About Well Water
The overwhelming amount of fresh water on our planet is groundwater – upwards of 90%; water from rain, snow, dew, etc. Well water – individual homeowners’ access to groundwater – is so fresh and good-tasting, a high percentage of consumers (above 70%) prefer their own well water to any other kind of water, whether it’s tap, bottled or filtered.
OHIO, WATER, AND AQUIFERS - What the heck is an aquifer?
Aquifers are bodies of water that come into existence by because they rest in a geologic formation that can hold that water without absorbing it. Think of sand-bottomed lakes; the sand does not absorb the water, but holds it in place. That is an aquifer.
Southwestern Ohio has two natural aquifers: The Great Miami basin and the Little Miami basin.
WHAT IF I WANT TO HAVE MY OWN WELL?
You can’t just dig a hole in your backyard and be safe to drink. One of the sites you will want to check out is https://water.epa.gov/drink/info/well/index.cfm. This site provides information not only about the different types of wells you can have, but the different types of health concerns you need to pay attention to; guidance about publications, and guidance about wells in your specific area of the country.
Cincinnati land specialists like Cincyland can help you research and understand what is happening in and around your area of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, and how to create your own well.
IS ARSENIC REALLY IN WELL WATER?
One of the reasons you want to follow the rules and have experts help you with digging a well is that there may be elements in the water that are harmful. Like arsenic.
According to the Arsenic In Ohio Groundwater website - https://arsenicinohiogroundwater.info/additional-information/ - as a private creator of a well, it is your responsibility to check for arsenic. There is water treatment to reduce arsenic levels so that well water is useful. This website will help you understand the ins and outs of that process.
DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR TESTING MY WATER?
Culligan to the rescue. You can have a free test done by Culligan - https://culliganohiovalley.com/home/free-water-analysis.php - to get a free analysis. Fixing a problem, if one is found, is up to you, but the analysis will be done by Culligan. Contact them through their website.