Drinking Water

In 2014, the City of Flint, Michigan switched their municipal water source from water provided by the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, to the Flint River. Almost immediately, there were complaints that the water had strange coloration, odors, tastes and was causing skin sensitivities. Testing revealed that the water contained E. Coli and Coliform bacteria and total trihalomethanes. Shortly, thereafter the water was also determined to contain high levels of lead.  This resulted in deaths, injuries and the poisoning of tens of thousands of men, women and children. 

While the Flint water crisis is a dire example of the health risks that can be posed by contaminated and unsafe drinking water, often contaminants can exist in the drinking water in our homes and buildings that are not detectable by sight, smell or taste. This can be the case whether you have a private well or are on municipally supplied water.

For public water systems, one can contact their local water supplier and request a copy of their Consumer Confidence Report, which will provide the levels of contaminants that have been detected in the water including those by the EPA and whether the system meets state and EPA drinking water standards. Testing results may vary over time and depending on the location of testing within a community supply and may not account for site specific conditions such as the presence of lead supply lines, or plumbing fixtures. As such, it is still advisable to have your home or buildings water tested.

For private wells, it is recommended that annual testing be performed for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids and pH levels. If you suspect the presence of other contaminants, these should be tested for also. For example, in many parts of Michigan arsenic often occurs at naturally higher levels in groundwater.  

Nitrates are compounds that form naturally when nitrogen combines with oxygen. High levels of nitrate in drinking water can be dangerous to health, especially for infants and pregnant women. High levels of nitrate in well water often result from improper well construction, well location, overuse of chemical fertilizers, or improper disposal of human and animal waste. Infants who drink water with high levels of nitrate (or eat foods made with nitrate-contaminated water) may develop a serious health condition due to the lack of oxygen. This condition is called methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome.” For this reason, it is highly recommended that homes with a pregnant mother, planning to become pregnant, or where infants and young children may use drinking water or eat foods prepared with water, have their well tested for nitrates. It is also important to note that unlike bacteria, which can be reduced in water by boiling, boiling water can actually increase the concentration of nitrates.

FHA and VA: A water test is required every time a home with a well or cistern is purchased or refinanced with VA financing. FHA mortgage insurance requires that a well be tested in accordance with the latest local and state drinking water regulations for private wells. This includes all microbiological and chemical test parameters in the regulation. USDA Rural Development Loans also require well testing and that the water quality meets or exceeds certain standards. 

If you have questions, or concerns, or would like to have testing performed pertaining to the water in your home or building, call us today for a free phone consultation. Sasquatch Property Services LLC 248-245-3003