There is sits. The Well.

Hmm it tastes fine so does it really have to be tested? Absolutely! It may be clear water that tastes great, has no odour and hasn't caused any problems. Your neighbour may even say that his well water was tested and that the results are good. All of these do not indicate a good water supply or a well that is free of contaminants. There is really only one way to be sure and that is to have the water tested. Understanding the problems and potentially dangerous health risks makes the need to test more urgent. We use surprisingly large volumes of water every day. Laundry, watering the garden, washing dishes, bath and showers are something we take for granted. We also take for granted our personal consumption of water. Imagine there are contaminants in your well water and then think about brushing your teeth, making juice for the family or mixing formula for the baby. Livestock could be affected by the water in their troughs, and this also applies to the water in the bowl for your pet.

So what kinds of things could be in the water we drink? Fecal coli forms may be present when sewage or animal waste has entered the system. Nitrates are common in ground water and are usually associated with farming and pesticides. These are extremely dangerous to babies. Metals can be present in soil and rocks and may be dissolved in the water. Magnesium, iron, and zinc are the most common metals, but arsenic can have serious long-term health effects. Recently a number of wells in Sechelt were found to have levels well above the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines. Lead and copper often show up in domestic water systems. These metals can actually leach out of soldered joints or corroding pipes so it is important to run household tap water for a minute before you use it. There are many more contaminants that could be in your well water, and it well worth the money to have it tested.

The Environmental Health Division of your local Health Authority is the best place to start. A Drinking Water Officer will be able to advise you on a list of approved laboratories. For about $50.00 and costs you can have a single sample test for Total Coli forms and E. Coli. More tests for other contaminants may be necessary, and these costs will depend on the laboratory you decide to use.

If your well water proves to be contaminated beyond the level set by the Canadian Drinking Water Guidelines the water may need to be treated. An easier and less expensive way to handle this is to purchase your water or use a home treatment devise like a filter or purifying system. Whichever method you use to correct the problem you can rest assured that your well is safe for all who use the water on your property.