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INDIVIDUAL
WELL QUALITY
GENERAL INFORMATION
ON PRIVATE WATER SUPPLIES
Unless all three elements are suitable, the water source should be viewed
as questionable at best. Following is a brief discussion of quality factors
to be considered in evaluating the safety of a water source.
BACTERIOLOGICAL
QUALITY
Most protected ground water sources in this area are of good bacteriological
and chemical quality. If the well is properly constructed and maintained,
water quality will not be materially affected before the water is consumed.
Since water quality changes over time it is important to monitor the bacteriological
quality on a fairly regular basis. For an individual, unchlorinated water
system, bacterial quality should be checked at least once a year. Sampling
for bacteria in both the wet and dry seasons would be beneficial.
The bacteriological
sample you submitted was analyzed for coliform bacteria. These bacteria
are normal inhabitants of human and animal intestinal tracts as well as
most surface waters. Coliform bacteria are used as indicator organisms
because they are easily detected and they occur frequently in conjunction
with disease-producing germs. While coliforms will seldom cause illness,
their presence in your water supply demonstrates that a potential for
pathogenic organisms in your drinking water exists or that there is vegetative
growth somewhere in your water system. All samples must be taken according
to the instructions on the reverse side of the sample report form in order
to rule out incorrect sampling technique as a source of bacteria.
INORGANIC &
CHEMICAL MONITORING
In general, the chemical quality of ground water in Skagit County is good.
Groundwater moves very slowly under the ground. As the water comes in
contact with the rock formation of the aquifer, the water dissolves constituents
of the rock into the water. In our County, the most common constituents
are iron and manganese. If you have other apprehension regarding your
well water, understanding the past and present land use upgradient of
your well will reveal to you what your concerns should be.
Inorganic metals and
chemical problems can be detected through a chemical analysis of your
water. The Health Department Water Lab is not certified for testing inorganics
and chemicals. The only certified lab in Skagit County is Edge Analytical
in Burlington, phone number 360-757-140.
IRON & MANGANESE
In Skagit County, it is not unusual to find iron and manganese in the
aquifer. These are aesthetic contaminants that can be readily removed
by water treatment systems.
NITRATE QUALITY
In agricultural or areas where that are heavily used by animals, and if
the wells are shallow and do not penetrate an impervious layer, there
is some concern for high nitrate concentrations, a special hazard for
infants or very young children. There is also the potential of pesticides,
herbicides or fertilizers if that use is upgradient of the well.
SODIUM & CHLORIDE
Along coastal regions there is a chance of saltwater intrusion into the
fresh water, causing excessive chloride and sodium concentration in drinking
water. For more information see the Interim Seawater Intrusion Policy.
ARSENIC
In Skagit County, we have found small pockets of naturally occurring arsenic
in the groundwater.
OTHER METALS
Rarely we have find trace amounts of barium, cadmium and other metals
in the groundwater in Skagit County.
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEMS
Should you experience a problem with your system there are ways to resolve
problems. Health Department staff will do their best to assist you over
the phone. Other water professionals can be found in the yellow pages
under Water Purification and Filtration Equipment and Water Well Drilling.
Good Luck!
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