,#WSi-4~ {& \ Drinking Water From \ ,J Household Wells

Cover photo courtesy of Charlene E. Shaw, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Table of Contents

Introduction ...... 1

What Is Ground Water and How Can It Be Polluted? ...... 2

Where Do Ground Water Pollutants Come From? ...... 4 What Are Some Naturally Occurring Sources of Pollution? ...... 5 What Human Activities Can Pollute My Ground Water? ...... 5

Should I Be Concerned? ...... 8 How Much Risk Can I Expect? ...... 8

What Should I Do? ...... 8 Six Steps to Well Water Safety ...... 8 Protecting Your Ground Water Supply ...... 9 Find Out More- Sources of Information on Well Water ...... 16

Definitions - Common Terms About Wells and Ground Water ...... 18

EPA 816-K-02-003 January 2002 Drinking Water From Household Wells

Introduction

Ifyour family gets drinking water from your own well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice?

This pamphlet helps answer these questions. It gives you general information about drinking water from home wells (also considered private drinking water sources). It describes types of activities in your area that can create threats to your water supply. It also describes problems to look for and offers maintenance suggestions. Sources for more information and help are also listed.

All of us need clean water to drink. We can go for weeks without food, but only days without water. Contaminated water can be a threat to anyone's health, but especially to young children.

About 15 percent of Americans have their own sources of drinking water, such as wells, cisterns, and springs. Unlike public drinking water systems serving many people, they do not have experts regularly checking the water's source and its quality before it is sent through pipes to the community.

To help protect families with their own wells, almost all states license or register water-well installers. Most also have construction standards for home wells. In addition, some city and county health departments have local rules and permitting. All this helps make sure the well is built properly. But what about checking to see that it is working correctly and the water is always healthy to drink? That is the job of the well owner, and it takes some work and some knowledge. Drinking Water From Household Wells

What Is Ground Water And Ground water may contain some How Can It Be Polluted? natural impurities or contaminants, even with no human activity or pollu­ tion. Natural contaminants can come Ground water is a resource found under from many conditions in the watershed the earth's surface. Most ground water or in the ground. Water moving comes from rain and melting snow through underground rocks and soils soaking into the ground. Water fills the may pick up magnesium, calcium and spaces between rocks and soils, mak~ng chlorides. Some ground water naturally an "aquifer". (See Watershed Graphtc.) contains dissolved elements such as About half of our nation's drinking arsenic, boron, selenium, or radon, a water comes from ground water. Most is gas formed by the natural breakdown supplied through public drinking water of radioactive uranium in soil. Whether systems. But many families rely on these natural contaminants are health private, household wells and use ground problems depends on the amount of water as their source offresh water. the substance present. Ground water- its depth from the In addition to natural contaminants, surface, quality for drinking water, and ground water is often polluted by chance of being polluted-varies from human activities such as place to place. Generally, the deeper the well the better the ground water. • Improper use of fertilizers, animal The of new water flowing into am~unt manures, herbicides, insecticides, the area also affects ground water and pesticides quality.

A "watershed" is the land area where water soaks through the earth filling an underground water supply or aquifer. It is also called a recharge area. The "water table" is the line below which the ground is saturated or filled with water and available for pumping. The water table will fall during dry seasons. A well can pump water from either the saturated zone or an aquifer. Wells must be deep enough to remain in the saturated zone.

2 Drinking Water From Household Wells

• Improperly built or poorly located sewer lines do not extend to these and/or maintained septic systems areas. Many new houses rely on wells for household wastewater and septic tanks. But the people buying • Leaking or abandoned underground them may not have any experience storage tanks and piping using these systems. • Storm-water drains that discharge chemicals to ground water Most U.S. ground water is safe for • Improper disposal or storage of human use. However, ground water wastes contamination has been found in all 50 • Chemical spills at local industrial states, so well owners have reason to sites be vigilant in protecting their water supplies. Well owners need to be aware These problems are discussed in of potential health problems. They greater detail later in this brochure. need to test their water regularly and maintain their wells to safeguard their Suburban growth is bringing busi­ families' drinking water. nesses, factories and industry (and potential sources of pollution) into once rural areas where families often rely on household wells. Growth is also pushing new home developments onto the edge of rural and agricultural areas. Often municipal water and

The hydrologic cy cle is the natural process of rain and snow falling to earth and evaporating back to form clouds and fall again. The water falling to earth flows into Evaporation streams, rivers, lakes and into the soil collecting to form groundwater.

