Tag Archives: groundwater quality

Common Issues With Ground Water

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The most common issues with ground water may be hardness. Tips from NUCO Pump and Well Services

Hard Water

Hard water has not been shown to cause health problems, but can be a nuisance as it may cause soap curds and deposits to form on pipes and other plumbing fixtures. Over time this can reduce the diameter of the pipes.

Calcium and magnesium are found in ground water that has come in contact with certain rocks and minerals, especially limestone and gypsum. When these materials are dissolved, they release calcium and magnesium. Hard water is considered bad for your plumbing, but people with heart or circulatory problems may want to consult their physician about drinking softened water, because the softening process removes calcium and magnesium, and adds sodium to the water.

Iron and Manganese

A “rusty” or metallic taste in water is a result of iron, and sometimes manganese, in ground water. They not only create a bad taste, but they also can stain pipes and clothing.

Iron and manganese are naturally occurring, and most ground water has some amount of dissolved iron and manganese in it. It comes from contact with minerals that contain iron, such as pyrite.

There are several treatment methods. Installing a water softener may help if iron and manganese are present in low quantities and the softener is designed for their removal. Aeration (the addition of oxygen to the water), chlorination, and feeding ozone or hydrogen peroxide can aid in the precipitation of iron, which is removed from the water by filtration. Potassium permanganate feed with manganese greensand filters, and some recently designed synthetic media, will remove iron and manganese, as well.

Nitrogen

Most nitrogen in ground water comes from the atmosphere. Some plants can “attach” nitrogen from the atmosphere onto their roots. The nitrogen not used by the plants is then released into the soil.

Nitrogen compounds also can work their way into ground water through fertilizers, manure, and urine from farm animals, sewage, and landfills.

The most common forms in groundwater are ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. Nitrates can be especially toxic to children under six months of age. Exposure to ammonia also presents a health risk. It is toxic to aquatic life such as fish, and it interferes with water treatment.

There are a variety of treatment methods to correct this problem, including reverse osmosis systems with water softeners to remove nitrates and nitrites, and oxidation to remove small amounts of ammonia. However, treatment should be a last resort. Removing the source of contamination is the first priority. You should also be sure to protect the area around the wellhead from contamination by animals or fertilizers.

Source: WellOwner.org

NUCO Pump and Wells during COVID-19

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NUCO Pump and Wells

As we face uncertainty and daily changes with COVID-19, we want to take a moment to thank all medical professionals, first responders and LEOs that are on the front line of this pandemic. Our thoughts and prayers go out to each of you and your families.

NUCO Pump and Wells continues to monitor developments and adjust as necessary. We have implemented our service call protocol that adheres to the Issued Coronavirus Guidelines:

  1. Social Distancing: We are an essential business and our techs are providing service calls. We do not enter homes and keep a 6ft distance when communicating with customers.
  2. Sterilization: Follow the recommended policies and procedures related to illness, cleaning and disinfecting hands, equipment and attire when necessary.
  3. No contact: Customers can call to schedule appointments and when a service tech arrives, there will be no contact, only to the equipment. Service documents and invoices will be submitted electronically and made available though email messages.

As a way of saying “Thank You” to our everyday heroes, NUCO Water Solution & NUCO Pump & Wells are now offering $0 service charge (charges will only apply to equipment replacement and/or repair parts) or 20% off new equipment to Medical Professionals, Active Military, Veterans, First Responders & LEOs.

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Stay Safe and Let’s Get Though This Together. Contact Us

Well Owners, “Cap It, Plug It”

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There are many ways for well owners to protect their water quality. Two of the most important are to make sure your well is properly sealed and properly abandon any non-usable wells on your property.
If an active water well is not properly sealed or if an abandoned well is not properly plugged, it can create a path for contamination. Cap it, plug it!

A proper well seal should:

  • Have a rubber seal that’s expandable when bolts are tighten.
  • Be watertight from rain and be in good working condition

Well seals should be installed by a water well system professional, and any well seal maintenance or replacement should be done by a professional.

How do I properly plug an abandoned well?
Some abandoned wells are obvious while others are not. Abandoned wells can be found in:

  • Old maps, property plans, or property title documents
  • Neighborhoods
  • Pipes sticking out of the ground
  • Small buildings that may have been a well house

A Licensed Water Well Contractor may do additional checks—including a records check—for more information about abandoned wells. A Licensed Water Well Contractor is required to abandon wells using proper techniques, equipment, and materials to ensure quality and safety. Protecting the quality of water you consume is as important as having access to water itself. Let’s keep it safe! Cap it, plug it!