UNDERSTANDING YOUR WELL - Well water is drawn directly from the immediate groundwater surrounding it. Groundwater is affected by all sources of contamination mentioned earlier. Well caps are susceptible to lightning strikes. Septic systems recharge groundwater through normal use. Malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate the immediate groundwater with untreated If any of the tests are reported as over the MCL, you should come to the Health Department to inquire about next steps. Conductivity is a measure of how well your water carries an electrical current. Conductivity is not a "contaminant" and will not cause illness, though it can be indicative of minerals.

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Understanding Your Well

Health Department, Nantucket, MA

The Anatomy of a Well:

·         Well Cap: Prevent insects, debris, and small animals from entering the well

·         Well Casing: hollow tube that encases the well and maintains structural integrity

·         Distribution Line: Water supply line to the dwelling

·         Bentonite Grout: Seals well in place. Prevents water intrusion

·         Drop Pipe: actual water supply to home

·         Pump: Draws water through filtering screen, up drop pipe, through Distribution line, into home

·         Well Screen: filters out fine material from groundwater

·         Gravel Pack: Provide large particle filtration before groundwater enters well screen

Well Functions:

·         Well water is drawn directly from the immediate groundwater surrounding it

·         Groundwater is affected by all sources of contamination mentioned earlier

·         Well caps are susceptible to lightning strikes.

·         Septic systems recharge groundwater through normal use.

·         Malfunctioning septic systems can contaminate the immediate groundwater with untreated effluent.

Understanding your water quality report

·         Visit the water contamination page to learn about contaminants over the MCL (maximum contamination limit)

·         If any of the tests are reported as over the MCL, you should come to the Health Department to inquire about next steps.

What does conductivity mean?

·         Conductivity is a measure of how well your water carries an electrical current.

·         Conductivity is not a "contaminant" and will not cause illness, though it can be indicative of minerals that can.

·         For example, if you have high salinity/sodium levels, you probably will also have high conductivity.

What does the pH mean?

·          pH is a measure of the hydrogen ions in solution.

·          Any pH less than 6.5 or greater than 8.5 is considered corrosive.

·         The primary concern is of lead and copper from pipes being dissolved in corrosive drinking water.

·          If your home was built before 1980, and your well water report shows that your water is corrosive, it is recommended that you look into re-plumbing your home.

 

https://www.nantucket-ma.gov/937/Understanding-Your-Well