Groundwater Flow~ --._

3 Drinking Water From Household Wells

Where Do Ground Water make, and use- such as mining, Pollutants Come From? farming and using chemicals. Some of these activities may result in the pollution of the water we drink. Understanding and spotting possible pollution sources is important. It's the Several sources of pollution are easy to first step to safeguard drinking water spot by sight, taste, or smell. (See "Quick for you and your family. Some threats Reference List.), however many serious come from nature. Naturally occurring problems can only be found by testing contaminants such as minerals can your water. Knowing the possible threats present a health risk. Other potential in your area will help you decide on the sources come from past or present kind of tests you need. human activity- things that we do,

Quick Reference List of Noticeable Problems Visible • Scale or scum from calcium or magnesium salts in water • Unclear/turbid water from dirt, clay salts, silt or rust in water • Green stains on sinks or faucets caused by high acidity • Brown-red stains on sinks, dishwasher, or clothes in wash points to dissolved iron in water • Cloudy water that clears upon standing may have air bubbles from poorly working pump or problem with filters. Tastes • Salty or brackish taste from high sodium content in water • AlkalVsoapy taste from dissolved alkaline minerals in water • Metallic taste from acidity or high iron content in water • Chemical taste from industrial chemicals or pesticides Smell • A rotten egg odor can be from dissolved hydrogen sulfide gas or certain bacteria in your water. If the smell only comes with hot water it is likely from a part in your hot water heater. • A detergent odor and water that foams when drawn could be seepage from septic tanks into your ground water well. • A gasoline or oil smell indicates fuel oil or gasoline likely seeping from a tank into the water supply • Methane gas or musty/earthy smell from decaying organic matter in water • Chlorine smell from excessive chlorination.

Note: Many serious problems (bacteria, heavy metals, nitrates, radon, and many chemicals) can only be found by laboratory testing of water.

4 Drinking Water From Household Wells

What are Some Naturally of nitrates and nitrites is particularly Occurring Sources of Pollution? threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula). Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microorganisms Heavy Metals: Underground rocks are sometimes found in water. Shallow and soils may contain arsenic, cad­ wells- those with water close to mium, chromium, lead, and selenium. ground level- are at most risk. However, these contaminants are not Runoff, or water flowing over the land often found in household wells at surface, may pick up these pollutants dangerous levels from natural sources. from wildlife and soils. This is often the case after flooding. Some of these Fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in dental organisms can cause a variety of health, so many water systems add illnesses. Symptoms include nausea small amounts to drinking water. and diarrhea. These can occur shortly However, excessive consumption of after drinking contaminated water. The naturally occurring fluoride can effects could be short-term yet severe damage bone tissue. High levels of (similar to food poisoning) or might fluoride occur naturally in some areas. recur frequently or develop slowly over It may discolor teeth, but this is not a a long time. health risk.

Radionuclides: Radionuclides are What Human Activities Can radioactive elements such as uranium Pollute Ground water? and radium. They may be present in underlying rock and ground water. Bacteria and Nitrates: These Radon- a gas that is a natural pollutants are found in human and product of the breakdown of uranium animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause in the soil- can also pose a threat. bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can Radon is most dangerous when in­ large numbers of farm animals. Both haled and contributes to lung cancer. septic systems and animal manures Although soil is the primary source, must be carefully managed to prevent using household water containing pollution. Sanitary landfills and Radon contributes to elevated indoor garbage dumps are also sources. Radon levels. Radon is less dangerous Children and some adults are at extra when consumed in water, but remains risk when exposed to water-born a risk to health. bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are Nitrates and Nitrites: Although weak due to AIDS or treatments for high nitrate levels are usually due to cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate human activities (see below), they may problems. Nitrates cause a health be found naturally in ground water. threat in very young infants called They come from the breakdown of "blue baby" syndrome. This condition nitrogen compounds in the soil. disrupts oxygen flow in the blood. Flowing ground water picks them up from the soil. Drinking large amounts

