How Can I Tell if Well Water is Contaminated?

June 3, 2022

In recent years, the safety of ground water and well water in Delaware has become a major issue. The problem with receiving your household water from a well is that your water comes from groundwater. Most private wells are not tested regularly. This is compared to public water which is tested regularly as required by both state and federal regulations. Specifically, at the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires municipalities and companies that provide water to the public to undergo rigorous testing.

For private well owners, there is no requirement for any testing. If any testing is completed on a private well, the homeowners are required to do it, and pay for it, themselves. It is important to know what to look for in how to spot if your well water is contaminated.

Visible Signs of Contamination

There are visible signs of well water contamination that you can spot if you know what to look for:

• Scale or scum accumulation caused by calcium of magnesium minerals within the water. This creates what’s commonly referred to as “hard water.” Scale buildup will look like a white powdery substance left behind.
• Cloudy water can be a sign of contamination of many types of substances including rust or dirt or substances. Cloudy water could also indicate problems with your home’s pipes. Overtime, pipes can become corroded or rusted, causing water to be cloudy.
• Green stains on faucets, sinks, bathtubs, and showers, is indicative of your well water being contaminated with high levels of acid. The acid can come from various materials in your well water including certain metals such as iron, copper, or zinc. If the acid is at high enough levels, it can also cause physical health problems such as diarrhea, cramps, vomiting, liver disease, and kidney problems.
• Brown or red stains caused by well water is indicative of dissolved iron in your water. You will see these strains in your sink, dishwasher, or even your clothes after washing them. High levels of iron in your water can cause injuries with your organs, including your heart, liver, and pancreas.

These visible signs of well contamination can often be seen in older homes with older sinks and faucets that are serviced by private water wells.

Does Your Water Taste Funny?

Not only are there visible signs of contamination, there are also signs of contamination on how the water tastes. Here are some funky tastes to look out for in your well water:

• Salty taste indicates high sodium or chloride contamination.
• Soapy taste in your well water indicates high levels of alkaline minerals.
• Chemical taste to the water indicates high levels of chlorine and cleaning chemicals in your well water.

Wilmington Environmental Lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. Help Clients with Contaminated Well Water Claims

If you have experienced health problems due to contaminated well water, you may seek compensation to help. Our knowledgeable Wilmington environmental lawyers at Jacobs & Crumplar, P.A. have are experienced in helping homeowners with contaminated wells. Call us today 302-656-5445 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation are our law offices in Wilmington and Millsboro, Delaware. We serve clients in Dover, New Castle County, Sussex County, and throughout Delaware.