What are the sources of ground water contaminants?
Examples of sources of ground water contamination which may threaten human and animal health as well as the environment include: Human and animal wastes from septic tanks, lagoons, and other waste storage facilities. Any chemicals or cleaners that are poured down household sinks. Landfills. Leaking underground storage tanks. Fuel pipelines. Saltwater encroachment in coastal areas. Improper use of fertilizers and pesticides. Injection wells for disposal of wastes and drainage water. (These wells are illegal in SC.) Chemical spills. How do I know if my well water is contaminated? Contaminated water may look, taste, and smell fine. The only way to determine if your well water contains harmful nitrate, bacteria, viruses, or chemicals is to have it tested. Generally, water testing is done only if there is sufficient reason to suspect that contamination is present. The following symptoms or conditions could also indicate natural problems. A”rotten egg” odor may be caused by HYDROGEN SULFIDE.
