agents that dissolve in ground water or stay put in the soil and find its way into the well water as residue. Chemicals used to treat sewage systems, pesticides, volatile organic compounds found in fuels, fertilisers and domestic cleaning agents top the list of notorious chemical contaminants introduced into wells by people's activities.
• Natural chemical contamination: It occurs because of naturally occurring chemicals in soils and groundwater. Magnesium and calcium deposits occur naturally in the soil and cause a common problem referred to as hard water. Besides that, iron and manganese occur in well water, and they can cause stains on plumbing and clothing.
How Do You Prevent Contamination of Well-Water?
The importance of good quality water cannot be overstated. You need to prevent contamination at all costs. Start by choosing the right location when drilling the well. It should be as far away as possible from latrines and sewage systems to prevent pathogenic contamination. Secondly, consult with your service provider to understand how they will seal and line the well to prevent contamination. Third, install a self-priming pump on the well to minimise the chances of contamination. These pumps can initiate the movement of water without any external auxiliary devices. Lastly, always clean your well with chlorine solution after every six months to keep the water safe for consumption.
