The United States has the world’s safest public water supply but, unfortunately, millions of Americans still fall sick from drinking contaminated water every year. The parts of the country that rely on well water are found to be the most vulnerable because the chances of a well getting contaminated are much higher.
So, how is a person supposed to know whether they are in danger of drinking bad water? That is what we will be discussing next in detail.
Is There Rust in the Water?
Rust in underground water is both common and unhealthy, but it’s also the most easily detectable sign that something is wrong with the water supply. Look for the following signs first:
- Does the water at times appear murky with a reddish or orange/yellow tint?
- Are the metallic containers/fixtures rusting quickly?
- Do clothes washed in well water often end up with brown/orange stains?
- Does the water have a metallic/sulfuric odor?
If the answer is yes to even one of these questions, then the well most likely has too much iron, magnesium, and iron bacteria in it. Order a test and call for professional water well repair and treatment services to consider options for cleaning the well.
Are People Suffering from Frequent Stomach Bugs?
When well water is infected by parasites and not bacteria, then the infection can be a lot harder to trace back to its source. Both bacterial and parasitic infections can relapse in people already infected, but the difference between them is noticeable. Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium, for example, are parasitic single cell organisms that do not cause the patient to experience extreme, life-threatening symptoms right away.
However, the patients will often develop chronic dysentery and mild nausea, with infrequent breaks in between. Most people infected by a waterborne bacterium such as salmonella or E. coli, on the other hand, will experience extreme symptoms (high fever, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, etc.) each and every time the bacteria activates.
Both types of infection can be treated successfully in most cases, but it would come back again if the germs originated from the patients’ drinking water supply itself. If there are multiple individuals with similar symptoms who also use the same well water, it’s time to get the water tested for contamination. If any germs are found, contact the local authorities for advice on possible remedial actions.
Is the Water Darker than Usual?
Lead particles in the water are often visible to the naked eye and it will make the water appear darker than regular water. However, it is very difficult, if not impossible to tell without testing, whether a well is indeed contaminated by lead in small amounts. Given that lead is an extremely poisonous heavy metal, the usual signs of heavy metal poisoning will be noticeable soon after.
They include, but are not limited to chronic joint pain, chronic muscle fatigue, chronic stomach pain, constipation, premature memory loss, chronic migraines, infertility, birth defects, and more. Any suspicion of lead presence in the well must be followed up immediately by a reliable water test. Stop drinking the well water if you have suspicions that it can be a cause for sickness and wait until the test results arrive.
