Bedrock Groundwater Contamination

Preventative testing is important in avoiding problems in all situations. Doctors run tests to make sure our bodies are healthy. Auto repair shops run tests to see how a car is functioning. Scientists and officials test our water to ensure it is without contaminants. But what happens when results show that water has contaminants? How is the water treated? These are similar questions asked by a New England town after their water was found to have contamination in a study recently finished by the U.S. Geological Survey. According to environmentalheadlines.com, potentially harmful levels of naturally occurring arsenic, uranium, radium, radon and manganese have been found in some bedrock groundwater that supplies drinking water wells in New England.
Groundwater in this situation may be supplying the water wells, but what happens to communities where groundwater supplies taps as well? Testing may be done by officials rather than the residents, but treatment is still important, and residents should be aware that there are other options. While the presence of contaminants, such as arsenic, in some groundwater was already known, this new study identifies several that hadn’t been previously identified.  This new report also provides information on the type of bedrock geologic formations where high concentrations are most likely to be found, which will help identify areas most at risk of contamination. The study, part of an ongoing national effort by the USGS to systematically assess the quality of the Nation’s most important aquifers, is the most comprehensive study of the quality of New England’s bedrock groundwater to date.
Public water supplies are treated to ensure that water reaching the tap of households meets federal requirements, although breaches do happen and supplies can be contaminated, especially if there are unknown contaminants like those in this study. In this specific article, This study helps focus attention on where and what the risk factors are such that citizens who depend on private wells can get their water tested to ensure peace of mind. But we want to make sure that all residents have safe drinking water, whether from a well or the tap. Our water filters provide your home with safe drinking water because the reverse osmosis system effectively reduces harmful contaminants – even the unidentified ones.
For well owners or residents using tap water, contamination means health effects of some sort. Depending on concentrations and the period of time someone consumes the water, among the potential health issues associated with drinking water containing these contaminants at levels above human health benchmarks include various types of cancer; reproductive and developmental problems; kidney and blood diseases; diabetes; and a weakened immune system. Don’t let contamination rule your life. Come see us for home drinking water systems that will protect your tap, just as testing is supposed to. Being prepared and using additional caution is a responsible solution for a serious problem.