Not All Wells Are The Same
When people buy a property that has a well, they should be careful about using the water in it. First, they have to know more about the well’s history. If it has been condemned or closed because of contamination, chances are, it is not safe to use.
Wells that are very old and unused may conform to the standards of today. According to the recommendation of the EPA, the minimum distance of wells from livestock fields and septic tanks should be 50 feet. Also, they should at least be 100 feet from petroleum tanks (as well as other chemical storage tanks) and sealed manure storage. When it comes to manure stacks, they should be 250 feet away.
Wells should go through contaminant tests on a regular basis. There should be no fertilizers and pesticides used near the well. Using these chemicals even in small portions can cause them to find their way into the groundwater.
It is likewise crucial to consider the type of well. There are different types of wells and each comes with a different level of contamination risk. The three major types of wells are as follows:
Types of Wells
- Dug or Bored Types of Wells
These are conventional wells that are dug in the ground using a shovel or backhoe. They are usually lined for support with the use of stones or bricks. The more modern versions make use of either tile or other materials to line them. Most of these wells are shallow (10 to 30 feet deep) and may have a wide diameter. Such wells are vulnerable to contaminants when the ground surrounding them is adulterated.
- Driven Wells
These wells make use of a pipe driven directly into the ground. While driven wells can be shallow, they are often deeper than dug or bored wells (30 to 40 feet deep). Driven wells are designed to prevent dirt and contaminants nearby. Nevertheless, these wells take in aquifers near the surface. For this reason, driven wells may be prone to the types of contaminants that pollute surface water.
- Drilled Wells
Nowadays, drilled wells are constructed into the ground with the use of percussion or rotary machines. These wells can either be shallow or as deep as thousands of feet and can be lined with a wide range of materials. They can also be constantly enclosed in a metal pipe. These wells have less risks of contamination provided that they are deep and are lined with durable materials.
No matter what type of well people have, it is crucial to maintain it. All types of wells should be tested for contaminants on a regular basis.
Does Well Water Have Health Benefits When Consumed?
Contamination can be a concern of well water however, it also has health benefits. This needs further research, though, but here are the benefits being considered:
- Hydration – Generally, drinking water has its health benefits.
- Weight loss and improved function of the brain – Well water may not have the chemicals that are present in public water supplies. Chemicals like fluoride can affect weight and cognitive function in a negative way. In addition, drinking water boosts metabolism, which aids in weight loss.
- Environmental Benefits – Drinking water from the well will minimize the use of plastic bottles.
When it comes to the health benefits of well water, further studies need to be conducted. Nevertheless, those who feel good when drinking well water can go on provided that they take the necessary precautions.