HomeMy WebLinkAboutWELL-06-2021-153234 North Carolina Division of Public Health
Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology Branch, Epidemiology Section
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS REPORT
Private well water information and recommendations
County: Catawba Name: Connie& Michelle Anderson Sample ID Number: 153234
Location: 6263 Little Mountain Rd, Sherrills Ford NC 28673 Reviewer: Megen McBride
Initial Sample X Confirmation Sample:
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS RESULTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USES OF YOUR
PRIVATE WELL WATER(These recommendations are based on biological analysis only.)
No coliform bacteria were found in your well water. Your water can be used for all purposes
including drinking, cooking, washing dishes, bathing and showering.
X Total coliform bacteria were detected in your water sample. Total Coliform are a group of related
bacteria that are(with few exceptions)not harmful to humans. A variety of bacteria, parasites, and
viruses, known as pathogens,can potentially cause health problems if humans ingest them. EPA considers
total coliforms a useful indicator of other pathogens for drinking water.Total coliforms are used to
determine the adequacy of water treatment and the integrity of the distribution system
It is recommended that your well water be re-tested to verify that the result is accurate.
Fecal conform bacteria were detected in the sample. Do not use the water for drinking,
cooking,washing dishes, bathing or showering.
If the re-test shows contamination by bacteria contact your local health department for assistance. There
may be a problem with the construction of the well,the groundwater source, or operation of the well.The
well needs to be inspected by the local health department or a local well contractor to determine the
problem with the well and to give guidance on how to correct the problem.
Your well water was tested for biological contaminants(total coliform and fecal coliform bacteria). The
results were evaluated using the federal drinking water standards.
Drinking water may contain substances that can occur naturally in water or can be introduced into water
from man-made sources. Total coliform bacteria are found in soil and fecal coliform bacteria are found in
animal and human waste. Total coliform or fecal coliform bacteria in well water indicate that the well
may have structural problems or that the well was not properly disinfected.
If you have been drinking the well water and are pregnant, nursing, have a child in the household under 5
years of age, or immunocompromised(such as an individual with AIDS,cancer, hepatitis,dialysis or
surgical procedures) inform your physician of these results at your next visit.
If the contamination continues,you should investigate the possibility of drilling a new well or installing a
point-of-entry disinfection unit which can use chlorine, ultraviolet light,or ozone.
For further information please contact your county health department or the Occupational and
Environmental Epidemiology Branch at 919-707-5900.
N 0 R T H C A R 0 L I N A
�e ST '4 Private Well Information
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and Use Recommendations
NC DEPARTMENT OF
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Division of Public Health For Inorganic Chemical Contaminants
County: Catawba Name: 'Connie& Michelle Anderson—6263 Little Mountain Rd, Sherrills Ford NC 28673
Sample ID it: 153234 Reviewer: Megen McBride
TEST RESULTS AND USE RECOMMENDATIONS
I. n Your well water meets federal drinking water standards for inorganic chemicals. Your water can be used for
drinking, cooking, washing, cleaning, bathing, and showering based on the inorganic chemical results only. You may
have other water sampling results that are not taken into account in this report.
2. ® The following substance(s)exceeded federal drinking water standards or the North Carolina 2L calculated health
levels.The North Carolina Division of Public Health recommends that your well water not be used for drinking and
cooking, unless you install a water treatment system to remove the circled substance(s). However, it may be used for
washing,cleaning, bathing and showering based on the lnor tank chemical results only.
® Arsenic El Barium ❑ Cadmium ❑ Chromium ❑ Copper El Fluoride El Iron
❑ Lead El Manganese El Mercury El Nickel ❑Nitrate/Nitrite El Selenium El Silver
❑ Zinc ,
3. El While your lead levels do not exceed federal or state standards, the North Carolina Division of Public Health has
concerns with any detection of lead. Should you have any questions please contact the NC Private Well and Health
Program at(919) 707-5900.
4. ❑ Re-sample for lead and /or copper. Take a first draw and 30-second flush sample inside the house(preferably the
kitchen sink)and a first draw and 4 minutes flush sample at the wellhead to determine the source of lead and/or copper.
5. El The following substance(s)exceeded aesthetic drinking water standards. Your water can be used for drinking,
cooking, washing, cleaning, bathing, and showering based on the inorganic chemical results only, but aesthetic problems
such as bad taste,odor, staining of porcelain, etc. may occur. You may want to install a household water treatment system
to address aesthetic problems.
El Chloride n Copper ❑ Fluoride El Iron ❑ Manganese
❑ pH ❑ Silver ❑ Sulfate _ [' Zinc
6. El a. Sodium levels exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's(USEPA) Health Advisory level for sodium of
20 mg/I. The North Carolina Division of Public Health recommends that only individuals on no or low sodium-restricted
diets not use this water for drinking or cooking. It may be used for washing, cleaning, bathing,and showering based on
the inorganic chemical results only.
