Drinking Water Clinic Interpretation Meeting EXTENSION AGENT, COUNTY ERIN LING AND BRIAN BENHAM VIRGINIA TECH BIOLOGICAL SYSTEMS ENGINEERING VIRGINIA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES IN VIRGINIA 1.6 million Virginians rely on wells, springs or cisterns (21% of the population) In the U.S. municipal water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act; private supplies are not! Homeowners relying on private water supplies: Are responsible for all aspects of water system management May lack knowledge and resources to effectively manage Usually don’t worry about maintenance until problems arise Groundwater is a shared resource – our actions can affect others’ water supplies too!

HOW DOES WATER MOVE TO MY WELL? (BEDROCK/DRILLED WELL) Well casing extends through loose “overburden” and into the bedrock, where an “open” borehole continues underground Groundwater moves through fractures, or cracks in the bedrock Water can come from many different directions, depths, and sources into one well It can take water hours, days, or years to move through to bedrock Water can come from any fractures that intersect the open borehole

HOW DOES WATER MOVE TO MY WELL? (SCREENED WELL) In drilled or bored wells in sandy aquifers, groundwater fills up the pore spaces between grains of sediment or sand In shallow wells, water moves relatively quickly from the surface down into the water table; with deeper wells, it takes more time. There are a large range of depths of wells reaching aquifers at varying levels

Proper well location and construction At least 50-100’ and upslope from contamination sources Not in an area that receives runoff Ground slopes away from well Well casing at least 12” above ground Grout seal around casing (have checked by a well driller) Sanitary well cap (drilled well) or sealed concrete cover (bored well) 12” Drilled well 12” Photo credits: SAIF Water Wells ; Penn State University Bored/dug well

THE FINISHED PRODUCT Sealed, sanitary well cap Grout seal Sealed, sanitary well cap Casing extending >12” above ground surface Ground sloping away from casing Point out the well components you mentioned – casing, grout, sanitary well cap, ground sloping away from well. http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm

WELL MAINTENANCE TIPS Do not use fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or paint near well Keep area around well clean and accessible Keep careful records original contract, water test results and any maintenance or repair information Every year: Conduct thorough visual inspection of well Check cap for cracks, wear and tear, tightness Test for coliform bacteria (at least)! Every 1-3 years have well inspected by a licensed well driller – see WellCheck page and providers!

PRIVATE WATER SUPPLY REGULATIONS Virginia Private Well Regulations Specify application, inspection and construction requirements No requirements for maintenance or water testing after construction of well – responsibility of the owner! EPA National Drinking Water Standards Apply to PUBLIC systems Primary (health) and Secondary (nuisance) Can be used as guidance for private systems to know “how much is too much”

EPA SAFE DRINKING WATER ACT Primary Standards Also called Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) Cause health problems Enforced for municipal systems Includes specific chemicals and pesticides Over 80 contaminants, including Lead Coliform and E. coli bacteria Copper Arsenic Nitrate Secondary Standards Also called SMCL (Secondary) or RMCL (Recommended) Cause aesthetic problems: Staining Taste Odor Many naturally occur in ground water About 15 contaminants, including: Iron Sulfate Manganese Hardness

TESTING WATER QUALITY Why test? When to test? Protect family’s health and safety Many contaminants undetectable by human senses Preventive measures often more effective and less expensive Possible legal protection in case of changes to water due to nearby impacts When to test? Routine tests every 1-3 years Pregnant woman or infant in the home Recurring gastrointestinal illness (guests too!) Change in taste, appearance, or odor of water Any time services or repairs are done (well cap opened/pump pulled up)

WHAT SHOULD I TEST FOR? Every year test for coliform bacteria and E. coli Simple, relatively inexpensive test Indicates possible contamination from human or animal waste About every three years test for other contaminants based on nearby land uses and condition of water pH Total dissolved solids

UNDERSTANDING TEST RESULTS Most results provided as concentrations: mg/L (milligrams per liter) ≈ ppm (parts per million) µg/L = (micrograms per liter) ≈ ppb (parts per billion) Other units unique to test Hardness (e.g. grains per gallon), pH scale Compare to EPA Safe Drinking Water Act standards: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html How much? 4 drops of ink in a 55 gallon barrel of water results in an “ink concentration” of 1 mg/L or ppm!

SOURCES OF POTENTIAL CONTAMINANTS OR ISSUES OF CONCERN well Surface water contamination: nitrate, bacteria Source may be plumbing materials or existing water treatment device: sodium copper lead bacteria Where a contaminant comes from affects how we can deal with it! Some are found in groundwater naturally, either due to human activities on or below ground: TDS arsenic sodium iron chloride pH/corrosivity hardness fluoride sulfate nitrate manganese

OPTIONS FOR PROBLEM WATER 1. If possible, control the source of pollution Divert runoff, maintain septic system 2. Improve maintenance of water system Install sanitary well cap, slope the ground 3. Treat the water to reduce contaminant concentration Match the treatment option to the pollutant Consult a professional 4. Develop a new source of water Deeper well, develop spring, connect to public water http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/septic-tank-cleaning-1.jpg, http://www.shipewelldrilling.com/Pictures/well_drilling_rig.jpg, http://www.clearflow.ca/REVERSE_OSMOSIS2.jpg

TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS No treatment device can remove all contaminants Each device has tradeoffs; be sure to explore ALL of your options Always have water tested by a third-party certified lab Certifications to look for: National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) – certifies DEVICES Water Quality Association (WQA) – trains WATER TREATMENT SPECIALISTS and certifies DEVICES Point of Use (POU) vs. Point of Entry (POE) If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is (e.g., magnets, electronic charge, magic) Consider: upfront cost, maintenance requirements and warranty

SAMPLE TEST REPORT ** = exceeds recommended level ND = not detected by instrument; may be expressed as <0.001

COLIFORM BACTERIA Coliform bacteria is an indicator organism Generally harmless in itself Present in soil, from animals/humans, common in environment Means disease-causing bacteria may also be present Water recently on the surface may be reaching well water Public standard is 0, or absent (in municipal supplies) If present, lab will analyze for E. coli bacteria http://support.cleanwaterstore.com/blog/sources-of-coliform-bacteria-contamination-in-home-well-water/

IF COLIFORM BACTERIA ARE PRESENT Don’t panic! Check well for pathways surface water can enter well Casing intact and extends above ground at least 12”? Sealed, sanitary well cap is installed and secure? Ground slopes away from well? Has driller checked for grout seal? Shock chlorination; retest after 2-4 weeks Long term treatment options: UV light, ozonation, continuous chlorination http://support.cleanwaterstore.com/blog/sources-of-coliform-bacteria-contamination-in-home-well-water/

IF E. COLI BACTERIA ARE PRESENT More serious result: human or animal waste is entering water supply Take immediate steps to address Boil water or use another source of water for drinking or cooking Check well for pathways surface water can enter well Shock chlorinate and retest after 2-4 weeks Long-term treatment options: UV light, ozonation, continuous disinfection None were, but just in case! http://www.kimicontrol.com/microorg/escherichia_coli.jpg

How much? Colilert ™ is added to the water, which is poured into a tray and sealed. Yellow = coliform present and fluorescing under ultraviolet light = E. coli present. BACTERIA MPN If bacteria are present, you will see a number under the word PRESENT. MPN = Most Probable Number (statistical estimate of the number of bacteria per 100 mL water) Number (of coliform and E. Coli) ranges from 1 to >2419. ABSENT: MPN will be ND (not detected) TNTC = Too Numerous To Count = >2419 MPN Still want to see both types of bacteria ABSENT Gives people an idea of the extent of the problem for both total coliform and E. coli.

pH Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance (0 – 14) scale 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 11 14 13 Increasing acidity Increasing alkalinity Neutral Lemon juice Vinegar Recommended pH range for drinking water 6.5 – 8.5 Milk Battery acid Ammonia Milk of magnesia Baking soda Sea water Lye Distilled water Coffee Bleach Gastric acid Measure of the acidity or alkalinity of a substance (0 – 14) scale Logarithmic scale: pH = 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH = 7 Good indicator of general water quality; largely driven by geology

CORROSIVE WATER Water is “aggressive”; corrodes metal plumbing Dissolves metals present into drinking water Causes pitting and pinhole leaks Reduces length of appliance life (e.g. water heaters) Commonly caused by low pH; other contributing factors include alkalinity, temperature, TDS levels EPA recommends drinking water be non-corrosive; metals like lead and copper can be a health concern Long-term treatment: acid neutralizing filter or soda ash injection (depending on pH) http://www.bushman.cc/photos/Copper_Water_Pipe_Corrosion.jpg;

METALS OF CONCERN: LEAD Linked to many serious health effects, especially in children and infants Developmental, neurological, reproductive and renal problems Cumulative poison; small amounts accumulate in body over time Lead MCL Goal is 0 mg/L with a health action level of 0.015 mg/L Sources include: Lead solder in homes built prior to 1986 “Lead-free” brass fittings and fixtures (<8% lead until January 2014, when the allowed level was lowered to 0.25%) Some galvanized steel components in wells

ADDRESSING LEAD IN WATER There is no safe level of lead. Even if below 0.015 ppm, take action, especially if children/pregnant women are drinking the water Discuss test results with your physician Compare first draw and flushed Metals may be highest with corrosive water and contact time with pipes. Flushing pipes may address problem, if flushed lead level is considerably lower.

