Water Pollution

Most groundwater is safe for human use.However, serious health effects may result from drinking contaminated groundwater.Groundwater contaminants may be of natural origin or from human activities, either of which may present a health risk.The risk is dependent upon the substances present, and amount of the substances present.

Septic System Maintenance Contact the county building department for a permit to construct a septic system. Have your tank pumped regularly. Keep paper towels, fat grease and oil out of drains. Don’t drive or park over the drain field. Don’t use septic tank additives. Use licensed professional contractors for installations and repairs.

It was once thought that groundwater was protected by the soil layer, however this is not necessarily true.Water can pass through soil with limited filtering depending upon the soil type and subsurface rock formation.As water percolates through the soil it can carry and soluble natural minerals such as calcium, arsenic and other elements from the soil into the underlying groundwater.Groundwater often contains more dissolved minerals than surface water.Chemicals commonly used in agriculture can also be carried to the groundwater in this fashion.

Some sources of naturally occurring contaminants include nitrates and microorganisms.Nitrates occur naturally in groundwater from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in soil.More frequently, nitrate contamination is due to human activity.Fertilizers, and human and animal wastes have high nitrate content, and therefore careful management of these near water supply wells must be considered.

Nitrate is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless compound.In the digestive system, nitrate is converted to nitrite.Nitrite is then absorbed into the blood where it disrupts the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.The consumption of nitrates can be particularly threatening for infants, leading to “blue baby” syndrome.Nitrates affect young animals in the same way as human present in the rumen convert nitrate to nitrite.Horses are also susceptible, because their large babies.Animals such as cattle and sheep are susceptible to nitrate poisoning because bacteria cesum acts much like a rumen.Animals such as swine and chickens rapidly eliminate nitrate in their urine.

In addition to nitrate pollution, septic systems and animal manure can lead to microbial contamination of wells.Shallow water sources are at the most risk of being contaminated with microorganisms.Drinking water that is contaminated with microorganisms can cause a variety of illnesses including dysentery and hepatitis.

It is important to realize that pollutants can also enter the groundwater directly through a well.There are many ways in which contaminants get into a well. One of the most common causes of well contamination is failure to seal the annular space around the well casing.Additionally, well casings may become cracked, or rusted leaving holes near the ground surface.Water can then seep in and contaminate deeper groundwater.If the casing does not extend far enough above the ground, flood or storm runoff may enter through the top of the well.

Faulty septic systems are another common cause of water contamination.When a septic system is improperly constructed or maintained raw sewage can seep into the ground and contaminate the groundwater.A common reason for this is that the pollutants may move to rapidly through the soil.Hazardous household chemicals like paint, varnishes and pesticides can contaminate groundwater and kill the microorganisms that break down the waste.The average septic system costs from $3,000 to $10,000.Regular maintenance will help to prevent water contamination, as well as save you thousands of dollars in potential replacement costs.

Contaminated groundwater is very difficult and expensive to clean up; therefore pollution prevention efforts should be of top priority.  The Safe Drinking Water Act does not protect private wells.  This means that you are responsible for protecting your private well and determining if the water is healthy to drink. Simple wellhead protection methods that focus on well location, well construction, and well management and maintenance will help to ensure that you have a safe drinking water supply.  Properly designed and constructed wells minimize the risk of pollution by sealing the well from anything that might enter it form the surface.

Private wells should be tested for bacteria and nitrates annually.Spring tends to be the best time for testing since it is usually a time when the ground is wet.A current test should be requested when purchasing a house with an existing well or anytime you replace or repair any part of the well system.Also test if you notice a change in the water’s appearance, taste, or smell.

A variety of water analysis packages are available at the Elbert County Public Health Department.These kits are designed so the homeowner will obtain water samples and send them to a certified laboratory.It is important to carefully follow the instructions on the test kit so you get correct results.All water quality labs are licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.A list of licensed companies may be obtained by contacting the state.Well test results can be compared to federal and state drinking water standards at www.epa.gov/safewater/mcl.html or by calling the Safe Drinking Water Hotline 800-426-4791.

Tips for Protecting your Groundwater Supply

• Always use licensed water well drillers and pump installers when constructing a well.
• The well casing should extend 1 to 2 feet above the surrounding land to prevent surface water form runnning down the casing or on top of the cap into the well.  Slope surrounding ground away from the well so surface runoff drains away.
• Perform bacterial tests annually, or any time these is a change in taste, odor or appearance.  Spring water testing is best, due to wet conditions.
• Keep fertilizers, pesticides, and other hazardous chemicals away from your well.  Never dispose of these items in your septic system.
• Periodically check the well cover to ensure it is in good repair.
• Always maintain proper separation between your well and septic system.
• Inspect the visible parts of the well for problems such as cracked or corroded casing or broken or missing cap.
• Install backflow prevention devices on all faucets with hose connections and maintain air gaps between hoses/faucets and the water level.