What is water?
Water is a colorless liquid composed of hydrogen and oxygen (H20). It is vital for life, although it supplies no calories. Drinking adequate amounts of water, or staying hydrated, is the first rule of health and nutrition. Our bodies can supposedly last weeks without food, yet just a few days without water. This makes sense when you realize our bodies are made up of about 60% water and that being dehydrated can affect us both physically and mentally.
Nutritional benefits of water
The exact nutritional composition of your glass of water will depend on its source. Mineral and spring water, which are typically derived from underground reservoirs and springs, may provide additional nutrients in the form of minerals like calcium and magnesium.
What can pollute your well?
Most private wells used for home and farm water supplies are in rural areas, where there is often no mains sewage, mains gas for home heating, and where farming activities are widespread. Potential sources of pollution of groundwater and private wells include septic tanks, slurry spreading, grazing animals and oil tanks.
Although groundwater is generally much cleaner than surface water, it can be contaminated by nearby pollution sources. It is very important to have your well water tested regularly so that you have confidence in its quality and can install a treatment system if needed.
Infectious diseases caused by bacteria (like E Coli - also known as VTEC) and parasites (like cryptosporidium) are the most significant health risks associated with contaminated drinking water. These infectious diseases are very dangerous to children, older people, pregnant women and people whose immune systems are compromised. If your water changes in the colour, taste or smell it may be contaminated. However, sometimes the water can be contaminated without these changes.
