Is showering in and drinking well water bad for you?

Question

I live way out in the boonies. I am way too far from the city now to have city water, so I have well water that flows to my shower and sinks. This water isn't treated with floride, but to my knowledge no one has gotten sick from the well. The water is very hard and a lot of people who use the well use water softeners to treat the water before they shower or wash clothing in it, but I don't. It certainly tastes better than the city water I grew up on. Should I be concerned about the safety of my well water and the lack of water treatment? Could the extra minerals be bad for my hair or general heath? Shoul I be concerned about bacterial and fungal growth in the water?

Answer 1

I've used well water for years. It's very good for you, but we have a sediment filter on our pump. This will keep silt out of your pump and maintain it's function, and the filters can also keep out the harmful 'stuff' in water too. Check out your pump..see what you have...filters can be put in place very cheaply. They have tons at Home Depot..and you can probably put it in yourself. Worst case scenario...get a brita tap filter for your drinking water..that's all you need to filter really.

Answer 2

Well water is usually high in minerals - that's why it's called Hard water the only health effects are kidney stones not life threatening but can cause severe pain

also can cause plumbing problems and lots of soap scum build up and water spots

you do need to have your well check for bacteria this can be treated with chlorine

It would be best for you to get a water softener for your well

Answer 3

Realistically, you have little to worry about.
Well water is fine to drink and cook with, and there is no harm in bathing in it, though you might have a bit tougher time soaping up than you do with softened water.
If you are concerned about the quality of the water, you can either have it tested, or purchase a "do-it-yourself" test kit,
You may want to purchase a water softener so as to avoid long term problems with your water heater and washing machine; other than that, you are no doubt o.k.

Answer 4

I lived out in the country for several years on well water. It actually is a lot better for you because it doesnt have as much chemicals in it. So be happy that you are getting something that most people these days don't get to experience which is good tasting, healthier water that is better for you in the long run.

Answer 5

You should have the water tested regularly. I used to live in a home with well water and one summer my kids started to have problems with chronic diarrhea. Turned out that the well casing cracked and the well became contaminated.

Other than that, there really in no reason to be concerned.

Answer 6

No actually the water will be better for hair and skin as it doesn't contain all the chemicals that city water is treated with.
The only problem with it could be that it is contaminated and not suitable for drinking-if I were you I would get it tested.

Answer 7

The well water should have been tested. (Check to see if your state has a private well testing act. Try a water softener if you have hard water.

Answer 8

People were using well water many years before city water. If you are worried have your water inspected.

Answer 9

You have nothing to worry about. Other than the hardness, its the best water you can have. It`s the city water we have to worry about!

Answer 10

well it is not the best,But I survived it for 18 years when I lived at home and I am healthy.We did not have a water softener either.It is better for your cloths if you have one.