5 Drinking Water From Household Wells

Concentrated Animal Feeding of problems depends on the amount Operations (CAFOs): The number and kind of chemicals. The types of soil of CAFOs, often called "factory farms," and the amount of water moving is growing. On these farms thousands through the soil also play a role. of animals are raised in a small space. The large amounts of animal wastes/ Industrial Products and Wastes: manures from these farms can threaten Many harmful chemicals are used water supplies. Strict and careful widely in local business and industry. manure management is needed to These can become drinking water prevent pathogen and nutrient prob­ pollutants if not well managed. The lems. Salts from high levels of manures most common sources of such prob­ can also pollute groundwater. lems are:

Heavy Metals: Activities such as • Local Businesses: These include mining and construction can release nearby factories, industrial plants, large amounts of heavy metals into and even small businesses such as nearby ground water sources. Some gas stations and dry cleaners. All older fruit orchards may contain high handle a variety of hazardous levels of arsenic, once used as a chemicals that need careful manage­ pesticide. At high levels, these metals ment. Spills and improper disposal pose a health risk. of these chemicals or of industrial wastes can threaten ground water Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers supplies. use fertilizers and pesticides to pro­ mote growth and reduce insect dam­ • Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping: age. These products are also used on Petroleum products, chemicals, and golf courses and suburban lawns and wastes stored in underground gardens. The chemicals in these storage tanks and pipes may end up products may end up in ground water. in the ground water. Tanks and Such pollution depends on the types piping leak if they are constructed or and amounts of chemicals used and installed improperly. Steel tanks and how they are applied. Local environ­ piping corrode with age. Tanks are mental conditions (soil types, seasonal often found on farms. The possibility snow and rainfall) also affect this of leaking tanks is great on old, pollution. Many fertilizers contain abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks forms of nitrogen that can break down are exempt from the EPA rules for into harmful nitrates. This could add to petroleum and chemical tanks. other sources of nitrates mentioned above. Some underground agricultural • Landfills and Waste Dumps: Modern drainage systems collect fertilizers and landfills are designed to contain any pesticides. This polluted water can leaking liquids. But floods can carry pose problems to ground water and them over the barriers. Older local streams and rivers. In addition, dumpsites may have a wide variety chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or other pests may also pose a threat. Again, the possibility

6 Drinking Water From Household Wells

of pollutants that can seep into They are often used in pipes, solder, or ground water. plumbing fixtures. Lead can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, Household Wastes: Improper nervous system, and red blood cells. disposal of many common products can The age of plumbing materials- in pollute ground water. These include particular, copper pipes soldered with cleaning solvents, used motor oil, lead- is also important. Even in paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps relatively low amounts these metals and detergents can harm drinking can be harmful. EPA rules under the water. These are often a problem from Safe Drinking Water Act limit lead in faulty septic tanks and septic leaching drinking water to 15 parts per billion. fields. Since 1988 the Act only allows "lead free" pipe, solder, and flux in drinking Lead & Copper: Household plumb­ water systems. The law covers both ing materials are the most common new installations and repairs of source of lead and copper in home plumbing. For more information on drinking water. Corrosive water may avoiding lead in drinking water, visit cause metals in pipes or soldered joints the EPA Website at www.epa.gov/ to leach into your tap water. Your safewater/Pubs/leadl. html water's acidity or alkalinity (often measured as pH) greatly affects Water Treatment Chemicals: corrosion. Temperature and mineral Improper handling or storage of water­ content also affect how corrosive it is. well treatment chemicals (disinfec­ tants, corrosion inhibitors, etc.) close to your well can cause problems.

Septic tanks are deigned Local to have a "leach field" Industry around them- an area where wastewater flows out of the tank. This .....--- Landfill s wastewater can also move into the ground Pesticides and Fertilizers water

