(KNSI) – Experts say if you missed Stearns County’s free water well testing event, don’t put off having your private well checked. Traut Companies well drilling in Waite Park says wells can be contaminated with nitrates, bacteria, and arsenic.
Water Treatment Division Manager Jim Gruenke says prolonged exposure to all three contaminants can cause several medical issues.
“Have your water tested if you haven’t done so. And I will never tell anybody that it’s a bad idea to treat their drinking water on a private well even if there aren’t any red flags because, then that drinking water system can act as an insurance policy for you against any changes.”
He says contaminants can leak into wells over time. Gruenke says when you have your well, it’s up to you to make sure it’s safe.
“Whereas a private well owner doesn’t have the luxury that someone being served by a city system. For example, where that municipality will test daily to make sure that the product water is good. If you own a private well you’re of on your own. And unless you conduct that testing regularly, you’re going to be subject to changes unless you’ve taken measures to treat for the drinking water.”
Traut Companies tests private wells at its lab in Waite Park. He says if you have levels of contaminants in your water above guidelines, Traut Companies can install an osmosis filtration system to purify your drinking water.
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