Wells in the Mat-Su Valley run the gamut from artesian water that is so pure it should be bottled and sold,?to?mucky stink holes that a dog won?t drink.? Many new-comers to the valley assume that since the water in their home comes out of a tap, it must be good.? This article will be the first in a series of articles discussing how to find out more about the water you drink.
The cities of?Palmer and Wasilla each have their own water systems, but these only serve people inside the city limits of each.? In fact, the Wasilla system only serves some of the city residents.? In addition, many of the?developments in the Mat-Su Valley have their own community water systems.? These city and community systems are regulated and required to test the water on a regular basis.
Most homes in the valley are served by private wells that serve only one house.? There are no regulations requiring these wells to be monitored.? The only time any testing is done is when the home changes hands, and that is usually a minimal test looking for bacteria contamination.?? There are many other contaminants that can be in your water that could affect your health.? Arsenic and other metals can be?found in valley wells. Nitrates and nitrites are sometimes there as well.
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It would be a good idea for everyone to test their own wells on a regular basis.?I tested my own water and?found some minor issues that can easily be filtered out of the water.??I occasionally have clients send in for a fairly extensive test from National Test Laboratories as part of their inspection on a new home.? This test can cost up to $200 if you ask for a rush job, even then the turn-around is often two weeks or more.? This always complicates a real estate transaction because of the time and uncertainty involved but is still a good idea.? Even if you didn?t test your water when you bought your home, it would be a good idea to do it now.? Almost always, filters and other water systems can be designed to reduce the contamination.? But until you know what is in your water, you won?t know what to do to treat it.
A local and faster company is Mat-Su Test Lab, (745?3005), in Palmer.? They can run some of the more important tests for you.? These include bacteria, arsenic, lead, nitrates, and nitrites.?
Check back for more about well water in the Mat-Su Valley.
Give me a call with any questions or suggestions, 232?7900, or send an email.
January 25th, 2007 at 9:05 am
[…] In two previous articles we looked at possible contamination in your well water and at finding water. This article will deal with how to use and maintain your well. […]
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:26 pm
[…] For more on wells check out parts one, two and three in this series. […]