Bacteria - Fecal and Coliform
Bacteria can
enter a well through a cracked or non-sealed well cap; crack in well
casing; shallow wells; and leaks in underground plumbing. Bacteria will
continue to grow if left untreated. The first step is generally to
chlorinate the well in an attempt to eliminate bacteria. If all efforts
have been exhausted to correct the problem at the source (well), and
bacteria is still present, we can install an Ultraviolet Light or a
permanent Chlorination System.
Nitrates in Water
Nitrates are
considered harmful to infants and expectant mothers as it is believed
to be a cause of "blue baby syndrome". A temporary blood disorder,
which is reversible once the contaminating source is removed. Older
children and adults are able to reject the effects of nitrate nitrogen
in their blood and rarely have problems except at extremely high
nitrate levels. The most popular treatment for Nitrates in drinking
water is Reverse Osmosis. This is a high performance system which
eliminates many contaminants from water.
Lead
Lead may leach
from lead solder in plumbing or service lines and brass/copper alloys
used in some well pumps. In well water, the major contributor to this
leaching is acidic water. Acidic water will corrode copper pipes,
appliances, and plumbing fixtures and may leach lead if it is present
in the plumbing. The solution for this is an Acid Neutralizer.
Radon
Radon is a
colorless, odorless, short-lived radioactive gas commonly found in New
Jersey and Pennsylvania. It is which is released in the process
of uranium rock decay. This gas is considered carcinogenic when
inhaled. Radon in water is emitted to air, especially where water is
agitated or sprayed.
Radium
Radium is a
radioactive metal that occurs naturally in rocks, soil and ground
water. As radium decays, it continually releases energy into the
environment. Radium readily dissolves in acidic ground water.
Treatments for Radium are Reverse Osmosis and Water Softener Systems.
Objectionable
Taste and Odor
Metallic
tastes are common and can be attributed to acidic water conditions or
iron. Although iron and manganese are not considered a health
hazard, they can cause taste, staining, and odor problems. Iron and
Manganese Filters not only filter iron and manganese to provide crystal
clear water. They also filter hydrogen sulfide gas which produces an
offensive rotten egg odor.
Viruses - Cryptosporidium, Giardia
These microbes
are parasites often called cysts. Reverse Osmosis Systems offer
reduction of these microbes. Ceramic Candles Filters remove 99.99% of
pathogenic bacteria and cysts, and inhibit microbiological growth, and
can be cleaned and reused for greater filter life
GAS WELL
DRILLING
The process of
gas well drilling has the potential to negatively impact drinking water
sources. A single gas well can utilize and produce hundreds of
thousands of gallons of fluids during drilling operations. The recent
discoveries of gas reserves held within the Marcellus Shale formation
and the use of new horizontal drilling methods to tap these reserves
are expected to increase dramatically the drilling operations and gas
recovery efforts in the region.
Pre-gas well testing of private wells and springs is a necessary step
to establish a baseline for the water quality of the water source.
Subsequent well testing may be performed during or after the operations
to verify that the water source is unimpacted by the drilling
operations.
