Drinking Water ClinicInterpretation Meeting

Erin Ling and Brian BenhamVirginia Tech Biological Systems Engineering, Virginia Cooperative Extension

Why are we here?Why are we here?

• Caring for your private water system• Well location, protection, and construction

• Well maintenance and care

• Drinking water regulations – knowing how much is too much

• Water testing – what’s in your water?

• Dealing with problems

• Additional resources

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Private Water Supplies in VirginiaPrivate Water Supplies in Virginia1.7 million Virginians rely on wells, springs or

cisterns (22% of the population)

In the U.S. municipal water supplies are regulated by the EPA under the Safe Drinking Water Act; private supplies are not!

Homeowners relying on private water supplies:◦ Are responsible for all aspects of water system management

◦ May lack knowledge and resources to effectively manage

◦ Usually don’t worry about maintenance until problems arise

Groundwater is a shared resource – our actions can affect others’ water supplies too!

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How does water move to my well?How does water move to my well?(Bedrock/drilled well)(Bedrock/drilled well)

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In a bedrock well, groundwater moves

through fractures, or cracks in the bedrock

Water can come from many different

directions, depths, and sources into one well

It can take water hours, days, or years to move through to bedrock

Well casing extends through loose “overburden” and into the bedrock,

where an “open” borehole continues underground

Water can come from any fractures that

intersect the open borehole

How does water move to my well?How does water move to my well?(Bored or water table well)(Bored or water table well)

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In drilled or bored wells in sandy aquifers, groundwater fills up the pore spaces between grains of sediment or sand

In shallow wells, water moves relatively quickly from the surface down into the water table; with deeper wells, it takes more time.

There are a large range of depths of wells reaching aquifers at varying levels

Proper well locationProper well locationWell should be at least:◦ 10 feet from building foundation

(50 feet if termite treated)

◦ 50 feet from road

◦ 50 feet from sewers and septic tanks

◦ 100 feet from pastures, on-lot sewage system drainfields, cesspools or barnyards

Upslope from potential contaminationNot in an area that receives runoff

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Proper well constructionProper well constructionContract a licensed driller:

◦ Valid Class A, B or C contractor license with WWP (Water Well and Pump) classification

Well casing ◦ Minimum of 20’ for bored, 50 – 100’ deep for

drilled, depending on class of well

◦ Extends 12” above ground

Grouting to a minimum of 20’

Sanitary well cap or sealed concrete cover

Ground slopes away from well

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The Finished Product – Drilled WellThe Finished Product – Drilled Well

8http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/environment/06-117.htm

Grout seal

Sealed, sanitary well cap

Casing extending >12” above ground surface

Ground sloping away from casing

Well Maintenance TipsWell Maintenance TipsDo not use fertilizers, pesticides, oil, or paint near well

Keep area around well clean and accessible

Keep careful records ◦ original contract, water test results and any

maintenance or repair information

Every year:◦ Conduct thorough visual inspection of well

◦ Check cap for cracks, wear and tear, tightness

Every 1-3 years have well inspected by a qualified professional (with WWSP classification)

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Private Water Supply RegulationsPrivate Water Supply Regulations

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• Virginia Private Well Regulationso Specify application, inspection and

construction requirements

o No requirements for maintenance or water testing after construction of well –

responsibility of the owner!

• EPA National Drinking Water Standards

o Apply to PUBLIC systems

o Primary (health) and Secondary (nuisance)

o Can be used as guidance for private systems to know “how much is too much”

EPA Drinking Water StandardsEPA Drinking Water StandardsPrimary Standards• Also called Maximum

Contaminant Level (MCL)

• Cause health problems

• Enforced for public systems

• Over 80 contaminants

• For example: o Nitrate

o Lead

o Coliform

o Most organic chemicals and pesticides

Secondary Standards Also called SMCL or RMCL

Cause aesthetic problems:o Staining

o Taste

o Odor

Can naturally occur in ground

water

About 15, including:o Iron

o Sulfate

o Manganese

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Testing water qualityTesting water qualityWhy test?

◦ Protect family’s health and safety

◦ Many contaminants undetectable by human senses

◦ Preventive measures often more effective and less expensive

◦ Legal protection

When to test?◦ Routine tests every 1-3 years

◦ Pregnant woman or infant in the home

◦ Recurring gastrointestinal illness

◦ Change in taste, appearance, odor of water

◦ Any services or repairs are done

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What should I test for?What should I test for?