❑ b. Your sodium level exceeds 30 mg/I and may pose aesthetic issues such as bad taste, odor, staining of porcelain, etc.
7. ❑ Re-sampling is recommended in months, to reinvestigate .
For more information regarding your well water results,please call the North Carolina Division of Public Health at 919-707-5900.
Total Coliform
Bacteria, E. coli &
PRIVATE WELLS
What are total coliform bacteria
and E. coli? *
Total coliform bacteria are a group of microorganisms found ,' i.
in soil and surface water.Total coliform bacteria water tests vitiv
look at all coliform bacteria in water.This includes fecal
coliform bacteria,which are a group of bacteria found in the
intestines and feces of animals and humans.
E.coli or Escherichia coli is a type of fecal coliform bacteria.
There are many strains of E.coli. When should I be concerned
about coliform bacteria or E. coli?
How does coliform bacteria and You should be concerned if coliform bacteria or E.coli are
E. coli get in my private well water? present in your well water.
Rain may wash coliform bacteria or E.coil from soil on The NC Department of Environmental Quality
the surface to groundwater.Coliform bacteria or E.coli developed a groundwater standard of 1 colony of
can also enter your water if your private well is poorly coliform bacteria in 100 milliliters of water(colonies/
constructed,cracked or unsealed. mL).Ground water standards are developed to protect
public health.This standard was developed in 2013.
How can coliform bacteria The US Environmental Protection Agency requires
follow up testing and treatment when coliform bacteria
or E. coli affect my health? or E.coli is found in any public water supply system across
Most coliform bacteria and E.coli strains will not make you the country.Public drinking water guidance are based on
sick.The presence of some types of coliform bacteria in the public health protection and cost of treatment/testing at
water signal the presence of feces or sewage waste. Feces large utilities.These rules were established in 1989 and
and sewage wastes are usually the source of the disease- updated in 2014.
causing organisms.
Total coliform bacteria and E.coli water tests are used as How do I test for total coliform
indicators for the presence of disease-causing organisms. bacteria or E. coli in my
The following are some disease-causing organisms or private well?
pathogens that could be present in your water:
• Bacteria that cause diarrhea and vomiting, Use a certified lab to test your well water for coliform
• Protozoa that cause dysentery, bacteria and E.coli every year.Contact the private well
• Viruses that cause polio and hepatitis,and program at your county health department to assist you
• Helminths,such as roundworms and tapeworms, with getting your water tested.Pricing of testing varies
r2Z that cause chronic diarrhea. from county to county.
Percent of Private Wells Tested
With Detection of E. coli, 2011-2013 - ■
■
■
Percent of Private Wells Tested With �i���. '�/ .l_r
ift
Detection of Total Coliform, 2011-2013 fi '�. it l�� lk I=,.m�
.F;wri�r.�•�. - .fit IIVOLVintjh
- >50%with detection ■ �����r i�� �1
- 25.1-50%with detection — 1rf
<25%with detection � �
r
0%with detection ■
Insufficient data(<10 wells tested)
What if total coliform bacteria Where can I find more
or E. coli levels are present? information about total coliform
Shock chlorination is a method to remove bacteria bacteria, E. coli and my well?
contamination in private wells.If contamination persist Visit the NC Division of Public Health's Private Well and
you can install a treatment system to reduce the levels Health Program website:http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/
of bacteria in your private well.Treatment systems that oee/programs/wellwater.html.
reduce the level of bacteria in your well water include:
• Ultraviolet(UV)filtration treatment system There you can find:
• Contacts for your county private well program
You can also reduce your exposure by using bottled water • Total coliform bacteria or E.coli in well water maps
or connecting to public water supply,if possible. . A guide for selecting a treatment system
• Other private well resources
Where are total coliform bacteria You can also call the Private Well and Health Program
and E. coli found in NC? at 919-707-5900.
Coliform bacteria are detected throughout NC.About 26%
of wells sampled for microbial contamination in NC from Where did this information come
2011 to 2013 tested positive for coliform bacteria.Yet, from?
there are several areas in NC with at least 50%of wells with
coliform bacteria present.See map for areas with high Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:www_cdc.gov/
coliform bacteria detections. healthywater/drinking/private/wells/disease% coli.html
E.coli is detected throughout NC.About 2%of wells Environmental Protection Agency:httpsi/safewater.
sampled for microbial contamination in NC from 2011 to zendesk.com/hden-us/sections/203309158-E-coli-0157-H7-
2013 tested positive for E.coli.Yet,there are several areas National Sanitation Foundation:www.nsf.org/consumer-
in NC with at least 25%of wells with E.coli present.See resources/water-quality/water-filters-testing-treatment/
map for areas with high E.coli detections. contaminant-reduction-claims-guide
aM""C NC Department of Health and Human Services•Division of Public Health• Epidemiology Section •Occupational and Environmental
NCM
Epidemiology Branch•Private Well and Health Program•httos://eoi,oublichealth.nc.aov/oee/programs/wellwatechtml •NCDHHS is an
Pvbhr H•eu!Hec::.-alth equal opportunity employer and provider.•09/2019
Protect Yourself fro Ar' enic k
in Q.v_ rWell at L
«r,
'
Arsenic is a grey, semi-metallic element that is naturally-
occurring. Natural deposits of arsenic can be found in certain ,
types of rock and soil. Over a long period of time these rocks
and soil may erode and release arsenic into the environment.
