Water Contaminants
Total Coliform Bacteria
Total coliform bacteria is a group of bacteria that are associated with the intestinal flora of humans and animals. Coliforms can be found widely in the environment, but their presence in drinking water indicates an impaired or contaminated system. Coliforms should be immediately tested if you notice a change in the taste, color, or odor of your water. If a well water source tests positive for coliforms, we recommend having a licensed pump installer or well driller investigate the system for deficiencies. Although total coliforms are generally not a health hazard to healthy individuals, we recommend finding an alternate source of water for drinking and cooking until the problem is remedied.
E. coli
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are only associated with fecal material. The presence of E. coli in drinking water indicates the possibility of more dangerous bacteria, viruses, and parasites being present. Immediately stop drinking the water and boil any water that is used for drinking or cooking. Contact a licensed pump installer or well driller to investigate and remediate your well system.
Nitrate
Nitrate can occur naturally in smaller amounts, but elevated levels are an indication of it entering the groundwater from an outside source such as fertilizers, manure, septic systems, and sewage treatment practices. The EPA and WI DNR consider levels above 10 mg/L or ppm (parts per million) in drinking water harmful. Pregnant women and infants are at higher risks of health concerns from nitrate consumption. High levels of nitrate can cause higher risks for thyroid disease, diabetes, cancer, and “blue baby syndrome”.
Arsenic
Arsenic is a naturally occuring element found in soil and bedrock throughout Wisconsin. Under certain conditions, arsenic can be released into groundwater and enter water wells. The EPA and WI DNR consider levels above 10 ug/L or ppb (parts per billion) in drinking water harmful. Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water is known to increase risks of skin, bladder, lung, liver, colon, and kidney cancer. Other health effects may include blood vessel damage, high blood pressure, nerve damage, anemia, stomach upsets, diabetes, and skin changes.
Lead
Lead is a common metal that can enter drinking water through the corrosion of your home’s plumbing materials and water lines connecting your home to a water main. Although low amounts of lead can occur naturally, majority of lead found in drinking water comes from the plumbing. The EPA and WI DNR consider levels above 15 ug/L or ppb (parts per billion) in drinking water harmful. Excess levels of lead can cause damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, red blood cells, and reproductive system. To ensure you are properly testing your drinking water for lead, the sample should be taken from where you drink or cook such as a kitchen faucet.
Iron
Iron is a naturally occuring metal that is present in most aquifers. Iron is not considered hazardous to your health, but levels above 0.3 mg/L or ppm (parts per million) may cause aesthetic issues such as red/brown staining, metallic taste, or a foul smell.
Manganese
Manganese is a common, naturally-occuring element found in rocks, soil, water, air, and food. Manganese is an essential element and is needed to form healthy bones, produce glucose, and heal wounds, but high levels of manganese can affect your health. The EPA and WI DNR consider levels above 300 ug/L or ppb (parts per billion) in drinking water harmful. Manganese may be in your water if it has a brown or rust-black color, causes staining of faucets, sinks or laundry, or if it has an off taste or odor.
Iron Bacteria
“Iron bacteria” is a broad term used to describe a common group of bacteria that form biofilms in well systems. They naturally grow underground and are generally not harmful to human health. Iron bacteria are considered a “nuisance” and their growth patterns can plug well pumps, restrict flow in pipes, foul water softeners, and cause your water to have a sulfur or “rotten egg” smell.
PFAS
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of human-made chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products worldwide since the 1950s. Research is currently ongoing, but many negative health effects such as cancer, infertility, and thyroid and heart issues have been affiliated with PFAS in drinking water.
Atrazine
Atrazine is a pesticide used to kill weeds and can enter the groundwater from field use, spills, and improper disposal. The WI DNR considers levels at or above 3 ug/L or ppb (parts per billion) in drinking water harmful. Exposure to high levels of atrazine can cause damage to the liver, kidney, and heart.