ADDRESSING LEAD IN WATER There is no safe level of lead. Even if below 0.015 ppm, take action, especially if children/pregnant women are drinking the water Treatment options: Activated carbon filter (e.g. Brita or Pur) MAKE SURE IT IS LABELED TO REMOVE LEAD AND CHANGE AS DIRECTED Acid neutralizing filter can address corrosivity of water if pH < 6.5; however, corrosivity can be caused by other factors as well IF LEAD IS ELEVATED IN FLUSHED SAMPLE, ACTIVATED CARBON MAY STILL BE NECESSARY Reverse osmosis device will also remove dissolved metals Or, use another source of water known to be safe

METALS OF CONCERN: COPPER High levels can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps Infants and children particularly sensitive EPA MCL is 1.3 mg/L Nuisance effects, such as blue-green staining, noticeable at 1.0 mg/L http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/Lead-pipe.jpg

IRON AND MANGANESE Nuisance - not health concern for most SMCL: Iron = 0.3 mg/L; Mn = 0.05 mg/L Red/brown/black staining, particles, metallic taste Tend to occur together in geology Concentrations should be ADDED to determine treatment Treatment depends on type/form of each Ferrous/Manganous: water initially clear  orange-brown or black solid particles Ferric/Manganic: solid particles visible immediately, or water has a tint Iron bacteria: not a health concern; feed on Fe and Mn, red-brown or black-brown slime Treatment: water softener, aeration/filtration, ozonation, distillation http://www.freedrinkingwater.com/images-water-quality/chemicals/water%20in%20reddish-brown.jpg

Slightly-Moderately Hard HARDNESS/SCALING Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions, dissolved from limestone and other minerals Not a health risk – nuisance Decreased cleaning action of soaps, detergents Scale build-up in pipes and on appliances Reduced efficiency and lifespan of water heaters No EPA standard for public systems Treat using water softener www.goodcleanwater.com/fyi.htm; www.watersoftening.org/effects_of_hard_water.htm; Hardness Rating Grains per Gallon mg/L Soft Less than 1.0 Less than 17.1 Slightly-Moderately Hard 1.0-7.0 17.1-120 Hard 7.0-10.5 120-180 Very Hard Over 10.5 Over 180

TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS (TDS) Water is a solvent: dissolves many compounds as it travels over and under ground TDS is a measure of all dissolved impurities Natural sources: limestone, salt deposits, other minerals Man-made sources: septic systems, runoff from agricultural or urban land, road salt, industrial sources General indicator of water quality; test at least every three years EPA SMCL is 500 mg/L Treat using distillation or reverse osmosis http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids

SODIUM Varying levels occur naturally; high levels may be from man-made source Road salt storage or application, industrial waste, sewage, fertilizers or animal waste Natural sources (some bedrock and sediments) WATER SOFTENER – works by ion exchange: extracts calcium, magnesium, iron, adds sodium EPA recommendation for those on low-sodium diets: 20 mg/L Consider other sources of salt in diet and discuss with doctor Higher levels may indicate contamination – test for bacteria or other contaminants Salty taste; and may accelerate corrosion of pipes and water heaters Treat using distillation, reverse osmosis /www.cotrip.org/winterdriving/images/pic6.jpg; /www.apswater.com/images/fleck%205600.jpg

NITRATE (NO3-N) Serious health concern for infants http://wi.water.usgs.gov/pubs/FS-221-95/p2.gif Serious health concern for infants Methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” Nitrate  nitrite during digestion and blood cannot carry oxygen MCL is 10 mg/L NO3-N or 45 mg/L of NO3 If 3-5 mg/L, do not use water for infants under 6 months Sources include fertilizer, animal manure, sewage; NO3 dissolves and moves easily through soil Test in spring months; levels change over time BOILING INCREASES concentration of nitrates! Treatment: distillation, reverse osmosis, anion exchange

Hydrogen Sulfide Colorless gas; rotten egg smell thepipelinefixation.blogspot.com Colorless gas; rotten egg smell Not regulated by EPA – people can detect low levels Naturally present in shale, sandstone, near coal or oil fields Sulfur-reducing bacteria produce (not a health risk) Treatment depends on concentration, so must test Only noticeable in hot water? Bacteria could be thriving in your water heater Sulfates may be converted to H2S chemically in your water heater during a reaction with your magnesium corrosion control rod

ARSENIC Occurs naturally in some rocks; more common in groundwater supplies when water levels rise and fall frequently Used in wood preservatives, paints, pesticides, etc. Linked to many types of cancer, stomach pain, paralysis, and blindness EPA primary standard is 0.010 mg/L Treatment: reverse osmosis, distillation

FLUORIDE Occurs naturally; some high levels in E. Virginia groundwater Added to many public water systems for strong teeth and bones (levels 0.8-1.2 mg/L); limit intake for kids under 8 Health concerns: Long term exposure: links to bone cancer Shorter term exposure: dental or skeletal fluorosis EPA MCL 4.0 mg/L and SMCL 2.0 mg/L Treatment (reverse osmosis) removes ALL fluoride http://www.willamettedental.com/en_us/ALL/patients/pps/retailproducts_prettysmile.gif; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fluorosis

Virginia Household Water Quality Program State program personnel: Erin Ling (wellwater@vt.edu) Brian Benham (benham@vt.edu) www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu email: wellwater@vt.edu ph: 540-231-9058 Local Extension Agent:

RESOURCES Virginia Household Water Quality Program www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu Virginia Certified Lab Listing: http://www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu/files/Lablist2016.pdf EPA Private Wells Site https://www.epa.gov/privatewells National Groundwater Association Well Owner http://www.wellowner.org/ Water Systems Council Wellcare Hotline http://www.wellcarehotline.org/ NSF International: www.nsf.org Water Quality Association: www.wqa.org Consumer Reports or Better Business Bureau www.consumerreports.org OR www.bbb.org

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