Water Quality Analysis

Domestic wells are a primary source of drinking water for many families and are very susceptible to nitrate and coliform contamination due to their construction, location and age. The District highly recommends that private wells be tested annually.

Nitrates

Nitrates are a naturally occurring compound formed when nitrogen combines with oxygen or ozone and are also produced in large amounts by plants and animals. Although nitrates are naturally occurring, they are also released in smoke and industrial/automotive exhaust. While nitrogen is essential for all living organisms, high levels of nitrates in drinking water can result in dangerous health risks. The contaminant is odorless, colorless, and tasteless so without a test it will go undetectable. Unlike bacterial contamination, boiling and freezing water with nitrate contamination will only intensify the levels of nitrates found.

The EPA has put in place a MCL (Maximum Contaminant Levels) for several contaminants that pose health risks, the MCL for nitrates in drinking water must not exceed 10 milligrams per liter. Nitrate levels should remain between 0-10 mg/L to be considered safe for consumption.

Short-term exposure to water with nitrate levels at or just above the health standard is a potential health risk for infants due to their large water consumption and immature digestive systems. A primary concern when high levels of nitrates are present , is the possibility it could lead to the blood disease methemoglobinemia otherwise known as blue baby syndrome. High concentrations also put the elderly, nursing and/or pregnant women, and those with metabolic disorders at a higher risk for adverse health effects.

Bacteria

Coliform bacteria are microscopic, generally harmless organisms combined into a group of 16 different species of bacteria. To better understand these different bacteria they can be broken down into 3 groups: total coliform, fecal coliform, and E. coli. The umbrella term for the bacteria in coliform testing is referred to as total coliform, which indicates that the water source has been exposed to contaminants from the environment such as soil, plants, or animals. While most coliform species do not have an impact on human health, it can be a warning indicator that the water supply is at risk of contamination by disease causing pathogens. Fecal coliforms originate from the intestinal tract of warm-blooded animals and do not directly indicate the presence of harmful disease causing pathogens but are considered a high risk indicator. Fecal coliform can contaminate a water supply through failing septic tanks or run off water that was contaminated by agriculture or animals. Lastly. E. coli is one of the strongest indicators that the water supply has been contaminated with potentially dangerous waterborne diseases such as shigella or salmonella.

The EPA has established a “no presence” MCL for bacteria in drinking water.

Water can be treated using chlorine or UV treatments depending on test results. Chlorination does not guarantee 100% removal of contaminants from the drinking water supply.

Manganese

Manganese is a naturally occurring mineral found abundantly throughout the environment. This element can be found in food, the atmosphere, surface and groundwater sources, and soils which results in the element contributing to .1% of the Earth’s crust. While manganese is naturally occurring and an essential nutrient at low levels, exposure to high levels may lead to adverse central nervous system effects, especially for formula-fed infants.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, manganese is not regulated. However, the EPA hast set non-mandatory water quality standards that are used as guidelines to assist with managing drinking water systems. Manganese levels over 0.3 mg/L are considered to be high exposure and may lead to water sources having discoloration, odor, staining, and having prolonged exposure may lead to adverse health effects.