If you already own a water well, here are three steps you can take to reduce risk to your water supply:
* Get an annual well maintenance check-up by a qualified water well systems contractor to determine whether the well is properly constructed, clean and in good working order. You can learn more about what is involved in such a check-up by going to www.wellowner.org.
* Have your water tested annually for bacteria, nitrates and anything else of local concern. Check the water more frequently if there is a change the water's taste, odor or appearance.
* Should any contaminants above levels of health concern remain after proper well maintenance, including cleaning, if necessary, a water treatment device may resolve any water quality issues.
It is important to note that no U.S. federal drinking water standards exist for pharmaceuticals and EDCs in water.
Consequently, many water testing laboratories do not have the equipment necessary to test for these compounds.
Water treatment experts find that existing technologies show promise in removing many of these substances from water. Such technologies include activated carbon, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and ozonation.
For those considering a new well, Newlin said it is important to use a qualified water well system contractor to properly locate and construct the well to minimize the potential for contamination of the water.
Finally, Newlin said proper septic system maintenance can be crucial in helping to protect ground water from contamination, particularly from harmful bacteria.
A properly working septic system can effectively treat sewage so the effluent that flows back into the ground can be naturally filtered by the earth. However, a failing septic system can result in inadequately treated effluent, potentially contaminating the ground water.
Septic systems should be checked every one to two years, and pumped every three to five years by a professional contractor.
Finally, the Office of National Drug Policy recommends that many drugs not be poured down the drain or flushed down the toilet. For specific disposal guidelines, visit http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/factsht/proper_disposal.html.
Newlin, a member of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), said these safety steps should be practiced under any circumstances-not just in response to the recent news reports about widespread detection of trace amounts of drugs and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in America's water supply. EDCs mimic or block hormones.
If you already own a water well, here are three steps you can take to reduce risk to your water supply:
* Get an annual well maintenance check-up by a qualified water well systems contractor to determine whether the well is properly constructed, clean and in good working order. You can learn more about what is involved in such a check-up by going to www.wellowner.org.
* Have your water tested annually for bacteria, nitrates and anything else of local concern. Check the water more frequently if there is a change the water's taste, odor or appearance.
* Should any contaminants above levels of health concern remain after proper well maintenance, including cleaning, if necessary, a water treatment device may resolve any water quality issues.
It is important to note that no U.S. federal drinking water standards exist for pharmaceuticals and EDCs in water.
Consequently, many water testing laboratories do not have the equipment necessary to test for these compounds.
Water treatment experts find that existing technologies show promise in removing many of these substances from water. Such technologies include activated carbon, reverse osmosis, nanofiltration and ozonation.
For those considering a new well, Newlin said it is important to use a qualified water well system contractor to properly locate and construct the well to minimize the potential for contamination of the water.
Finally, Newlin said proper septic system maintenance can be crucial in helping to protect ground water from contamination, particularly from harmful bacteria.
A properly working septic system can effectively treat sewage so the effluent that flows back into the ground can be naturally filtered by the earth. However, a failing septic system can result in inadequately treated effluent, potentially contaminating the ground water.
Septic systems should be checked every one to two years, and pumped every three to five years by a professional contractor.
For more information about ground water and wells, contact Newlin at (928) 524-6063 ext. 123 or visit www.wellowner.org.