7 Drinking Water From Household Wells

Should I Be Concerned? Some questions to consider in protect­ ing your drinking water and maintain­ You should be aware because the Safe ing your well are: Drinking Water Act does not protect private wells. EPA's rules only apply to • What distance should my well be "public drinking water systems"­ from sources of human wastes such government or privately run companies as septic systems? supplying water to 25 people or 15 • How far should it be from animal service connections. While most states feedlots or manure spreading? regulate private household wells, most • What are the types of soil and have limited rules. Individual well underlying rocks? Does water flow owners have primary responsibility for easily or collect on the surface? the safety of the water drawn from • How deep must a well be dug to their wells. They do not benefit from avoid seasonal changes in ground the government's health protections for water supply? water systems serving many families. • What activities in my area (farming, These must comply with federal and mining, industry) might affect my state regulations for frequent analysis, well? testing, and reporting of results. • What is the age of my well, its pump, and other parts? Instead, household well owners should • Is my water distribution system rely on help from local health depart­ protected from cross connections ments. They may help you with yearly and backflow problems? testing for bacteria and nitrates. They may also oversee the placement and construction of new wells to meet state and local regulations. Most have rules What Should I Do? about locating drinking water wells near septic tanks, drain fields, and Listed below are the six basic steps you livestock. But remember, the final should take to maintain the safety of responsibility for constructing your your drinking water. After the list you'll well correctly, protecting it from find "how to" suggestions for each pollution, and maintaining it falls on point to help you protect your well and you, the well owner. your drinking water.

How Much Risk Can I Expect? 1. Identify potential problem sources 2. Talk with "local experts" The risk of having problems depends 3. Have your water tested periodically. on how good your well is - how well 4. Have the test results interpreted and it was built and located, and how well explained clearly. you maintain it. It also depends on 5. Set a regular maintenance schedule your local environment. That includes for your well, do the scheduled the quality of the aquifer from which maintenance and keep accurate, you draw your water and the human up-to-date records. activities going on in your area that can 6. Remedy any problems. affect your well water.

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Protecting Your Ground Water Supply

When Building, Modifying Or Closing A Well • Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction or modification • Slope well area so surface runoff drains away • When closing a well: - Do not cut off the well casing below the land surface - Hire a certified well contractor to fill or seal the well Preventing Problems • Install a locking well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized use of, or entry into, the well • Do not mix or use pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and other pollutants near the well • Never dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells • Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department • Never dispose of hazardous materials in a septic system • Take care in working or mowing around your well Maintaining Your Well • Each month check visible parts of your system for problems such as: - Cracking or corrosion, - Broken or missing well cap, - Settling and cracking of surface seals • Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other contaminants • Keep accurate records in a safe place, including: - Construction contract or report - Maintenance records, such as disinfection or sediment removal - Any use of chemicals in the well - Water testing results After A Flood- Concerns And Advisories • Stay away from the well pump while flooded to avoid electric shock • Do not drink or wash from the flooded well to avoid becoming sick • Get assistance from a well or pump contractor to clean and turn on the pump • After the pump is turned back on, pump the well until the water runs clear to rid the well of flood water • If the water does not run clear, get advice from the county or state health department or extension service • For additional information go to http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/ whatdo.htm

9 Drinking Water From Household Wells

1. How Can I Spot Potential Often county health departments do Problems? tests for bacteria and nitrates. For other substances, health departments, The potential for pollution entering environmental offices, or county your well is affected by its placement governments should have a list of state and construction - how close is your certified laboratories. Your State well to potential sources of pollution? Laboratory Certification Officer can Local agricultural and industrial also provide one. Call EPA's Safe activities, your area's geology and Drinking Water Hotline, (800) 426­ climate also matter. This document 4791, for the name and phone number includes a checklist to help you find of your state's certification officer. potential problems with your well. Take time to review it in the box Before taking a sample, contact the lab labeled "Protecting Your Ground water that will perform your tests. Ask for Supply." Because ground water con­ instructions and sampling bottles. tamination is usually localized, the best Follow the instructions carefully so you way to identify potential contaminants will get correct results. The first step is is to consult a local expert. For ex­ getting a good water sample. It is also ample, talk with a geologist at a local important to follow advice about college or someone from a nearby storing the samples. Ask how soon they public water system. They'll know must be taken to the lab for testing. about conditions in your area. (See These instructions can be very different item# 5) for each substance being tested. Remember to test your water after 2. Have Your Well Water Tested replacing or repairing any part of the well system (piping, pump, or the well Test your water every year for total itself.) Also test if you notice a change coliform bacteria, nitrates, total in your water's look, taste, or smell. dissolved solids, and pH levels. Ifyou The chart below ("Reasons to Test Your suspect other contaminants, test for Water") will help you spot problems. these also. Chemical tests can be The last five problems listed are not an expensive. Limit them to possible immediate health concern, but they problems specific to your situation. can make your water taste bad, may Again, local experts can tell you about indicate problems, and could affect possible impurities in your area. your system long term.

