While there are regulations for municipal water supplies, wells are not regulated as they are typically privately owned. So, it's up to the homeowner to be educated and remain cautious when consuming well water. Nitrate is a common contaminant found in many wells. Too much nitrate in drinking water can cause serious health problems for young infants, pregnant women, and those that have low pH stomach acid. Here's what you need to know.

There are more than 400,000 private wells in Missouri, accounting for more than 17 percent of the state's water supply. These wells are used by more than 1.4 million Missourians, more than a quarter of the state's population. While they can be a great source for water because of the ease of access and monetary savings they provide, private wells can be contaminated by both naturally occurring sources and by human activities. Lindyspring Systems is sharing with you 6 commonly found contaminants, their sources, and their possible human health impacts.

1. Microorganisms
Water runoff from rainfall or snow-melt can contaminate private wells by washing microorganisms into the well system or seeping underground. Leakage of waste from underground storage tanks and effluent from septic leach fields can reach a water source and result in microorganisms being present in water wells. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. They can be found all over the surface of our planet and are found in human sewage and animal waste. People that consume drinking water containing microorganisms can experience gastrointestinal illnesses and infections.

2. Nitrate & Nitrite
Nitrate and nitrite are present in chemical fertilizers, human sewage, and animal waste and fertilizers. They can contaminate a private well through groundwater movement and surface water seepage and water run-off. High levels of nitrate/nitrite in drinking water can cause methemoglobinemia or "blue baby syndrome". These substances reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen. Infants below six months who drink water with high levels of nitrate can become seriously ill and die.

3. Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can leach into drinking water from household plumbing and service lines, mining operations, petroleum refineries, electronics manufacturers, municipal waste disposal, cement plants, and natural mineral deposits. Heavy metals include: arsenic, antimony, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium and many more. Heavy metals can contaminate private wells through groundwater movement and surface water seepage and runoff. People that consume high levels of heavy metals risk acute and chronic toxicity, liver, kidney, and intestinal damage, anemia, and cancer.

4. Organic Chemicals
Organic chemicals are found in many household products and are used widely in agriculture and industry. They can be found in inks, dyes, pesticides, paints, pharmaceuticals, solvents, petroleum products, sealants, and disinfectants. Organic chemicals can enter groundwater and contaminate private wells through waste disposal, spills, and surface water run-off. People that consume high levels of organic chemicals may suffer from damage to their kidneys, liver, circulatory system, nervous system, and reproductive system.

5. Radionuclides
Radionuclides are radioactive forms of elements such as uranium and radium. They are harmful to humans and can be released into the environment from  uranium mining and milling, coal mining, and nuclear power production. Radionuclides may also be naturally present in ground water in some areas. Radionuclides can contaminate private wells through groundwater flow, waste water seepage and flooding. Drinking water with radionuclides can cause toxic kidney effects and increase the risk of cancer.

6. Fluoride
Fluoride can be present in many aquifers and can be found in private wells. Fluoride can be helpful in preventing tooth decay. However, excessive consumption of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, a condition characterized by pain and tenderness of bones and joints.  Excess consumption of fluoride during formative period of tooth enamel may cause dental fluorosis, tooth discoloration and/or pitting of teeth.

Ensure Your Well Water is Safe
If your home operates on a well system, your water supply's quality can change at any time. To ensure that your drinking water source is clear of harmful minerals and contaminants, it's best to have your water source professionally tested and treated. Lindyspring Systems has several water treatment solutions at the Lake of the Ozarks that can treat all kinds of water problems. Whether you have hard water, contaminated water, or just don't care for the taste of your tap water, we can install a water treatment system to take care of your water needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment so we can come test your water to determine the best water treatment system for you!