What common contaminants may be in my drinking water?
Often undetectable by sight, smell and taste, there are many common contaminants that can find their way into your private well system. Many of these toxins and metals can impact your health without any warning signs. The only sure way to detect them is through advanced testing.
Where do these common contaminants come from? Are they a health risk?
Many substances found in our well water are naturally occurring elements in the soil, while others are the result of industries or chemical spills near the water source. Many of these common contaminants can cause serious health concerns depending on the amount that is in the water.
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards and regulations for many different contaminants in public drinking water, including disease-causing germs and chemicals. A few of the most common contaminants are listed below.
| Arsenic LEARN MORE | Sources: Natural deposits or industrial/agricultural pollution. Removal: Arsenic Shield, Quick Change Reverse Osmosis |
| Chlorine LEARN MORE | Sources: Public water supplies Removal: Quick Change Reverse Osmosis |
| Copper LEARN MORE | Sources: Pipes or mining, farming, industrial pollution. Removal: Quick Change Reverse Osmosis, or ion exchange. |
| Iron LEARN MORE | Sources: Natural deposits Removal: Whole-home iron & manganese filtration system |
| Lead LEARN MORE | Sources: Lead pipes, brass fixtures, old wells or pumps. Removal: remove lead source if possible, flush water before use. Prevention: Regular checks for lead sources. |
| Manganese LEARN MORE | Sources: Natural deposits Removal: Whole-home iron & manganese filtration |
| Mercury LEARN MORE | Sources: Natural processes, industrial activities Removal: Quick Change Reverse Osmosis |
| Nitrate LEARN MORE | Sources: Fertilizers, septic systems, industrial waste. Removal: Ion exchange, or Quick Change Reverse Osmosis |
| Pesticides LEARN MORE | Sources: Agricultural runoff, lawn and garden applications, industrial discharge Removal: Whole-home filtration systems, or Quick Change Reverse Osmosis |
| PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) LEARN MORE | Sources: Found in various products, industrial activities, and firefighting foam. Removal: Activated carbon filters, reverse osmosis, ion exchange. Prevention: Regular testing for PFAS contamination. |
| Uranium LEARN MORE | Sources: Naturally occurring Removal: Uranium Shield, or reverse osmosis system |
| VOCs LEARN MORE | Sources: Industrial discharges, improper disposal of chemicals, and underground storage tanks Removal: VOC Shield, or reverse osmosis system |
How do I know which contaminants to test for?
If any of these activities are in your vicinity, testing is encouraged. And of course, if you have any questions, U.S. Water is here to help. Our water staff has decades of experience with Wisconsin water.
Type of activity | Contamination Source |
Agriculture | Fields that use fertilizer or manure, animal feedlots, general waste disposal wells, farms that irrigate |
Commercial | Airports, boatyards, railroad track and yards, junkyards, recycling, auto repairs shops, carwashes, laundromats, paint shops, gas stations, construction sites, golf courses, waste disposal wells, research laboratories and medical institutions, funeral homes and cemeteries |
Industry | Oil and gas facilities, chemical manufacturing companies, mining, foundries, metal fabrication, paper or textile mills |
Residential | Fuel storage tanks, chemical storage and use, septic tanks, lawn fertilizers |
Other | Road de-icing, landfills, sewer lines, storm water drains, disposal wells, illegal dumping |
The Right Solution Starts with an Accurate Test
The first step in addressing toxins and metals in well water is to have it professionally tested.
U.S. Water offers comprehensive well water testing services through its Wisconsin state-certified water testing lab. This ensures the most accurate testing and, with our test facility onsite, you are guaranteed a fast turnaround time. In addition to our basic analysis, we offer a full range of certified water tests and well inspection services.
Reverse Osmosis removes up to 98% of dissolved solids and numerous contaminants, including PFAS.
Contaminant-Specific Filtration Systems
U.S. Water offers a comprehensive range of whole-home filtration systems engineered to efficiently eliminate specific toxins, including arsenic, nitrates, PFAS, and various others, ensuring a pure and safe water supply.
Not sure which product you need?
TALK TO ONE OF OUR WATER CONSULTANTS