Every year test for coliform bacteria◦ Simple, relatively inexpensive test

◦ Indicates possible contamination from human or animal waste

Every three years test:◦ pH (secondary std: 6.5 – 8.5)

◦ Total Dissolved Solids (TDS; secondary std 500 mg/L)

◦ Other contaminants based on local land uses nearby and condition of water

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Conditions or nearby activities of concernConditions or nearby activities of concernConditions or Nearby Activities Test for:

Recurring gastro-intestinal illness Coliform bacteria, E. Coli

Household plumbing contains metals pH, lead, copper

Corrosion of pipes and plumbing Corrosivity, pH, lead

Nearby areas of intensive agriculture Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria

Coal or other mining operations Metals, pH, corrosivity

Dump, junkyard or landfill VOCs, TDS, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals

Odor of gasoline or fuel oil VOCs

Objectionable taste or smell of water Hydrogen sulfide, corrosivity, metals

Stained plumbing fixtures or laundry Iron, copper, manganese

Salty taste Chloride, TDS, sodium

Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather Hardness

Rapid wear of water equipment pH, corrosivity

Water is cloudy, frothy or colored Colors, detergents

14Adapted from “Drinking Water for Household Wells”, EPA, 2002

If you need help figuring out what to test for, call Erin!

Understanding test resultsUnderstanding test resultsMost results provided as concentrations:

◦mg/L (milligrams per liter) ≈ ppm (parts per million)

◦ µg/L = (micrograms per liter) ≈ ppb (parts per billion)

Other units unique to test

◦Radon, hardness, pH

Compare to EPA standards: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html

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How much? How much? 4 drops of ink in a 55 gallon barrel of water results in an“ink concentration”of 1 mg/L or ppm!

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Sources of potential contaminants or issues of concern

pH/corrosivity hardnessnitrate

fluoride

TDSiron

manganese sulfatechloride

sodium

Surface water contamination: nitrate, bacteria

Source may be plumbing materials or existing water treatment device:sodiumcopperleadbacteria

Some are found in groundwater naturally, either due to human activities on or below ground:

well

Where a contaminant comes from affects how we can deal with it!

arsenic

Options for problem waterOptions for problem water1. If possible, control the source of pollution

◦ Divert runoff, maintain septic system

2. Improve maintenance of water system◦ Install sanitary well cap, slope the ground

3. Treat the water to reduce contaminant concentration◦ Match the treatment option to the pollutant

◦ Consult a professional

4. Develop a new source of water◦ Deeper well, develop spring, connect to public

water

17http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/septic-tank-cleaning-1.jpg, http://www.shipewelldrilling.com/Pictures/well_drilling_rig.jpg, http://www.clearflow.ca/REVERSE_OSMOSIS2.jpg

Treatment ConsiderationsTreatment Considerations Be sure to explore ALL of your options

Always have water tested by a certified lab

Be aware of unscrupulous businesses – look for National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) and Water Quality Association (WQA) certifications, consult Better Business Bureau (BBB)

Point of Use (POU) vs. Point of Entry (POE)

Weigh benefits and limitations of a device:◦ Cost

◦ Maintenance requirements

◦ Warranty

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SAMPLE Test ReportSAMPLE Test Report

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TestHousehold

Water SampleMaximum Recommended

Level or RangeIron (mg/L) ND 0.3Manganese (mg/L) 0.073** 0.05Hardness (mg/L) 44.7 180Sulfate (mg/L) 1.2 250Fluoride (mg/L ND 2Total Dissolved Solids (mg/L) 84.5 500pH 5.8** 6.5 to 8.5Sodium (mg/L) 8.1 20Nitrate-N (mg/L) ND 10Total Coliform Bacteria Present** AbsentE. Coli Bacteria Absent AbsentFirst Draw Data:

Arsenic (mg/L) ND 0.01Copper (mg/L) 1.1** 1.3

Lead (mg/L) 0.007 0.015Flush Data:

Arsenic (mg/L) ND 0.01Copper (mg/L) ND 1.3

Lead (mg/L) ND 0.015

** = exceeds recommended

level

ND = not detected by instrument;

may be expressed as

>0.001

Coliform BacteriaColiform BacteriaCannot be smelled, tasted or seenColiform bacteria is an indicator

organism – means disease-causing bacteria may be present

Public standard is 0 colony forming units (cfu)/100 mL (ABSENT)

If present, test for fecal coliform or E. coli presence – indicator that sewage or animal waste is present.

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If Coliform Bacteria are PRESENTIf Coliform Bacteria are PRESENTDon’t panic!Examine well for pathways surface water can

enter well (cracks in casing), make sure sanitary well cap is installed and secure, ground slopes away from well, etc.

