What Does It Mean to Have Well Water?

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Though the majority of homes in America obtain their water from municipal water sources that are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency health standards, as many as 15 percent of Americans still utilize private well water. If you are in the market for a new house or considering digging your own well, it is important to understand exactly what it means to have well water compared to municipal water.

Municipal Water Vs. Well Water

Municipal water systems, which those run by local governments, get water from aquifers, lakes, and rivers. Trash, fish, sewage, grass, and other debris are removed from the water before it enters the water treatment plant. Activated carbon is added to eliminate the unpleasant odor and taste, chlorine is added to kill bacteria and viruses, and excess sediment is mechanically removed. EPA regulations require treatment plants to ensure that all water contains safe amounts of all chemicals and metals, but such regulations are not always efficiently upheld.

Well water, on the other hand, comes from a hole drilled into the ground. Ancient wells were simplistic, but today’s modern technology allows wells to be carefully drilled and engineered to access water in underground aquifers. A pump collects the water and makes it accessible for household use. However, since this water is not automatically treated like the water coming from a municipal plant, it becomes the homeowner’s responsibility to implement a filtration system. Even water in underground aquifers can be tainted with chemicals, fertilizers, and other toxins that are dangerous to human health, so purification should always be a major priority for those using well water.

The Best Water Treatment Plans

Before you start using your well, have the water tested by a local water professional like Aquatech Well Drilling and Pumps in Sedro Woolley, Washington. Based on the test results, you will know which treatment and filtration plans need to be implemented to ensure your water is safe for consumption. For example, Aquatech offers water softening, sulfur gas removal, water conditioning, heavy metal removal, reverse osmosis for salt water, and more. Contact Aquatech today at 360-474-7980 to implement the best solutions for your well water.