Today, drilling a well is one of the cheapest ways to get water, since the only major cost involved in doing so is the cost of drilling the well in the first place. Once this is done, however, you can enjoy the water at relatively low cost. However, there are a few issues that one needs to remember when using well water, since they determine how the water should be used for the best effect possible. For instance, if you are interested in using the water for domestic purposes such as cooking, drinking and hygiene, some of the tips you should remember include:
The water is likely to be hard
Well water is usually one of the hardest types known, since it seeps through a lot of rock and in the process absorbs some minerals from them. Science shows that a bit of minerals in the water is actually good for one’s health. For instance, the presence of calcium salts in the water has a modest effect in improving bone health. However, having too much mineral in the water has side effects as well, including the staining of containers in which the water is boiled. Using a filtration system that can get rid of the minerals is encouraged to reduce this effect.
Beware of contamination
By far, the commonest contaminant for underground water is fecal material from animals and human beings. Some of the signs that the water could be contaminated include episodes of diarrhea and generalized illness in the people who take the water. Remember, the water might look clean even though it has bacteria in it.
If you intend to use the water for domestic consumption, make sure that it’s boiled and filtered before use. Also, ensure that the well is sited far from facilities such as outhouses that might contaminate it. It might be necessary to line the well to prevent any environmental contamination as well.
You will need to maintain the well from time to time
Most people think that since the wells contain water, it’s not necessary to clean them. However, you would need to clean the water every so often to make sure that it stays clean. Professional well experts can do this sort of maintenance for you and also provide a schedule on how frequently you should do it depending on the circumstances prevailing. In an industrial setting, for instance, the maintenance might need to be done more regularly.
If possible, test the water
For the purposes of health, some authorities recommend that the water be tested every so often. For instance, you could get a sample of the water every month or so, and have it tested for coliforms and other contaminants. Doing this regularly will give you an idea of when the levels of bacteria or other toxins in the water starts rising, and can also prompt you to diagnose the issue as well.
By following these tips, you are likely to find it much easier to use the well for domestic use with confidence!