Consider shock chlorinationRetest after shock chlorinationLong term treatment options: ozonation, UV

light, continuous chlorination

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If If E. Coli E. Coli Bacteria are PRESENTBacteria are PRESENTTake immediate steps to addressShock chlorinateRetest waterIn the meantime, consider boiling or use

another source of water for drinking or cookingCheck for potential contamination sourcesConsider long-term treatment options: UV light,

ozonation, continuous disinfection

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pHpH Measure of the

acidity or

alkalinity of a substance (0 – 14) scale

Logarithmic scale: pH = 5 is 100 times more acidic than pH = 7

Good indicator of general water quality

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Increasing acidity

Increasing alkalinity

Neutral

Lemon juice

Vinegar

Recommended pH range 6.5 – 8.5

Milk

Battery acid

Ammonia

Milk of magnesia

Baking sodaSea water

Lye

Distilled water

Coffee

Bleach

Gastric acid

Corrosive WaterCorrosive Water Also called aggressive water Corrodes metal plumbing – can leach metals, causes pitting

and leaks, reduces length of appliance life Most commonly caused by low pH; other contributing factors

include alkalinity, temperature, TDS levels EPA recommends drinking water be non-corrosive Excess copper or lead in drinking water is a health concern Depending on pH, treat with acid neutralizing filter or

soda ash injection

24http://www.bushman.cc/photos/Copper_Water_Pipe_Corrosion.jpg; http://www.cee.vt.edu/ewr/environmental/teach/wtprimer/corrosion/corrosion.html

Corrosive Water: Metals of concernCorrosive Water: Metals of concern Lead

◦ Many serious health effects, especially in children and infants

Developmental, neurological, reproductive and renal

◦ EPA MCL is 0 mg/L with a health action level of 0.015 mg/L.

◦ Sources include: Pipes in older homes (pre-1930)

Solder in homes built prior to 1986

“Lead-free” brass fixtures (<8%) – even in NEW homes!

Copper

◦ High levels can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps; infants and children particularly sensitive

◦ EPA MCL is 1.3 mg/L

◦ Nuisance effects noticeable at 1.0 mg/L

25http://www.gravitaexim.com/images/Lead-pipe.jpg

Addressing Lead or Copper in WaterAddressing Lead or Copper in Water Options to consider:

◦ Discuss test results with your physician if concerned!

◦ Metals will be highest with corrosive water and contact time with

pipes. Flushing pipes may address problem. Make sure that water runs until it is as cold as it gets before drinking

◦ Activated carbon filter (e.g. Brita) MAKE SURE IT IS LABELED TO REMOVE LEAD

MAKE SURE TO CHANGE AS DIRECTED

◦ Address corrosivity of water – if pH < 6.5, can use acid neutralizing

filter; however, corrosivity can be caused by other factors as well

◦ Reverse Osmosis

◦ Use another source of water known to be safe

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Iron and ManganeseIron and Manganese Nuisance - not health concern

SMCL: Iron = 0.3 mg/L; Mn = 0.05 mg/L

Red-brown/black staining, particles, metallic taste

Treatment depends on type/form of iron

◦ Ferrous: water initially clear orange-brown or black

solid particles

◦ Ferric: solid particles apparent immediately, or water

has a tint

◦ Iron bacteria: not a health concern; feed on Fe and Mn, forming red-brown or black-brown slime

Treatment: water softener, aeration and filtration, ozonation, distillation

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FluorideFluoride Occurs naturally in varying levels

◦ Naturally high levels of F in E. Virginia groundwater

Added to many public water systems for reduced dental caries and strong teeth and bones

Health concerns: ◦ Long term exposure: links to bone cancer

◦ Shorter term exposure: dental or skeletal fluorosis

EPA MCL 4.0 mg/L and SMCL 2.0 mg/L

Optimum levels for public systems 0.8 - 1.2 mg/L

Limited use for children up to 8 years

Treatment (reverse osmosis) removes ALL fluoride

28http://www.willamettedental.com/en_us/ALL/patients/pps/retailproducts_prettysmile.gif; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dental_fluorosis

SodiumSodium Low levels occur naturally; high levels may be from

man-made source

◦ Road salt storage or application

◦ Industrial waste

◦ Sewage, fertilizers or animal waste

◦ WATER SOFTENER

Sodium: EPA recommendation for people on low-sodium diets: 20 mg/L

Consider other sources of salt in diet and discuss with Dr.

