Many homeowners in Tampa Bay rely on private well water systems to supply their household water needs. While well water often tastes better than municipal sources, it carries risks of contamination from microbes and bacteria if not properly treated. UV water purifiers offer an effective and chemical-free way to disinfect well water right at the point of use.
How Do Microbes and Bacteria Get in Well Water?
Groundwater from wells taps into local aquifers, which can contain bacteria, viruses and protozoa from natural and man-made sources. Common problematic microbes include:
E. coli - Causes gastrointestinal illness
Giardia - Causes “beaver fever” digestive complaints
Cryptosporidium - Also causes gastrointestinal illness
Legionella - Causes Legionnaires' disease respiratory illness
These microorganisms enter groundwater supplies from:
Animal waste that seeps underground
Septic systems and sewer line leaks
Farm fertilizer and pesticide runoff
Landfill leaching
Inadequately constructed or maintained wells also raise contamination risks. Cracked casings, missing sanitary seals and flooded well heads let surface microbes infiltrate down to the water source.
While not acutely dangerous, total coliforms serve as an indicator of possible sewage contamination in water. The EPA limit for public systems is no more than 5% positive coliform samples monthly. Private well owners should test for coliforms at least yearly.
Health Effects from Microbial Contamination
Ingesting pathogen-laden water can cause acute gastrointestinal distress or chronic health problems in sensitive individuals.
Giardia is a single-celled protozoan parasite that spreads through contaminated food or water sources. Consuming as few as 10 Giardia cysts can trigger an intestinal infection with these unpleasant symptoms:
Diarrhea
Gas and bloating
Greasy stools
Stomach cramps
Upset stomach and nausea
Dehydration
Giardiasis may resolve in a few weeks, but can become chronic or life-threatening in people with weakened immune systems like the very old and young, pregnant women, and those with cancer or HIV/AIDS.
Cryptosporidium is another gastrointestinal parasite that enters water supplies through animal or human fecal contamination. Once ingested, the Cryptosporidium life cycle plays out in the small intestine causing profuse watery diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting.
While normally self-limiting in healthy people, Cryptosporidiosis can lead to severe, prolonged and life-threatening illness in vulnerable populations. Malnourished children are 16 times more likely to die from Cryptosporidium food poisoning than better-nourished kids.
Which Water Treatment Systems Effectively Eliminate Microbes?
To protect your family’s health, an effective whole house water purification system is needed to remove dangerous microorganisms. Here are some top options for disinfecting bacteria and viruses from well water:
The AquaGuard UV SYSTEM shines a high-intensity ultraviolet light through water to damage microbe DNA and cells. UV systems destroy 99.9% of common waterborne bacteria, viruses and protozoa without using any chemicals. However, UV light only treats what flows through the chamber, so a secondary disinfection method like chlorine may be needed for residual protection in pipes.
Retention Tank + Chlorine Injection systems work by holding water in a baffled contact tank for sufficient time to allow dissolved chlorine tablet residuals to neutralize bacteria. The chlorinated water is then pumped into household lines. Correctly calibrated chlorine injection provides continuous microbial disinfection.
HydroClear Ozone Generator systems infuse ozone gas bubbles into water to oxidize viruses, bacteria and cysts on contact. Ozone is a natural disinfectant up to 3000 times stronger than chlorine. However, like UV treatment, ozone lacks residual effect once water leaves the system.
Powerful HydroTech Pro Commercial and WellFusion systems pair ozone injection with UV irradiation in a one-two punch to inactivate pathogens. This combination treatment leaves no disinfection gaps. WellFusion units also remove sediments, heavy metals like iron and sulfur, minerals, odor and corrosion in a compact, easy-to-maintain package sized for whole house protection.
Reverse osmosis filters like the AquaRevive effectively block passage of bacterial and protozoal cysts through ultra-fine membrane pores. However, reverse osmosis does not disinfect water or offer residual microbial control within pipes.
Discounts, Promotions and Financing Options
Safe water is essential, especially for at-risk family members like children, pregnant or nursing women, elderly or immunocompromised people. Don’t take chances with suspect well water quality.
Schedule Your FREE Water Test Today: 727-236-7161 to check for bacteria, viruses, cysts and other contaminants. Aqua-Wise water treatment experts will evaluate results and recommend the best purification system for your needs and budget. Special financing options available.
Comentários