1. Well Water Comes Directly from the Ground
Water that comes from the well is untreated groundwater. Those who construct wells drill deep down to the aquifer, an underground permeable rock layer that contains water. Thereafter, they install a pipe system to bring up the water from the ground and into the home.
It is not that difficult to locate potable groundwater. However, since groundwater is actually rain water that has moved from the soil into an aquifer, it can take along some other elements. A well water has much more than just water.
2. Most of the Time, Well Water is Hard Water
Water is a remarkable solvent so groundwater can dissolve from organic matter like minerals in the soil to rocks underneath the surface of the earth. Minerals such as calcium and magnesium make well water hard.
Generally, a home that has a private well needs a water softener, except if it is located in a region where there are less of such minerals. When building a house in the countryside that has no access to municipal water, it is best to have a water softener installed. When buying an existing home, it might include a water softener. It is important to remember, though, that this equipment may have to be updated so it ca be effective and efficient in treating well water.
People should be aware of the signs that reveal the need for a water softener replacement. Or else, they should get a free water quality analysis to know the ways to address their well water problems. If they are not too familiar with water treatment equipment, they can learn about the way water softeners function with the help of the writer’s blog.
3. Well water Can Have a Foul Smell and Cause Stains
As people move into an old farmhouse, they may see some stains on the fixtures, sinks, toilets and tubs. Some of them might be lime scale caused by hard water from the well but the worst stains are brought about by high iron content.
Though iron is not a cause for alarm, it can considerably be annoying since it can affect the taste of water and cause orange stains that are hard to remove. There are some tips on removing stains but the most effective way to eliminate them for good is to have a special iron filtration system installed.
There are instances when special water treatment media are used to reduce the sulphur odor that comes from well water. Such material has the ability to soften water as well, cutting down the number of treatment equipment systems needed for a home. Homeowners should ask the help of a local water treatment expert to assess the situation and recommend the ideal solution.
4. Well Water Can Harbor Contaminants
Usually, well water issues have something to do with aesthetics however, these can be more serious than just the way it smells and looks. Groundwater from private wells is less likely to be exposed to pollution as compared to surface water, still, wells can also have contaminants in it.
The elements arsenic, radon and uranium are naturally occurring contaminants that are dissolved in groundwater when it flows through rock and soil. Such elements are present at various levels in different US regions. A water treatment expert within the area can explain the risks particular to that part of the country.