Higher levels may indicate contamination – test for bacteria or other contaminants

Salty taste; and may accelerate corrosion of pipes and water heaters

Treat using distillation, reverse osmosis, demineralization

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Hardness/ScalingHardness/Scaling

Hardness Rating Grains per Gallon mg/L

Soft Less than 1.0 Less than 17.1

Slightly-Moderately Hard 1.0-7.0 17.1-120

Hard 7.0-10.5 120-180

Very Hard Over 10.5 Over 180

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Hard water contains high levels of calcium and magnesium ions

◦ Dissolved into water during contact with limestone and other minerals

Not a health risk – nuisance

◦ Decreased cleaning action of soaps, detergents

◦ Scale build-up in pipes and on appliances

◦ Reduced efficiency and lifespan of water heaters

No EPA standard for public systems

Treat using water softener

Nitrate (NONitrate (NO33-N)-N) Serious health concern for infants

◦ Methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome”

Nitrate nitrite during digestion and blood cannot carry oxygen

◦ MCL 10 mg/L NO3-N or 45 mg/L of NO3

If 3-5 mg/L, use do not use water for infants under 6 months

Sources include fertilizer, animal manure, sewage

NO3 dissolves and moves easily through soil

Test in spring months; levels change over time

BOILING INCREASES concentration of nitrates!!!

Treatment: distillation, reverse osmosis, ion exchange

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Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) Water is a great solvent – dissolves many compounds as it

travels over and under ground

TDS is a measure of all dissolved impurities

Natural sources: limestone, salt deposits, other minerals

Man-made sources:

◦ Septic systems and sewage

◦ Run off from agricultural or urban land

◦ Road salt, industrial sources

General indicator of water quality; test at least every three years

EPA SMCL is 500 mg/L

Treat using distillation or reverse osmosis

32http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Total_dissolved_solids

ArsenicArsenicOccurs naturally in some rocks; more common in

groundwater supplies when water tables rise and fall frequently

Used in wood preservatives, paints, pesticides, etc.

Linked to many types of cancer, stomach pain, paralysis, and blindness

EPA primary standard is 0.010 mg/L

Reverse osmosis to remove

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Virginia Master Well Owner Network Virginia Master Well Owner Network Training WorkshopTraining Workshop

Want to learn more about

your private water supply?

Visit www.wellwater.bse.vt.edu

Contact Erin Ling

wellwater@vt.edu

540-231-9058

34

Help Others!

Free

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Learn

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Virginia Household Water Quality ProgramVirginia Master Well Owner Network

Erin Ling (wellwater@vt.edu) Brian Benham (benham@vt.edu)

www.wellwater.bse.vt.eduEmail: wellwater@vt.edu

Ph: 540-231-9058

Treatment OptionsTreatment OptionsPrimary Problem Treatment Method Notes

Corrosive water, copper, lead, leaks

Acid neutralization Uses limestone chips or soda ash to increase water pH and hardness to prevent corrosion

Arsenic, fluoride Activated alumina Water pH must be less than 8.5 Pretreatment with oxidation may be necessary to achieve good arsenic removal

Hydrogen sulfide, methane, volatile organics, radon

Aeration Expensive and susceptible to cogging by other pollutants but very effective when multiple gases are present

Sulfate, nitrate, arsenic Anion exchange Increases chloride concentration in treated water. May make water more corrosive.

Chlorine, pesticides, herbicides, radon, miscellaneous tastes and odors, volatile organics

Carbon filter Disinfection should be used on water supplies with bacterial contamination because bacteria can multiply in filter. Carbon must be replaced periodically.

36Adapted from Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment by Stephanie Clemens and Bryan Swistock, Penn State University

Treatment OptionsTreatment OptionsPrimary Problem Treatment Method Notes

Bacteria, iron and manganese

Chlorination Water must be clear for chlorine to work. Requires tank for storage and contact time.

Removes everything except volatile organics, pesticides, herbicides

Distillation Produces small amounts of bland-tasting water. Space needed to store treated water.

Iron, manganese, hydrogen sulfide

Oxidizing filters Periodic addition of chemicals and backwashing is necessary. Good option when all three are present.

Bacteria, metals, odors, tastes

Ozone Expensive to purchase and operate but very effective at removing multiple pollutants.

All dissolved pollutants Reverse osmosis Produces small amounts of water and some waste water. Will not remove most organic pollutants or bacteria

37Adapted from Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment by Stephanie Clemens and Bryan Swistock, Penn State University

Treatment OptionsTreatment OptionsPrimary Problem Treatment Method Notes

Soil, sand, other particles Sediment filter Must be routinely changed or backwashed

Removes scale or hardness and limited amounts of dissolved iron and manganese

Softener Causes increase in water sodium level. Water may become more corrosive after softening.

Bacteria Ultraviolet light Water must be free of sediment to kill bacteria effectively. Change bulb annually.

38Adapted from Tips for Buying Water Treatment Equipment by Stephanie Clemens and Bryan Swistock, Penn State University