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20% of private water wells contaminated, research shows

Posted by: Aqua Blog Maven on April 27, 2009 at 7:51 am

From Stockton’s Record:

One out of five private drinking-water wells in the United States contains at least one contaminant that exceeds public health standards, and wells in the San Joaquin Valley are no exception, according to new research from the U.S. Geological Survey.

Private wells that typically provide water for homes in rural areas are not regulated as strictly as public water systems, leaving the responsibility for clean water to the property owner.

The far-reaching study, which included sampling of 2,100 wells over a period of 13 years, shows that “a large number of people may be unknowingly affected” by contamination, said Matt Larsen, USGS associate director for water.

“Certainly, if you have a private well, … you should be concerned about the quality of the water from your well, and you should have it tested,” added Leslie DeSimone, who headed the study. “Contaminants can occur even if your well is in an area that doesn’t seem vulnerable” to pollution.

Read more from the Record by clicking here.

April 27, 2009 · Filed Under Drinking Water, Groundwater

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