Understanding the chemicals present in both tap water and well water is crucial for safeguarding the health and well-being of ourselves and our families. Whether sourced from municipal supplies or private wells, water can contain a variety of contaminants that may pose health risks or affect water quality. From bacteria and heavy metals to pesticides and industrial pollutants, the presence of these chemicals underscores the necessity of regular water testing and, when necessary, implementing effective filtration solutions.
What standard County-provided water contains in Atlanta and surrounding suburbs:
- Chlorine: Often added to disinfect water, chlorine can create a strong taste and odor.
- Chloramine: A disinfectant used as an alternative to chlorine, chloramine can also affect taste and odor.
- Lead: Lead can leach into water from older pipes or plumbing fixtures, posing serious health risks, especially to children and pregnant women.
- Arsenic: A naturally occurring element, arsenic can contaminate groundwater sources and pose health risks even at low levels of exposure.
- Fluoride: Added to water supplies to promote dental health, fluoride levels may vary and can cause concerns for some individuals.
- Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, and protozoa can contaminate water sources, leading to waterborne illnesses such as gastrointestinal infections.
- Sediment: Particles of sand, silt, and debris can enter the water supply, affecting water clarity and potentially clogging pipes or fixtures.
- Heavy Metals: Besides lead and arsenic, other heavy metals like mercury, cadmium, and chromium can be present in water due to industrial pollution or natural sources.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, and industrial solvents can seep into water sources and pose health risks even at low concentrations.
- Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs): Chemical compounds formed when disinfectants like chlorine react with organic matter in water, DBPs can include trihalomethanes (THMs) and haloacetic acids (HAAs), which may have adverse health effects with long-term exposure.
- Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs): Residues from medications, cosmetics, and hygiene products can enter water sources and raise concerns about potential health impacts.
- Nitrates and Nitrites: Commonly found in agricultural runoff and sewage discharges, elevated levels of nitrates and nitrites in water can pose health risks, particularly to infants and pregnant women.
- Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs): Chemicals used in manufacturing processes, PFCs like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) can contaminate water sources and have been linked to various health issues.
- Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors: Chemicals that mimic hormones or interfere with the endocrine system, such as bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, can be present in water sources and may have adverse health effects, especially in vulnerable populations.
Get your county-specific water report at https://www.ewg.org/tapwater/.
What well water usually contains
- Bacteria: Common bacteria found in well water include coliform bacteria, E. coli, and fecal coliforms, which can indicate contamination from human or animal waste and pose risks of gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Nitrate: Nitrate contamination in well water often originates from agricultural runoff, septic systems, and fertilizers. High nitrate levels can be harmful, especially to infants and pregnant women, causing methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.”
- Arsenic: Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in groundwater in some areas. Chronic exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been linked to various health issues, including cancer and skin lesions.
- Iron and Manganese: These minerals are naturally present in groundwater and can cause aesthetic problems such as staining of fixtures, laundry, and dishes. High levels of iron and manganese may also affect water taste and odor.
- Hydrogen Sulfide: Hydrogen sulfide gas can give well water a distinctive “rotten egg” smell and taste. While not typically harmful at low concentrations, it can be unpleasant and affect water quality.
- Sulfate: Sulfate is a naturally occurring compound found in many groundwater sources. High sulfate levels can cause laxative effects and affect water taste and odor.
- Fluoride: While fluoride occurs naturally in some groundwater sources, elevated levels can lead to dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis with long-term exposure.
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Chemicals such as gasoline, solvents, pesticides, and industrial pollutants can contaminate groundwater and pose health risks if present in well water.
- Radon: Radon is a radioactive gas that can enter groundwater through bedrock or soil. Ingesting radon-contaminated water may increase the risk of stomach cancer.
- Pesticides and Herbicides: Runoff from agricultural areas can introduce pesticides and herbicides into groundwater, potentially contaminating well water and posing health risks.
- Heavy Metals: Besides arsenic, other heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and mercury may be present in well water due to natural geological formations or human activities.
- Sediment: Well water may contain sediment, including sand, silt, and clay particles, which can affect water clarity and clog plumbing fixtures and appliances.
- Hardness Minerals: Calcium and magnesium are common minerals that contribute to water hardness, causing scale buildup in plumbing fixtures and reducing soap lathering ability.
- Radionuclides: Some well water sources may contain radionuclides such as uranium or radium, which can pose health risks if present in elevated levels.
- Perfluorinated Compounds (PFCs): Industrial pollutants, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), may contaminate well water and have adverse health effects.
It’s essential for well owners to regularly test their water for contaminants and consider appropriate treatment measures to ensure safe and clean drinking water for themselves and their families. Visit https://georgiawellwatertesting.com/ to find out more about testing your well water.
At My Georgia Plumber, we understand the importance of clean, safe water for everyday use. If you’re unsure about the quality of your water or want to explore filtration options tailored to your needs, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Our team of experts is here to provide information, guidance, and solutions to ensure that your water is pure, healthy, and free from harmful contaminants. Take the first step towards cleaner water today by contacting My Georgia Plumber.
