Is your water source tested?

By Marc Daubitz

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The Nov. 4 article titled “What's in your water?” served a great purpose in creating more awareness for common water contaminants throughout Iowa. Fortunately, we live in a time where fresh clean water is plentiful and readily accessible.

But, it may surprise many people to know that the federal Safe Drinking Water Act does not cover well systems that have fewer than 25 connections. This means the responsibility to test for common water problems lies with the well-water user.

That accountability extends past the testing phase if the water test does return positive for something such as arsenic. Arsenic, as the article stated, can have some “insidious” side effects, such as “skin damage, circulatory problems and increased risk of cancer.”

While this problem is significant, there are solutions.

First, private well owners should invest in a test, and not just when the media report on water problems. Testing should be done by an accredited independent lab, not a salesperson trying to sell you treatment.

Proactive analysis is the best way to ensure water is safe to drink. Immediately after the spring runoff is usually one of the best times to test your water because melting snow can help organic and inorganic contamination leech into well systems.

Second, know exactly what you are filtering because not all contaminants affect the body in the same way. Arsenic is most commonly seen in two prominent forms: arsenic +3 and arsenic +5. Arsenic +3 is considered much more toxic. A process called “chemical speciation” is needed to determine the difference between the two.

Filter performance, both the percentage of reduction and volume of water that can be treated, is closely tied to the type of arsenic found.

Finally, talk to your local water professional to decide on the best course of action. Any equipment used to fight arsenic should be independently tested and state-certified in taking out arsenic specifically. Consumers should look for the NSF/ANSI Standard 53 certification for the reduction of arsenic.

Be aware of anyone selling quick or easy solutions such as magnetic water conditioners to remedy the problem; research has largely dismissed this kind of equipment's ability to properly filter water.

We use water in almost every facet of everyday life. Make sure that your family's water is truly safe every day.

Marc Daubitz of Marion is president and CEO of Water Pro Inc., doing business as Culligan of Cedar Rapids. Comments: marc@iowawaterpro.com.