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Reasons to Test Your Water

Conditions or Nearby Activities: Test for:

Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria

Household plumbing contains lead pH, lead, copper

Radon in indoor air or region Radon is radon rich

Corrosion of pipes, plumbing Corrosion, pH, lead

Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria

Coal or other mining Metals, pH, corrosion operations nearby

Gas drilling operations nearby Chloride, sodium, barium, strontium

Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, Volatile organic compounds, total gas station, or dry- cleaning dissolved solids, pH, sulfate, operation nearby chloride, metals

Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and Volatile organic compounds near gas staion or buried fuel tanks

Objectionable taste or smell Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals

Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry Iron, copper, manganese

Salty taste and seawater, or a Chloride, total dissolved solids, heavily salted roadway nearby sodium

Scaly residues, soaps don't lather Hardness

Rapid wear of water pH, corrosion treatment equipment

Water softener needed to Manganese, iron treat hardness

Water appears cloudy, frothy, Color, detergents or colored

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3. Understanding Your Test Compare your well's test results to Results federal and state drinking water standards. (You can find these stan­ Have your well water tested for any dards at www.eoa.gov/safewater/ possible contaminants in your area. mcl.html or call the Safe Drinking Use a state-approved testing lab. (See Water Hotline 800-426-4791.) In some below for sources of approved labora­ cases, the laboratory will give a very tories.) Do not be surprised if a lot of helpful explanation. But you may have substances are found and reported to to rely on other experts to aid you in you. understanding the results.

The amount of risk from a drinking The following organizations may be water contaminant depends on the able to help: specific substance and the amount in the water. The health of the person also • The state agency that licenses water­ matters. Some contaminant cause well contractors can help you immediate and severe effects. It may understand your test results. It will take only one bacterium or virus to also provide information on well make a weak person sick. Another construction and protection of your person may not be affected. For very water supply. The agency is usually young children, taking in high levels of located in the state capital or other nitrate over a relatively short period of major city. It is often part of the time can be very dangerous. Many department of health or environ­ other contaminants pose a long-term or mental protection. Check the blue chronic threat to your health- a little "government pages" of your local bit consumed regularly over a long phone book or call the American time could cause health problems such Ground Water Trust at (614) 761­ as trouble having children and other 2215 or the EPA Hotline at (800) effects. 426-4791 for your licensing agency's phone number. EPA drinking water rules for public • The local health department and water systems aim to protect people agricultural agents can help you from both short and long term health understand the test results. They hazards. The amounts of contaminants will have information on any known allowed are based on protecting people threats to drinking water in your over a lifetime of drinking water. Public area. They can also give you sugges­ water systems are required to test their tions about how to protect your well water regularly before delivery. They water. also treat it so that it meets drinking • The state drinking water program water standards, notify customers if can also help. You can compare your water does not meet standards and well's water to the state's standards provide annual water qualiry reports. for public water systems. State programs are usually located in the state capital or another major city. They are often part of the depart­ ment of health or environmental

12

Drinking Water From Household Wells certification program for contractors. Protect your own well area. Be careful (In fact, some states use the about storage and disposal of house­ Association's exams as their test for hold and lawn care chemicals and licensing.) For a list of certified con­ wastes. Good farmers and gardeners tractors in your state contact the minimize the use of fertilizers and Association at (614) 898-7791 or (800) pesticides. Take steps to reduce erosion 551-7379. There is no cost for mailing and prevent surface water runoff. or faxing the list to you. Regularly check underground storage tanks that hold home heating oil, Many homeowners tend to forget the diesel, or gasoline. Make sure your well value of good maintenance until is protected from the wastes of live­ problems reach crisis levels. That can stock, pets, and wildlife. be expensive. It's better to maintain your well, find problems early, and 5. Talk With Local Experts correct them to protect your well's performance. Keep up-to-date records Good sources of information and of well installation and repairs plus advice can be found close to home. The pumping and water tests. Such records list below tells about some "local can help spot changes and possible experts": problems with your water system. If you have problems, ask a local expert • The local health department's to check your well construction and registered "sanitarian" is a health maintenance records. He or she can see specialist. He or she likely knows the if your system is okay or needs work. most about any problems with private wells. The graphic on the next page shows a good example of an animal-proof cap or seal and the casing of a well.

