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Common Indicators of Health Risks in Your CT Well Water

Nitrate-nitrogen and coliform bacteria are two common indicators of drinking water contamination in CT and tests for these are the most common tests that are run on private wells. Analysis for coliform bacteria and nitrate is relatively simple and inexpensive and elevated levels of either can indicate contamination of the well. Nitrate Nitrate occurs in the soil, crop residues, human or animal wastes, some industrial wastes, and nitrogen fertilizers. All are possible sources of nitrate, which is soluble and moves easily with surface and groundwater. Although nitrate itself is not harmful to humans, certain bacteria change nitrate to nitrite in the digestive tract. Infants under six months of age have weak stomach acids that allow those nitrate-reducing bacteria to grow and produce nitrite. When nitrite is absorbed into the blood, it reduces the ability of hemoglobin (red oxygen-carrying blood pigment) to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. This change in the blood is described as a change from hemoglobin to methemoglobin. Thus, some infants under six months of age are especially susceptible to excess nitrate in water and may develop a condition called methemoglobinemia, or “blue-baby” syndrome. Methemoglobinemia produces a bluish color around the lips, spreads to the fingers, toes, and face, and in extreme cases, covers the entire body. In severe cases, the infant is unable to obtain sufficient oxygen and may die. Unfortunately, methemoglobinemia remains a potential threat for infants in Connecticut. The USEPA Primary Drinking Water Standard for nitrate-nitrogen is 10 parts per million (ppm) or 10 milligrams per liter (mg/L). The ppm measurement is equivalent to milligrams per liter (mg/L). This standard...

Why Is Nitrogen Contamination on the Rise in CT Well Water?

Thousands of private wells throughout CT farming regions contain nitrogen contamination in drinking water. There are rising levels of pollution from the tons of fertilizer and other forms of nitrogen applied each year throughout the state. Fertilizing in the fall, is when the risk to water is greatest and should try to be avoided. Increasingly widespread contaminants can be lethal to infants and harmful to livestock which is why it is so important to regularly test your drinking water, especially if it comes from a private wall. On the plus side, technological advances now provide farmers exquisitely precise information on just how much fertilizer to apply. As a result, nitrogen use could be cut back. Private well testing is so important in areas known to have groundwater problems. Relying on neighboring landowners to make the right choices when it comes to what pesticides and fertilizers they use is risky even though water quality and use is important to all of...

Is Your Connecticut Private Well at Risk?

Shallow, older wells in Connecticut are more likely to pose a health risk, because shallow groundwater may become more easily contaminated and metal casings in older wells may have deteriorated over time. In surveys of private wells, it has been found that CT wells less than 50 feet deep or more than 40 years old are more likely to be contaminated with nitrate or bacteria. However, a deep well is no guarantee against contamination from surface sources if the well is not properly constructed or maintained. If a deep well is properly constructed and still contains nitrate, the source of contamination may be a considerable distance away and difficult or impossible to locate. Bacteria and nitrates are pollutants found in human and animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can large numbers of farm animals. Both septic systems and animal manures must be carefully managed to prevent pollution. Sanitary landfills and garbage dumps are also sources. Children and some adults are at extra risk when exposed to water-born bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are compromised due to AIDS or treatments for cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate problems. Nitrates cause a health threat in very young infants called “blue baby” syndrome. This condition disrupts oxygen flow in the blood. Typically well water tests include testing for bacteria, lead and nitrate and nitrites, as well as contaminants of local concern, such as arsenic or radon. More sophisticated tests can include Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In older homes, the wellhead is often located in the basement or under the back steps. New...

Happy Holidays to our CT Water Testing Clients

The joy you, our water testing clients bring this holiday season is truly amazing. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Kwanzaa or Hanukkah, the spirit of peace still resonates within us. Many will spend the holidays with friends and family, enjoy feasts and will celebrate in our own unique ways. Let us take this time to remember our neighbors who were lost this year, due to tragic events or natural disasters. Their memory will forever be with us. We would also like to take this moment to express our gratitude towards you for trusting us with your water testing needs. We truly believe you are the best customers in CT because, frankly, you are. No one has given us more than you have this year. Your continued support has made us the success we are today. So from the entire watertestingct.com family, we all would like to wish you a Happy Holidays and a prosperous New...

What if Nitrate is Found in my Connecticut well when Testing my Water?

How do I find out if my Connecticut well is contaminated with nitrate? To find out if there is nitrate in your domestic well water, have it tested. It is a good idea to have a routine nitrate test at least once a year. You should also have your Connecticut water tested for nitrate if you are a woman planning on becoming pregnant or if infants will be using the water. What if nitrate is found in my water? If the nitrate concentration exceeds the MCL of 10 mg/L, do not give the water to any infant under 6 months of age, either directly or in formula. Infants should be provided with water from a source that has been tested and shown to be low in nitrate. Commercially bottled water is required to meet the nitrate standard and is safe for infants. Do not boil high nitrate water to “treat” it. Although it is common to think of boiling, softening or filtering as a means of purifying water, none of these methods reduce nitrate contamination. Boiling actually concentrates the nitrate due to evaporation of the water. While reverse osmosis units can be used to remove nitrates from your water, home water treatment units are not recommended for treating high nitrate water that will be given to infants. There is no foolproof way of knowing when the treatment system may fail and blue baby syndrome has been known to occur after just one day of exposure to high nitrate water. It is a good idea to have the well tested by a professional. Nitrate problems are sometimes caused by structural...

Why do Day Cares and Child Care Centers in CT need Water Testing?

Day Care & Child Care Centers in CT are usually required to test their water because lead exposure poses a great risk to our children, especially those younger than 6 years of age. A child’s growing body absorbs more lead compared to an adult, and their brain and nervous system is more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead when they ingest it. Behavioral and learning problems lower IQ hearing problems slowed growth Just a few of the risks our Connecticut children face when exposed to even just small amounts of lead. The damaging effects of lead cannot be undone after a child has been exposed. Although we may have our CT homes and drinking water tested for lead, most of our children spend the majority of their day at schools, and/or day care centers while we are at work.  Schools and day care facilities that have their own drinking water supply are usually required to test the water for lead.  If the water at the day care or school is provided by a private well other testing is usually required by the state of Connecticut and local municipalities as well. Lead primarily enters tap water through the corrosion of plumbing materials and fixtures, and therefore, lead levels may vary from tap to tap within a building. Because you cannot see, taste, or smell the presence of lead, testing is the only way to determine if elevated levels are present. The EPA has begun a voluntary testing program for lead targeting all schools and child care centers. Lead in water in Connecticut day care, child care and school facilities should be of special concern especially if they are preparing food or baby formula.  As a municipality, I...