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Our Quality Speaks From Experience
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Water Testing
Drinking water should be free of disease-causing organisms, and should not contain harmful levels of chemicals. Two tests performed on every well constructed are the coliform bacteria and nitrate tests. Coliform is found everywhere on the land surface but not usually found more than a few feet below the soil surface. Most coliform bacteria do not usually cause disease, but if they show up in the water test, they indicate that surface contamination has somehow entered the water. Nitrate, a chemical compound of nitrogen and oxygen, moves easily thought the soil to the groundwater. Nitrate occurs naturally in groundwater that is near the surface, but the levels are usually low. Higher levels are usually from fertilizers, animal wastes, or on-site sewage systems. Shallow well systems near these types of areas are in need of regular water testing to make sure levels are low, due to spring run off and heavy rainfalls causing nitrates to move rapidly down through the soil into the groundwater.
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Sealing Unused Wells
Unused or abandoned wells that have not been properly sealed can cause contaminants to enter the groundwater. Contaminants from surface water, runoff, or sources such as leaking sewers or septic system drainfields, can enter the well though casings that have deteriorated. An unsealed well can threaten water quality of new wells and pose a safety hazard, especially for children, pets, and livestock. It is illegal to dispose of wastes in an unused well, and it will result in additional costs to clean it up and be sealed properly.
According to Minnesota law, a well must be sealed if 1) the well is contaminated and cannot be corrected; 2) the well has been improperly sealed in the past; 3) the well poses a threat to the health or safety of the public or to groundwater quality; or 4) the well is not in use and does not have a maintenance permit. A water well is properly sealed when it is remove from service and is completely filled with grout, which is approved material. Although you may construct your own well you may NOT seal your own well. Only a licensed well contractor may seal a well.
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Troubleshooting
Hard Water
Hardness is caused by calcium and magnesium ions, but also by iron and manganese ions in the water. The higher the concentration of these minerals, the greater amount of soap that is required to produce suds. The minerals leave a insoluble scum, which cause laundry and staining problems. A water softner is required to help minimize this problem and regular cleaning of the well.
Iron
Iron is naturally present in some groundwater. It can stain plumbing fixtures, stain clothing, encrust well screens and clog pipes. It has a metallic taste. Water softners can remove some of the iron. Manganese greensand iron filters can remove higher concentrations of iron.
Iron bacteria
Water that exhibit "swampy" or "oily" tastes or smells, or red, slimy growths in toilet tanks may indicate you have iron bacteria in your well system. It can be treated by using techniques, including physical removal, pasteurization, and chemical treatment, such as shock chlorination.
Radon
A natural occurring radioactive element that exists as a gas dissolved in some groundwater. It can be released to the air when you run water inside your home. Well water usually contributes only a small fraction of the total amount of radon in indoor air.
Sulfur bacteria
A "rotten egg" smell in well water may indicate the presence of hydrogen sulfide gas, which can be produced by sulfur bacteria. They often occur together with iron bacteria. Treatment techniques for sulfur bacteria are similar to thse for removal of iron bacteria.
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Sand
Sand in the water may mean you have a improperly constructed well or you have a hole in the screen or casing.
Pump cycles
If your pump turns rapidly on and off, constantly cycling, you may have a waterlogged pressure tank. Osmosis Systems - help to remove many unwanted things such as nitrates, magnesium, hydrogen sulfide, etc.
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