25 ft. To keep your well safe, Septic Tanks you must be sure possible sources of 50 ft. contamination are not Livestock Yards close by. Experts suggest Silos Septic these separation Leach Fields distances as a minimum for protection -farther is better. 100ft. Pet roleum Ta nks Liquid-Tight Man ure Storage Pesticide and Fertilize r Storage and Handling

250ft. Ma nu re Sta cks

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• Local water-well contractors can tell • The Natural Resources Conservation you about well drilling and construc­ Service (NRCS) replaced the old tion. They are also familiar with U.S. Soil Conservation Service. It is local geology and water conditions. part of the U.S. Department of Look in the yellow pages of your Agriculture. The NRCS and the U.S. phone book or contact the agency in Geological Survey have information your state that licenses water well about local soils and ground water. contractors. Call the National They can tell you where a local Ground Water Association (NGWA) water supply is located and how it is at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 551­ recharged or replenished. They 7379 to find NGWA-certified water­ would know of any pollution threats well contractors in your area. and if radon is a problem in the • Officials at the nearest public water area. Look for both in the blue pages system may explain any threats to of your local phone book. local drinking water and may be • Local or county planning commis­ developing plans to address poten­ sions can be good sources. They tial threats. They may advise you on know about past and present land taking samples and understanding uses in your area that affect water. tests done on your water. Ask the • Your public library may also have local health department or look in records and maps that can provide your phone book for the name and useful information. Nearby colleges address of the closest system. and universities have research arms • Local county extension agents will that can provide facts and expertise. know about local farming and They may also have a testing lab. forestry activities that can affect your water. They may also have information about water testing.

Vermin-Proof An animal or vermin / CaporSeal proof cap prevents rodents from entering your well, being trapped . r--- Screened and dying. Paving around Vent your well will prevent polluted runoff from seeping into your water supply.

:. .·• ...... :: ~ ·.. ~ . .·...... :·. .... ::. ~ ·.. ; ...... ~ ..: ·.. · ... · :.·. ·:· ...... :.·.·:· ...

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6. Fix Problems Immediately There are many home water treatment devices. Different types remove different If you find that your well water is pollutants or impurities. No one polluted, fix the problem as soon as device does it all Also, you must possible. You may need to disinfect carefully maintain your home treatment your water, have a new well drilled, device so your water stays safe. For more replumb or repair your system. Con­ information, get a copy ofEPA's pam­ sider hooking into a nearby community phlet, "Home Water Treatment Units" water system (if one is available). If from the U.S. EPA Resource Center or you have a new well drilled or connect call the Hotline at (BOO) 426-4791. to a community water system, the old well must be closed properly. Consult "local experts" for help. You might consider installing a water treatment Find Out More device to remove impurities. Informa­ tion about treatment devices can be To find out more about your watershed obtained from the following sources: and its ground water visit "Surf Your Watershed" at www.epa.gov/surf. Also Water Quality Association look at the "Index of Watershed P.O. Box 606 Indicators" at www.epa.gov/iwi. These 4151 Naperville Road websites can also tell you possible Lisle, IL 60532 sources of problems. Companies with www.wqa.org permits to release their wastewaters in your area are listed. You can see if they National Sanitation Foundation meet pollution control laws. You can P.O. Box 130140 also learn how your watershed com­ 789 N Dixboro Road pares to others in the country. Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0140 (734) 769-8010, (800) NSF-MARK The U.S. Department of Agriculture www.nsforg and EPA support a program to help farmers, ranchers and rural U.S. Environmental Protection Agency homeowners. Called Farm* A*Syst or (to visit in person) Home* A*Syst, it helps identify and Office of Water Resource Center solve environmental problems, includ­ 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW ing protecting drinking water. Obtain a Ariel Rios Building copy of the Home* A*Syst question­ Washington, DC 20460 naire/checklist that can help you find Phone: (202) 260-7786 possible threats to your water supply from: Monday through Friday, except federal holidays, National Farm* A*Syst/Home* A*Syst 8:30AM- 4:30PM ET Program 303 Hiram Smith Hall E-mail address: 1545 Observatory Drive center. water-resource @epa.gov Madison, WI 53 706

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Ph: 608.262.0024, Fax: 608.265.2775 Other sources of information include: [email protected] Ground Water Protection Council For more information on current and http://gwpc. site. net future federal drinking water standards and for general information on drinking American Water Works water topics and issues, contact the EPA Association at www.epa.gov/safewater or at: www.awwa.org

