Here in the form of table you'll find some examples of possible water contamination its causes, consequences and options to overcome such problems. Get to know what must be done if living in outlying countryside to safeguard well water.

Water Contamination

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The information stated in this section can explicate and help to answer a number of questions with reference to plumbing projects. After getting acquainted you’ll be able, or at least know what must be done to safeguard well water in outlying rural areas, how to prevent water contamination, select appropriate pipes and equipment for your home and so forth.

Water Contamination

People, who live in cities and towns may depend on municipal water authorities to safeguard their water, but those who live in outlying rural areas must guard themselves on their own. People, who live in rural neighborhoods, must always test their water, and install a well water treatment system if necessary.

Even though well water is usually relatively pure, having been filtered by underground aquifers, it has been found that the encroachment of agricultural and residential development can cause contamination of ground water many miles away from the source of the contamination. Below are some of the examples of possible water contamination:

Possible Water Contamination Problems
Concern	Cause	Consequences	Options
E. Coli Bacteria Detected	• human or animal sewage getting into well	• may result in serious illness – of special concern to visitors, infants, seniors and other frail individuals • stop using well water	• use alternate water supply, and • consult local public health unit staff for advice
Coliform Bacteria (Total Coliform > 5 Counts)	• surface water getting into well	• early warning of possible illness	• consult local public health unit for advice • inspect and repair well • shock chlorinate well if necessary, and • retest
Fluoride	• naturally occurring mineral in aquifer	• high levels can result in mottling of children’s teeth • in severe cases, bone defects can occur	• test for level • avoid fluoride dental treatment and toothpaste, and • distill water for drinking or use bottled water if level is very high
Iron	• naturally occurring mineral in aquifer	• yellow or red cloudy water • not hazardous to health • can stain plumbing and laundry • may increase over time and make well water unusable	• use chlorination–filtration • consider greensand treatment, and • distill water
Iron Bacteria	• growth of non-harmful bacteria, creating black slime and particles	• well pump failure (overheating), low flow rates • may increase over time	• shock chlorinate
Pesticides	• local spraying, spills	• long-term health risk	• stop using well water • use alternate water supply, and • consult local Ministry of the Environment and public health unit staff about treatment options

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