Well water can cause diarrhea if contaminated by harmful substances like microorganisms or chemicals. Since private well water is unregulated, homeowners are responsible for its safety. Drinking contaminated well water can lead to gastrointestinal issues, so understanding risks and prevention is important.
Diarrhea-Causing Contaminants
Well water can harbor contaminants that cause gastrointestinal distress. Microbial pathogens, including bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Campylobacter, are common. Viruses such as norovirus and rotavirus, along with parasites like Giardia and Cryptosporidium, also cause waterborne illnesses. These can lead to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
Beyond microbes, chemical contaminants also affect digestive health. High levels of nitrates and sulfates, often from fertilizers or waste, can cause gastrointestinal upset, particularly in infants. Heavy metals like copper, cadmium, or lithium, in high concentrations, may induce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Pesticides and industrial chemicals can also disrupt the digestive system, leading to inflammation and irritation.
How Well Water Becomes Contaminated
Well water can become contaminated through various pathways, often due to structural issues or its surrounding environment. A cracked well casing, faulty well cap, or inadequate sealing can allow surface water and contaminants to seep into the groundwater. Improper well construction or maintenance significantly increases this vulnerability.
Proximity to pollution sources also poses a substantial risk. Old, leaking, or improperly maintained septic systems can release human waste into the soil, which migrates to the well water. Agricultural runoff, carrying animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides, can infiltrate the ground and contaminate the well. Overflowing floodwaters can also introduce a wide range of contaminants into the well system.
Recognizing Contaminated Well Water
Identifying contaminated well water often requires specific testing, as many dangerous contaminants are undetectable by sight, taste, or smell. While changes like cloudiness, discoloration (brown, red, green), or unusual tastes (salty, metallic, chemical, soapy, rotten egg) can indicate a problem, these sensory clues are not always present. Harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites, for instance, are invisible to the naked eye.
Regular professional well water testing is essential for private well owners. It is recommended to test well water at least once a year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels. These tests reveal harmful microorganisms or chemical pollutants that pose health risks. If individuals experience symptoms like persistent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or fever, these might signal a waterborne illness from contaminated well water.
What To Do About Contaminated Well Water
If you suspect your well water is contaminated or causing illness, immediate action is needed. Stop drinking or using the water for cooking and other household purposes. Rely on bottled water or an alternative safe source for all consumption. If bottled water is unavailable, boiling your well water for at least one minute can kill most harmful bacteria and viruses, though this will not remove chemical contaminants.
Next, contact your local health department or a certified well water professional. They can guide you on proper water testing to identify specific contaminants and their concentrations. Based on test results, they can recommend short-term and long-term solutions. This may involve shock chlorination to disinfect the well, especially after flooding or repairs, or addressing structural issues.
For ongoing safety, consider installing a water treatment system tailored to your contamination. Options include ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems, which neutralize bacteria and viruses without chemicals, or reverse osmosis systems, capable of removing heavy metals and nitrates. Seeking medical attention is advisable if symptoms are severe or persistent, particularly for vulnerable individuals like infants, the elderly, or those with compromised immune systems.