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Can a Septic Tank Contaminate Your Well Water?
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Can a Septic Tank Contaminate Your Well Water?
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Can a Septic Tank Contaminate Your Well Water?

If you have a water well and septic tank installed on your property or are considering adding these water and sewage utilities, you may wonder whether your septic system can contaminate your fresh water supply.

In this article, we explain how septic systems interact with the surrounding groundwater, what you can do to prevent well water contamination, and how to recognize the signs of contaminated water.

What Does a Septic Tank Have To Do With Groundwater Anyway?

If you have a well on your land, you depend on it for clean water, but many pollutants can find their way into your well through the groundwater. An improperly installed or poorly maintained septic tank can cause groundwater contamination in several ways.

For example, a septic system ensures that wastewater discharges properly to a drain field, where the soil filters it into the ground. If the field and well are installed too close together, contaminants from the groundwater under the drain field may leach into your clean water source.

How To Avoid Well Water Contamination From Your Septic System

Preventing groundwater contamination from compromising the health of the people on your property requires proper installation and management. Assuming experienced contractors completed your septic tank installation per industry standards, consider hiring a professional to do the following regularly:

  • Pump the septic tank: Septic system professionals can help you prevent and diagnose fluid level issues by pumping excess water from the septic tank. An experienced septic contractor knows what to look for to ensure the proper function of your tank.
  • Inspect your drain field: Septic system inspection experts can evaluate your drain field (leach field) to ensure your tank is far enough away from your water well to function as it should without risk of contamination. If you notice a flooded, boggy, or smelly drain field, a professional septic company can help you identify and solve the issue.
  • Test your well water: You should schedule a water well expert to test your water or conduct periodic testing yourself. It’s essential to test your fresh water regularly to catch any signs of contamination.
  • Conduct video line inspections: A septic professional can use an inspection camera to check for sewer line blockages, cracks, and other issues. Regular inspections from qualified professionals ensure your septic system continues to function optimally.
  • Address Septic Repairs Quickly: If you have a problem with your septic system, it’s best to schedule a septic repair service ASAP to prevent further damage to the system or contamination issues.

Don’t skip these preventative maintenance steps, especially if you’ve purchased an old home with a previously installed septic tank and water well. Trust an expert with your system to protect your well water from sewage contaminants.

Signs Your Water May Be Contaminated

Groundwater contamination can stem from many sources, from agricultural runoff to septic system failures. Signs that your water may be contaminated from a septic issue include:

  • Salty taste: Water contaminated by septic system proximity or another problem may taste salty from high chloride or sodium content. Other contaminants that may cause a salty flavor include excessive chlorine, natural salt deposits, and fertilizer from nearby farms.
  • Detergent smell: Your septic system handles wastewater from your toilets, showers, and washing machine, so contaminated water may have a detergent smell.

Other signs of water contamination stemming from other sources include:

  • A metallic taste caused by acidic contaminants like iron and copper
  • A chemical taste from pesticides, industrial runoff, and other sources
  • A sulfur smell caused by sulfur bacteria and hydrogen sulfide gas.
  • A chlorine smell from over-chlorination of treated water
  • Foggy water caused by dirt, salts, rust, or other particulates
  • Green or red stains on sinks or clothing from acidic contaminants

If you notice any of the above signs of water contamination, test your well water immediately to ensure the safety of you and your household. Expert water well inspection services can help you identify and solve water contamination issues.

Schedule an Inspection With an Expert

Whether you notice signs of contaminated well water or you want to prevent contamination from your septic tank, you need experienced professionals to handle your water tests and system inspections.

1 Source Water Well & Septic can inspect your water well and septic system to help you address and/or prevent water contamination problems.

We have over generations of experience installing and maintaining water wells and septic systems in Waller, Grimes, Montgomery, and nearby Texas counties. Contact us today at 936-297-8991.

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