Well water is usually considered clean and pure. The soil layers are already an effective filter through which the water seeps down and thus reaches the groundwater. However, many wells do not meet the hygienic requirements.
Possible reasons for contaminated well water:
- Natural occurrence of heavy metals in the soil layers
- Insufficient cover of the well
- Contaminated sites from industry, e.g. residues of chemicals, gasoline or oil
- Dirty pumps, water filters of pipes
- Outdated well system (shaft well)
- Unsuitable extraction points (hoses)
- Weather situation (flooding, rainfall)
- Irregular maintenance and inspection of the well
- Obsolete pipes and lines - heavy metals can lurk here!
Chemical analysis - an advantage for your own well!
You can have a multitude of chemical values determined in our laboratory. These include nitrate, iron or manganese. The parameter nitrate is moving into focus more and more, as industry and agriculture runoff can lead to considerable amounts entering the soil and groundwater. The current situation regarding nitrate in water leads to lively discussions. The more nitrate or other substances pollute the water (groundwater), the greater the effort involved in obtaining clean drinking water or well water through filtration and treatment.
Both iron and manganese are less of a health risk (significant amounts would have to be consumed here). However, technical systems can be impaired. Optical pollution (brown or black deposits and spots) are also a possible consequence of increased manganese or iron values. Investigate specific chemical parameters and relevant toxic heavy metals for safe and pure well water.
Wells in Switzerland
There are around 200 public fountains in the city of Basel alone. Public fountains are also popular in Zurich - more than 1200 fountains are available to the public here. Then there are numerous private wells.
If you have your own well, you should always be informed about the water quality. While public drinking fountains are regularly checked by the gemeinde, it is important for the private well owner to take care of the water quality in their own well.
A water test can provide information about heavy metal pollution, nutrient input and other important parameters.
Sources (in German):
https://www.zuerich.com/de/besuchen/1200-brunnen
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basler_Brunnen
https://naturwissenschaften.ch/service/news/117044-grundwasser-in-der-schweiz-ist-unter-druck