Water Filtration
At Valley Artesian Well we want to ensure that you have access to quality drinking water. We have a full line of quality products to make sure no matter what mother nature introduces to your water, we can clean it up. We use Water-Right filtration products for water softeners, iron removal, reverse osmosis and more. We also have products available that can eliminate bacteria, radon and arsenic as well. We attend seminars every year put on by manufacturers to ensure we are kept up to date on the latest technology and the best ways to filter out whatever needs attention.
According to the Vermont Department of Health website these are some guidelines for contaminate levels: (http://healthvermont.gov/enviro/ph_lab/water_test.aspx#concerns)
Why it's Important to test your drinking water
Total Coliform Bacteria Health symptoms related to drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria can range from no ill effects to cramps and diarrhea. Potential health effects from chemicals in drinking water depend on the amounts found in the water, the length of time and amount of water used for drinking and, in some cases, personal health issues.
Concerns related to specific inorganic chemicals and alpha radiation found in drinking water:
Arsenic has been linked to increased lifetime risk for bladder, lung, or skin cancer. Arsenic is also associated with cardiovascular disease. Potential links between arsenic and diabetes and other cancers are being studied, but the evidence to date is not conclusive. The maximum level for arsenic in water is 0.010 milligrams per liter (mg/L).
Chlorides do not cause health problems, but high chloride levels in drinking water may be a sign of other problems. For example, road salt can contaminate water supplies causing chloride levels to be high. High levels of chlorides in drinking water may also give water an unpleasant taste. The maximum level for chlorides in water is 250 mg/L.
Copper is an important mineral for the formation of red blood cells. However, high amounts of copper in water can cause stomachaches, vomiting, or diarrhea. Young children are more sensitive to high levels of copper than adults. Water with copper levels above 1 mg/L can stain plumbing fixtures and give the water a metallic taste. The maximum level for copper in water is 1.3 mg/L.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral in well water. It helps the body resist tooth decay. It is important to know if your well water contains fluoride so adjustments can be made before making infant forluma or giving children supplements. The maximum level of Fluoride in water is 4.0 mg/L
Hardness causes no known health risks. However, very hard water can cause reduced lathering of soap, and buildup of scale in water heaters, cookware and plumbing fixtures and valves. No limits are established for water hardness. < 75 mg/L is not considered hard 75 - 150 mg/L is moderately hard > 150 mg/L is considered hard >250 mg/L is considered HARD
Iron is an essential element and does not generally cause negative health effects. However, water with iron above the maximum level of 0.3 mg/L, metallic tastes and staining of clothing, sinks, toilets, and bathtubs can result.
Lead is a highly toxic metal that can cause serious health problems, especially for infants, children, and pregnant women. Nervous system, kidney, and red blood cell problems may be effects of exposure to high lead levels. In young children, lead may have harmful effects on nervous system and brain development. Lead has been used in making solder, fittings and fixtures found in household plumbing. The maximum level for lead in water is 0.015 mg/L.
Manganese is an essential element for human metabolism. However, manganese can discolor water, stain clothing, sinks, toilets and bathtubs. Undesirable tastes in drinking water sometimes can result from manganese. The maximum level for manganese in water above which these symptoms begin to appear is 0.050 mg/L. Research continues to explore potential neurological effects of manganese.
Nitrate in elevated levels is linked with two known health problems. It can cause an oxygen deficiency in the blood called "blue baby syndrome" (Methemoglobinemia). This causes bluish skin tone in infants. In adults, ingested nitrates can form chemicals called nitrosamines that have been linked to cancer. These may pose long-term health risks. Elevated nitrate levels in well water may also indicate other problems such as contamination from sources such as septic systems, fertilizers or animal waste. The maximum level for nitrate in drinking water is 10.0 mg/L.. Actions to remove/reduce nitrates should be taken if levels exceed 5.0 mg/L.
Sodium is a necessary dietary element and occurs naturally in water. High levels of sodium in drinking water can cause a characteristic unpleasant taste and can be corrosive to copper plumbing Sodium in drinking water can contribute to high blood pressure for those people on sodium restricted diets and who ingest sodium due to softened water or sodium contaminated wells. Sodium can enter a well from a septic system or from road deicing, both of which indicate other water problems. The maximum level for sodium in drinking water at which taste may become noticeable is 250 mg/L
Uranium is a radioactive element found in nature, including soil, water, rocks, plants and food. Most ingested uranium is eliminated from the body, but a small amount is absorbed and may go through the bloodstream and kidneys. Elevated levels of uranium may increase a person’s risk of kidney damage or lifetime risk of cancer. The maximum level for uranium is 0.020 mg/L in Vermont.
Gross Alpha Radiation There are no immediate health risks or symptoms from drinking water that contains alpha radiation. However, it may cause health concerns over time. Because alpha radiation looses energy rapidly, it doesn't pass through skin. It is not a hazard outside of the body, however, if an individual eats or drinks something containing alpha radiation or breathes it in, the radiation can be harmful. Over a long period of time, and at elevated levels, radium increases one's risk of bone cancer and uranium increases one's risk of kidney damage.
Well water that contains elevated levels of radioactive minerals sometimes increases the level of radon in the air inside a home. Actions like taking showers, doing laundry or running a dishwasher can release the radon into the air inside your home. Breathing air with elevated levels of radon over a lifetime increases a person's risk of getting lung cancer. If alpha radiation is detected at or above 5 pCi/L in your home well, additional testing is needed to pinpoint the source. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set 15 pCi/L as the maximum contaminant level for public drinking water supplies.