Most of us take water for granted… just go to the tap and fill up your glass, right? But if you’re enjoying life in the country, you may have a well as your source for drinking water, and there are several things you need to know.
Well water is simply ground water that has not been treated. This water may taste, smell, and look different than city water and could create problems in laundry, housecleaning, or bathing.
Let’s look at some common problems with well water.
Well Water is Almost Always Hard
Have you seen hard, crusty mineral deposits on your showerhead, dishwasher, or faucets? This is because your groundwater dissolves magnesium and calcium, minerals found in the rocks and soil… and they make your well water hard. Over time and left untreated, these minerals build up, eventually clogging pipes and plugging up your showerhead. In your laundry, hard water can make white clothing look gray and colored fabrics can fade. Hard water makes your skin feel dry and itchy because it reduces the ability of soaps and shampoos to lather up!
So… the answer to all these annoyances is a water softener to condition your well water. A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium that interferes with the action of the soaps and detergents you use. And…did you know a water softener can save you money, too? It’s estimated that hard water can cost the average family of four AN EXTRA $1150 a year!
Well Water Can Smell Bad!
Does your well water smells like rotten eggs? Yuck! The problem is common to private wells and is caused by hydrogen sulfate (sulfur). If the level of sulfur is too high, the water can taste bitter, and it can cause stomach pain or nausea… and who wants to use stinky water!? We’ll test your well water and determine the right filtration system to eliminate sulfur from your water without using toxic chemicals.
Well Water Can Cause Stains
If you notice stains in your sink, tub, or toilet, the likely culprit is a high level of iron in your well water. These orange stains are ugly and tough to remove. How did this iron get into your well water? As rainwater moves through your soil, it passes through rock that contains iron deposits, dissolves it, and carries it to your underground water source. While water with a high level of iron isn’t typically hazardous to your health, it can have a metallic taste and strong odor. It’s a real nuisance, too, as it can ruin sinks and toilets, as well as your clothes. The best way to eliminate iron from your well water is an iron filtration system. These systems will oxidize dissolved iron and filter it out of your water.
Well Water Can Become Contaminated
While groundwater is less likely to be affected by pollutants than surface water, the possibility of your well water being contaminated is very real. Elements like radon, arsenic, and uranium are dissolved in groundwater and move through the soil and rock. Runoff from agricultural products and septic tanks also cause concern. Contamination varies by region so testing by a certified company like Advanced Water Solutions will give you real peace of mind, knowing every drop is safe for your family.
You are responsible for the quality of your well water and for protecting it from possible contaminants and pollution. Advanced Water Solutions will test your well water at NO CHARGE! Our professional analysis will make sure that every time you turn on the tap, you’re getting safe, clean water from your well!