Water Basics

Private Wells and private water systems may have high levels of contaminants. Private water systems may have improperly sealed (or unsealed) well heads and/or unsealed or open holding tanks. The risks here are the presence of algae, decaying plant matter, insects, animal waste products and bacteria. If you live in farming country, live near a feedlot, or near a poorly designed septic system, Nitrates can be a serious problem, as well. High nitrate levels and that of some other contaminants can be seasonal. You may need to test for nitrates more than once during the year.