Arsenic can get into the environment also through some industrial � ..
and agricultural activities. Some examples of industrial activities -
that may contain arsenic include hazardous waste sites, old pesticide a"
factories or sites where pesticides were sprayed, metal smelters and
industrial lumber operations. Arsenic is also used in the manufacture of some
electronic devices and has been detected in waste ashes from coal combustion.
Contaminants get into groundwater through natural, agricultural, household and industrial waste sources .
Household Waste
Agricultural Waste - 161.1
P. tr Comin.
rot Roc
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How does arsenic get into well water? If you have high levels of arsenic
in your drinking water:
Your private well water comes from underground If you have levels of arsenic above 10 parts per
water supplies. Arsenic can get into groundwater billion (ppb) in your drinking water well, consider
through the erosion of natural mineral deposits using an alternative water supply for drinking.
or from industrial activities. If levels of arsenic in well water are above
500 parts per billion (ppb) you may want to
How do I know if my well water contains stop using well water for cooking, bathing, and
unsafe levels of arsenic? washing clothes.
Have your water tested. Contact the How can arsenic affect my health?
Environmental Health section of your local
health department.
Drinking very high concentrations of arsenic
for a short period of time may cause nausea,
You should have your water tested for harmful vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and muscle cramping
chemicals every two to three years. or weakness. Symptoms typically go away once
If you suspect contamination as a result of a the exposure is removed.
spill or other incident, test more frequently.
(continued)
Private Well Water Fact Sheet #5Arsenic
Drinking water with arsenic for many years may
cause changes to the pigment of skin and may When should I see a doctor?
lead to the development of small "corns" and You should see a doctor if you think you have
"warts" on the soles, palms, and torso. This high levels of arsenic in your well water and
is the most characteristic sign of long-term have symptoms of nausea, dizziness, vomiting,
arsenic contact and may happen together with or rapid heart rate, or you notice discoloration or
numbness or tingling in the hands or feet. It may changes to your skin.
also cause damage to the liver and kidneys
or lead to decreased red and white blood cell Blood and urine tests can be done to determine
production. In some cases, it can contribute if you have been in contact with arsenic. These
to a lack of muscle coordination and difficulty tests are most useful for determining only very
concentrating. recent exposures because the body gets rid
of arsenic within one to two days. Hair or nail
Skin contact with arsenic can cause irritation or analysis can be used to determine long- term
redness of the skin, but it is unlikely that harmful exposures.
amounts can enter the body through the skin.
Breathing high levels of arsenic in a short time
may cause a sore throat, irritated lungs, or Whom can I call for questions?
difficulty breathing. Breathing arsenic for a long
period of time may cause some numbness in the Contact your local health department or the
arms and legs, thickening or discoloration of the Division of Public Health (N.C. Department of
skin, and possible liver damage. Health and Human Services) Occupational and
According to the U.S. Department of Health and
Environmental Epidemiology Branch at(919)707-5900.
Human Services and the International Agency
for Research on Cancer (IARC), ingesting Additional Information
elevated levels of arsenic for a long period
of time may increase the risk of cancers of The EPA has established a maximum
the skin, liver, bladder, and lungs. The U.S. contaminant level for arsenic in drinking water at
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also 10 ug/L or 10 ppb (parts per billion).
determined that inorganic arsenic is a known
carcinogen (cancer-causing substance).
This fact sheet answers the most frequently Basic Information about Private Drinking Wells
asked health questions about arsenic. This http:Ilwater.epa.govldrinklinfolwelll
information is important because arsenic has
been identified in groundwater and private wells National Science Foundation International:
in North Carolina. The effects of exposure to www.nsf.org
any hazardous substance depend on the dose, ATSDR
duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry)
habits and whether other chemicals are present. www,atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfagsltf.asp?id=198&tid=3
NIEHS
Protect yourself from Arsenic In your Well Water Fact Sheet—April 2012 (National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences)
N.C.Depart.of Health&Human Services•www.ncdhhs.gov itSb www,nis.nih.gov
Division of Public Health•www.ncpublkhealth.com
Local Health Departments
UNC Superfund Research Program•www.sph.unc.edu/srp www.ncalhd.orgicounty.htm
N.C.DHHS is an equal opportunity employer and provider.Development of this fact sheet supported in part by a grant from NIEHS(P42-ES005948).
Private Well Water Fact Sheet #5 Arsenic