by Melissa D. Ing

Created on: July 31, 2006   Last Updated: March 24, 2011

So often we take our drinking water for granted. If you live in a city with government montiored drinking systems, you are probably safe, although nothing is infallible. If your drinking water source is from a well, periodic testing is a must. Here's what to do and what to look for.

Well Water:
If purchasing an existing property that runs on well water, have it tested by a qualified water engineer, BEFORE you buy. Significant water problems can indicte significant costs, and if they exist, you may want to re-think your purchase, or haggle down the cost. The good news? Any new home construction in the US and Canada, must have the water source tested before any well is drilled or any property built.

Unsure whether a property runs on well water? Getting well water into your home means having a water pump and cold water storage unit, usually these are located in the basement. Just because you don't see a well, don't assume a property runs on town/city water services.

How to test well water:
There are two ways. A do-it-yourself kit from any large hardware chain store, or employing a qualified water technician to collect a sample, and then render any appropriate measures. Having previously lived in a rural area, tried the home kits, and farmer's remedies, I'd pay the technician. If you live in Canada however; with the exception of property purchases,water testing can be done for free by the Department of Environment.

What water technicians/engineers look for:
Primarily water engineers check for bacteria in the form of e-coli; and if the residence is near farms fecal coliform.
The second thing they check for are minerals such as iron; magnesium; lead,mercury and arsenic from agricultural run off in rural areas.
Determination of the waters ph levels is also tested. Ph levels should be as close to the neutral level of 5.5 as possible.

Why water testing is important:

Just because the well water looks okay, doesn't have a funny colour or taste does not mean its safe!
'Sick water' has been linked to deaths of fetuses in women, and certain types of cancers, such as stomach and bladder. HIV and cancer patients can get sicker from bad water.

What we can do to keep water safe:

If you have water well there are many thinks to do to keep your drinking water safe:

Keep a concrete lid (not a wooden one) on your well.
Install a water softener.
Install a tap water filter on both kitchen and bathroom taps.
Install a shower water filter.
If you have an older rural home, remove any lead water pipes you may have and replace with plastic or copper ones.

Safe water is the best water!

Learn more about this author, Melissa D. Ing.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.