You turn on the faucet, fill up the glass, and drink, but H2O may not be the only thing you’re putting in your body. What else is in that glass of water?The Safe Drinking Water Act enacted in 1974 regulates water quality for public drinking supplies that serve more than 25 homes. At the time, health standards were set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for bacteria and chemical contaminates found in water. Large water systems must meet those standards, but the same act does not regulate water quality for individual household wells.According to the Colorado State University Extension Service, the majority of the 200,000 well permits issued in the state are for private wells. Many El Paso County households with lots larger than 2 1/2 acres have a private well, and the homeowner is responsible for knowing and correcting any water quality problems associated with the well.CSU reports that bacteriological and chemical water quality tests are the only way homeowners can determine if their water is safe to drink. Bacteriological tests detect coliform bacteria, microorganisms found in human and animal waste. In large concentrations, fecal coliform causes intestinal disorders, especially in infants and people with compromised immune systems.However, Jane Worrall from the El Paso County Health Department said testing for these contaminants is easy and inexpensive. For a $15 fee, the health department provides specially prepared bottles and instructions for collecting water samples. Test results are usually available the day after the water sample is submitted to the department. If coliform is detected, an additional test for E-coli will be performed. Wells containing E-coli must be treated with chlorine by homeowners or private well testers. EPA guidelines recommend testing wells for bacteria annually, Worrall said.CSU’s water and plant testing laboratory will perform chemical water quality tests along with private well testers. According to CSU, a routine chemical test includes pH level, nitrate, sulfate, calcium, magnesium and a few other elements. A more detailed water test will analyze aluminum, arsenic, copper, lead, mercury, fluoride, radon, pesticides, industrial pollutants and other items. Costs vary depending on the complexity of the test.Nitrate contamination is present in some eastern El Paso County wells, according to the Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments. Farm, lawn, and golf course fertilizers, livestock waste, and septic systems located near wells are all sources for nitrate contamination. Nitrate pollution is a significant health risk to fetuses and infants under six months old because it causes an inability to absorb oxygen into the blood system, which is known as “Blue Baby Syndrome.” CSU warns pregnant women not to drink water containing high nitrate levels, and to avoid mixing it with formula or baby cereal.Hydrogeologist Julia Murphy addressed when and how often homeowners should have their wells tested. “Ideally, private well testing should be part of the home inspection when someone is buying a house, and any time a homeowner notices a change in the appearance, taste, or odor of their water, they should get a well test,” she said.Often homeowners want a chemical water test because they see stains in their sink, tub or toilet bowl. The stains are usually caused by iron, calcium, magnesium, or copper, and are merely aesthetic, not a health problem, Murphy said. “But you don’t know the chemical make-up of your drinking water unless you have it tested,” she said.For more information on drinking water standards go to www.ext.colostate.edu or www.epa.gov/water.