U .S. Environmental Protection Agency National Rural Water Office of Ground Water and Association Drinking Water www. nnva. org 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20460 National Drinking Water Clearinghouse Or call: www. estd. wvu. edu/ndwc

The Safe Drinking Water Hotline Rural Community (800) 426-4791 Assistance Program The hotline operates from 9:00AM to www.rcap.org 5:30PM (EST) The hotline can be accessed U.S. Geological Survey on the Internet at water.usgs.gov www.epa.gov/safewater/drinklink.html U.S. Department of Agriculture You can get a list of Federal drinking Natural Resources water standards from the EPA website. Conservation Service In addition, the EPA Office of Ground www.nrcs.usda.gov Water and Drinking Water gives chemical and health risk information Water Systems Council for a number of drinking water prob­ www. watersystemscouncil.org lems through its Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791. This informa­ tion is also on the internet at www.epa.gov/safewater. Ifyou do not have a computer, most public libraries offer internet access. Even though federal standards do not apply to household wells, you can use them as a guide to potential problems in your water. Be aware that many states have their own drinking water standards. Some are stricter than the federal rules. To get your state standards, contact your state drinking water program or local health department.

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Definitions

Aquifer - An underground formation Heavy metals -Metallic elements or group of formations in rocks and with high atomic weights, such as, soils containing enough ground mercury chromium cadmium, water to supply wells and springs. arsenic, and lead. Even at low levels these metals can damage living Backflow- A reverse flow in water things. They do not break down or pipes. A difference in water pres­ decompose and tend to build up in sures pulls water from sources other plants, animals, and people causing than the well into a home's water health concerns. system, for example waste water or flood water. Also called back Leaching field - The entire area siphonage. where many materials (including contaminants) dissolve in rain, Bacteria- Microscopic living snowmelt, or irrigation water and organisms; some are helpful and are filtered through the soil. some are harmful. "Good" bacteria aid in pollution control by consum­ Microorganisms- Also called ing and breaking down organic microbes. Very tiny life forms such matter and other pollutants in septic as bacteria, algae, diatoms, para­ systems, sewage, oil spills, and soils. sites, plankton, and fungi. Some can However, "bad" bacteria in soil, cause disease. water, or air can cause human, animal, and plant health problems. Nitrates -Plant nutrient and fertilizer that enters water supply Confining layer- Layer of rock that sources from fertilizers, animal feed keeps the ground water in the lots, manures, sewage, septic aquifer below it under pressure. systems, industrial wastewaters, This pressure creates springs and sanitary landfills, and garbage helps supply water to wells. dumps.

Contaminant- Anything found in Protozoa - One-celled animals water (including microorganisms, usually microscopic, that are l~rger minerals, chemicals, radionuclides, and more complex than bacteria. etc.) which may be harmful to May cause disease. human health.

Cross-connection -Any actual or potential connection between a drinking (potable) water supply and a source of contamination.

18 Drinking Water From Household Wells

Radon ~A colorless, odorless Watershed ~ The land area that naturally occurring radioactive gas catches rain or snow and drains it formed by the breakdown or decay into a local water body (such as a of radium or uranium in soil or river, stream, lake, marsh, or rocks like granite. Radon is fairly aquifer) and affects its flow, and the soluble in water, so well water may local water level. Also called a contain radon. recharge area.

Radionuclides ~ Distinct radioactive Water table ~ The upper level of the particles coming from both natural saturated zone. This level varies sources and human activities. Can greatly in different parts of the be very long lasting as soil or water country and also varies seasonally pollutants. depending on the amount of rain and snowmelt. Recharge area ~The land area through or over which rainwater Well cap~ A tight-fitting, vermin­ and other surface water soaks proof seal designed to prevent through the earth to replenish an contaminants from flowing down aquifer, lake, stream, river, or marsh. inside of the well casing. Also called a watershed. Well casing~ The tubular lining of a Saturated zone ~ The underground well. Also a steel or plastic pipe area below the water table where all installed during construction to open spaces are filled with water. A prevent collapse of the well hole. well placed in this zone will be able to pump ground water. Wellhead ~The top-of a structure built over a well. Term also used for Unsaturated zone~ The area above the source of a well or stream. the ground water level or water table where soil pores are not fully saturated, although some water may be present.

Viruses ~ Submicroscopic disease­ causing organisms that grow only inside living cells.

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