Well Water Contamination caused by Human Activities Part I

There are lots of human activities that create water pollution around our homes and can cause our drinking water to become contaminated so I'm breaking it into two parts. Here is Part I.

EPA > Water > Safewater > Private Drinking Water Wells > Human Health: "What Human Activities Can Pollute Ground Water?

Septic tanks are designed to have a "leach field" around them - an area where wastewater flows out of the tank. This wastewater can also move into the ground water.

Bacteria and Nitrates: These pollutants are found in human and animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can large numbers of farm animals. Both septic systems and animal manures must be carefully managed to prevent pollution. Sanitary landfills and garbage dumps are also sources. Children and some adults are at extra risk when exposed to water-born bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are weak due to AIDS or treatments for cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate problems. Nitrates cause a health threat in very young infants called "blue baby" syndrome. This condition disrupts oxygen flow in the blood.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs): The number of CAFOs, often called factory farms; is growing. On these farms thousands of animals are raised in a small space. The large amounts of animal wastes/manures from these farms can threaten water supplies. Strict and careful manure management is needed to prevent pathogen and nutrient problems. Salts from high levels of manures can also pollute ground water.

Heavy Metals: Activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby ground water sources. Some older fruit orchards may contain high levels of arsenic, once used as a pesticide. At high levels, these metals pose a health risk.

Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage. These products are also used on golf courses and suburban lawns and gardens. The chemicals in these products may end up in ground water. Such pollution depends on the types and amounts of chemicals used and how they are applied. Local environmental conditions (soil types, seasonal snow and rainfall) also affect this pollution. Many fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen that can break down into harmful nitrates. This could add to other sources of nitrates mentioned above. Some underground agricultural drainage systems collect fertilizers and pesticides. This polluted water can pose problems to ground water and local streams and rivers. In addition, chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or other pests may also pose a threat. Again, the possibility of problems depends on the amount and kind of chemicals. The types of soil and the amount of water moving through the soil also play a role.

Special Savings
AQ-4200 Combo Pack Deluxe Drinking Water and Shower Water Filtration Systems. The right combination for a healthy lifestyle. Our 2 most popular products at a discount price! Drink & Shower with clean healthy water! Order now & get FREE Expedited shipping!
Buy Now For Only $189.90!


Receive a copy of our free ebook "The Truth About Drinking Water Safety in America".

Information provided by Home Water Filters and Drinking Water Safety. Compare faucet mounted water filters, pitcher water filters, portable water bottle filters, shower filters, refrigerator water filters, under counter water filters, fluoride water filters, or whole home water filtration systems. Learn more about carbon filters and reverse osmosis.

Drinking Water Filters