Health Risks From Contaminated Well Water

Private residential water wells are reliable and cost-effective. You don't have to worry about water interruptions and boil advisories, and you don't have to pay monthly bills. Nevertheless, the biggest drawback to private water wells, as opposed to public water systems, is the higher risk of contamination. High levels of bacteria, chemicals, and heavy metals in the water will put you at a greater risk of waterborne diseases.

While you can have your well water inspected in water test laboratories anytime, it'd also be good to understand the following health risks of drinking contaminated water.

Gastrointestinal Illnesses Diseases like diarrhea and amebiasis are usually caused by bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are found in human and animal wastes and other decaying matter. These pathogens get to your tap water from sewage and septic leakage that reach private wells. They can also contaminate water through faulty plumbing systems. You'll generally experience nausea and loose bowel movements as a sign that you have a gastrointestinal illness.

Chronic Toxicity Highly toxic chemicals and heavy metals can poison the liver, kidney, and other gastrointestinal organs. The level of poisoning depends on how long you were exposed to these substances. Chemicals and heavy metals from industrial wastes can reach your private well through groundwater movement and surface seepage. Chronic fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and achy joints are some of the effects of drinking water tainted by highly toxic substances.

Did you know? High levels of a chemical called dioxane have recently been showing up in water test results in America. Dioxane-contaminated products cause cancer if ingested or used on the skin.

Hypoxemia Hypoxemia is a condition where your blood oxygen levels are below normal. If you don't have enough oxygen in your blood, you'll be at risk for ischemic stroke and other brain dysfunctions. You can get hypoxemia from ingesting nitrates and nitrites, which can get to your well water from surface runoffs and groundwater movement. These ions come from sewage treatment plants, industrial wastes, and application of manure and inorganic fertilizers in agricultural areas. Symptoms of hypoxemia include dizziness, shortness of breath, and having bluish skin, lips, and fingernails.

We come into contact with pathogens and toxic substances every day, and we can avoid disease by reducing or eliminating them. Help secure your family's health by ensuring the quality and safety of your tap water. Have your well water inspected by water test laboratories.