When you rely on well water for your drinking water, you need to be aware of the possible contaminants that could enter the water system. With about 36% of residents in New Hampshire relying on private wells and about 4,700 new wells being drilled each year, there are a lot of people who rely on things like contamination prevention and water filter system installation. Unfortunately, there are a lot of different types of water contaminants to be aware of. This article is going to look at a few common toxic metals that can be found in well water and the dangers that come with them.
Lead:Â Lead is one of the most common metals found in well water. It’s more common in older plumbing systems, but it can still be found in brand new ones too. While lead is dangerous to people of all ages, it’s particularly dangerous to children. This is mainly because lead is considered a cumulative poison, meaning it remains in the body for extended periods of time. Health impacts from lead consumption can include decreased appetite, fatigue, and abdominal pains. Lead can even cause nerve or brain damage when consumed over a long period of time.
Cadmium:Â While less known, cadmium is one of the most dangerous water impurities. Cadmium can enter water systems through groundwater movement and the run-off of nearby chemical sources. When consumed for long periods of time, cadmium can cause high blood pressure, severe kidney damage, and may even cause genetic mutation. Proper water treatment and filtration is necessary to ensure any cadmium in water systems is removed before it enters a home.
Arsenic:Â Unfortunately, arsenic is all too common due to its former use in pesticides. Runoff from nearby farms can result in arsenic entering residential water systems. What makes it even more dangerous is that it’s extremely difficult to detect — it’s both colorless and odorless. Annual water testing can help detect this specific contamination. When consumed for long enough, arsenic can cause weight loss, nausea, depression, and chronic fatigue.
Toxic metals are commonly found in well water, which makes water testing and filtration extremely important. While there are some water impurities that have little effect on humans, these toxic metals can cause particularly bad health effects. Make sure to call a local well company today to have your water properly tested.