There are several tests that, if done periodically, can help owners of private wells determine whether they have safe, clean usable water. Periodic testing will confirm the quality of your well water. State well construction codes require that new wells be tested before use. You should consider testing anytime you notice a change in color or taste, quarterly for Bacteria and annually for Nitrates.

The two most important well water tests are Bacteria and Nitrate. Other water tests include Lead, Radon Gas and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)

NOTE: If you have questions regarding how to request a water test or need assistance interpreting the results of your test, contact one of our water supply specialists at 727 - 494 - 1441.

TASTE AND COLOR

Often taste and odor problems are caused by tannis, sulfur, sulfide bacteria or iron bacteria. Tests can be done to evaluate these non-health related water quality problems. However a change in taste, odor, or color of water could be indicative of a more serious contamination problem and the need for additional testing. Anytime you notice a change in your water it is wise to have it tested.

PERIODIC SHOCK CHLORINATION WITH HIGH DOSES OF CHLORINE

This involves injecting into the well, pump system and piping a 50 to 200 ppm dose of chlorine. The chlorine residual is allowed to sit in the well for 6 to 24 hours, and then the water is pumped out until the chlorine residual is gone. This will typically eliminate the odor problem temporarily. If the odor returns, often within a couple of days to a few weeks, the procedure can be repeated. If after a couple of repeated shock-chlorination procedures, the odor is still present, one of the other methods will need to be used.

BACTERIA

Coliform Bacteria are microorganisms found in the intestines of warm blooded animals as well as in soil, on vegetation, and in surface water runoff. Finding Coliform Bacteria in a water supply is an indication that there is a potential for disease-producing organisms to be present also.

Coliform Bacteria washed into the ground by rains and flooding are usually filtered out as water percolates through the soil. However, poorly maintained or unsealed wells, or sinkhole activity may provide a path for these bacteria to enter the ground water.

Once in the ground water, Bacteria can easily pollute drinking water used by private well owners. Other bacteria, viruses and parasites, which can cause illness, can be in water containing coliform bacteria.

NITRATE

Although Nitrate is found naturally in many types of food. High levels in drinking water pose a serious acute health threat for infants less than six months of age. Nitrate is changed to Nitrite in the stomachs of small infants. The Nitrite then interferes with the bloods ability to produce oxygen, and symptoms of suffocation or "Blue Baby Syndrome" can occur. This problem generally does not affect older children or adults but may pose a health risk the the elderly.

Sources of Nitrate include fertilizer infiltration in current or past agricultural areas, sewage absorption fields, urban drainage and decaying plant material.

A Nitrate test is recommended for all wells and is essential for wells serving infants and the elderly.

OTHER WATER TESTS

LEAD

Lead is a toxic metal that was used in the construction of plumbing in years past. Excessive levels of Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system, red blood cells and the reproductive system. Due to these risks the majority of indoor plumbing is done with copper. A lead test is strongly recommended to determine safe drinking water, once this has been established, testing every three to five years is adequate.

RADON GAS

Radon gas is a cancer causing agent that occurs naturally in the environment and is present in some degree in all soil and ground water. Long term exposure to elevated levels of radon Gas will substantially increase the risk of contracting lung cancer. The cancer risk from Radon Gas found in homes usually far exceeds the cancer risk associated with ground water.

Persons concerned about reducing cancer risks should first evaluate their exposure to radon gas in their home. Before testing your water for radon gas, you should sample the air in your home. Air sampling kits are available and easy to use. If your home has a high level of radon in the air, venting and other alternatives are more economically efficient for reducing radon levels and should be considered before water testing or treatment.

VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS (VOC)

Volatile Organic Compounds are widely used as cleaning and liquefying agents in fuels, paints, degreasers, solvents, polishes, cosmetics and cleaning solutions. If spilled or dumped on the ground these substances can seep into underground drinking water supplies. A common source of VOC in ground water is buried, leaking fuel containers. High doses of VOC can harm the Kidneys, Liver and central nervous system. Many VOC's also cause cancer and reproductive system problems. 

It is recommended that wells near current or existing pollution sources be tested initially. Then, as with Lead testing every three to five years is adequate.