There are a number of ways to test your Connecticut water to keep an eye on pesticide levels and avoid serious poisoning or other issues that may arise, whether you are the one using the pesticides or you are concerned about a property nearby using the pesticides.
The burden of ensuring that chemicals do not permeate the ground and contaminate drinking water. often falls on farmers, private well users and government agencies to continually test CT drinking water to ensure that it is safe for consumption.
Look for the warning signs
Just because pesticides are used nearby does not mean that a well is in danger. Many modern wells have safeguards to prevent topical chemicals from easily contaminating the well. Shallower wells less than 50 feet in depth, older than 30 years in age, damaged, or near sandy soil are among the most common risk factors for pesticide water contamination in Connecticut. Wells that are near areas that use pesticides or where pesticides are stored are also particularly susceptible to contamination.
Follow best practice while having your Connecticut water tested
If you suspect that your water or a nearby well has a pesticide issue, often the smartest thing to do is to adopt a regular testing schedule. It is usually recommended that a private well owner test his or her well once a year
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency advised people to test their water more often if a resident is pregnant, people are unexpectedly sick, a neighbor finds a pesticide in their well or a repair is made. Others argue that most people only need to test for pesticides every five years, however if you live near a farm or other area where pesticides are likely used annual testing is preferable.
Tests range in price depending on the pesticides you are testing for. Testing for glyphosate (round-up) is a more expensive test, others cost in the hundreds. Pesticide water testing is more expensive than testing well water for many other particulates and chemicals.
Beware nitrates
Nitrates are particularly dangerous to infants and pregnant women. Unlike other contaminates, they will not be removed through boiling and can often accompany pesticides. Because nitrates in groundwater or soil in Connecticut can be a side effect of a farm’s use of fertilizer, there may also be pesticides in the water. If a test comes back positive for either nitrates or pesticides, people may want to consider testing for both.
Know the side effects of pesticides
Pesticides are so successful at eliminating insects and other pests because of they are toxic to these creatures, which also makes them dangerous for human consumption. A report from the Natural Resources Management and Environment Department explained that there are so many pesticides in use throughout the world and across different methods of farming, that it is impossible to know exactly how pesticides in general could affect a water supply in Connecticut and globally.
When you own a private well in Connecticut or anywhere, it is important to test the water for a number of chemical and particulates, especially pesticides to ensure that it is safe to use.
Call us today for more information or to schedule an appointment. 888-558-1574