Well water problems and how to fix problems with well water when they are found by PWTA or other well water testing!

Well water testing

I have Coliform Bacteria in my water. What do I do?

Coliform bacteria is a common contaminant in many water supplies. Public water supplies treat for this condition daily with chlorine. If found in private well water, it can also be treated by chlorine disinfection. In fact, the most common contaminant found in untreated well water is coliform bacteria. Most are not harmful if they are present at low levels. However, certain types such as E.Coli or fecal coliform, should not be present even at low levels. Annual chlorination is recommended for private wells. There are other treatment methods available, such as continuous chlorine injection or UV treatment. See Water Treatment for more information.

Well water problems

My first draw lead sample did not conform to standards. What does this mean?

Until recently pipe solder contained lead. As water sits in plumbing pipes the lead dissolves (especially if the water is acidic). The cheapest and easiest way to avoid exposure to lead, in this instance, is to only drink or cook with water that has not been in your plumbing pipes for long. Prior to use, run cold water until the temperature changes, from about room temperature to about 40F degrees. The "cold" water will be fresh from the well!

I have a water softener and my water tested high for sodium. What does this mean?

The water sample may have been drawn when the water softener shifted into a backwash cycle or repair or adjustment of the water softener may be necessary. Contact the vendor or manufacturer of the water softener to determine the best way to proceed. Many home owners have changed to potassium chloride instead of the more commonly used sodium chloride to avoid problems, check with the vendor or manufacturer to determine if this is allowable.

The pH of my well water does not conform to standards. What does this mean?

The pH is a measurement of the acidity of water. The lower the pH, the more acidic the water. The pH of most well water is generally less than 7.0, for areas in sandy soil, and higher if the soil conditions are rocky or contain ñÚV– certain clays. In most cases non-conformity is due to a low pH (<6.5). The pH of water is not a primary parameter, but it is important. If the pH is low, there is a greater chance of certain harmful metals, such as lead, dissolving into the water. Also, a low pH can lead to corrosion of plumbing lines and fixtures. Many types of bacteria, such as iron related bacteria, thrive in waters at certain levels of pH. Non-conformity for high pH is not as common, but could indicate leaching of caustic substances into a water supply. The pH of your water should be in the range of 6.5-8.5.

Will you or your firm tell anyone what is in my water?

The results of the 100 Parameter water test will be released only to you. The Private Well Testing Act results are reported to the State Department of Environmental Protection and sometimes to Local Health Departments.

Do I "have to" address non conformance?

If the recently analyzed water sample did not conform to one of the standards required by the PWTA it is unlikely the condition will clear up on its own. If you address non conformance now you can enjoy the benefits while you continue to live in the home.

How do the 100 Parameter water test parameters exceed the testing parameters required by the Private Well Testing Act?

The (Morris County) PWTA tests for Total Coliform, Nitrate, Iron, Manganese, pH VOCs, Lead and Arsenic. In addition to PWTA requirements the 100 Parameter tests forcomp Mercury, Sodium, Hardness(CaCo3), PCB's and Pesticides.

Below is a list of common well water contaminates and their treatment methods:

Well Water Treatment Method Index

1 - Chlorination 2 - Filtration 3 - Distillation

4 - Reverse Osmosis 5 - Ultra Violet Light Systems

6 - Special Ion Exchange Systems 7 - Acid Neutralizer 8 - Water Softener 9 - A problem with your water softener

Well water, well water problems and how to fix problems with well water when they are found by PWTA or other well water testing!

Parameter Problem Treatment

Bacteria Source of Disease 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Heavy Metals Threat To Health 3, 4

Copper/Lead Potential Toxin 3, 4, 7

Sodium Salty/Alkaline Taste Potential Health Risk 2, 3, 4, 9

Iron Aesthetic Problems Discoloration/Bitter Taste 8

Manganese Aesthetic Problems Discoloration/Bitter Taste 8

Nitrate Threat to Infant Health 3, 4, 6

Chloride Salty/Alkaline Taste Corrosive to Pipes 3, 4

Hardness (Calcium) Aesthetic Problems Cause of Scale on Pipes 8

Hydrogen Sulfide Aesthetic Problems "Rotten Egg" Smell 1, 2

Acidic Water (low pH) Cause of Corrosion Cause of Lead Leaching 7