Importance of Regular Testing of Private Drinking Water Systems in North Carolina

Barros, Nirmalla; Rudo, Kenneth; Shehee, Mina

doi:10.18043/ncm.75.6.429

Cited by 3 publications

(3 citation statements)

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“…Community water fluoridation is one such example, as White and Gordon [19] discuss in their sidebar in this issue. In a similar vein, the commentary by Barros and colleagues [20] highlights the importance of testing private drinking water sources to ensure that this water is safe.…”

Section: Efforts To Improve Population Health In North Carolinamentioning

confidence: 99%

Is Health Determined by Genetic Code or Zip Code? Measuring the Health of Groups and Improving Population Health

Slade-Sawyer

2014

North Carolina Medical Journal

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Section: Efforts To Improve Population Health In North Carolinamentioning

confidence: 99%

Is Health Determined by Genetic Code or Zip Code? Measuring the Health of Groups and Improving Population Health

Slade-Sawyer

2014

North Carolina Medical Journal

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“…In 2012, the Macon County Health Department (North Carolina) discovered county-wide water lead contamination in private wells due to corrosion of galvanized well components. , First draw samples collected at the wellhead between 2008 and 2012 documented that 55 of 398 (14%) of newly constructed wells exceeded the AL, with concentrations reported as high as 191 μg/L . During follow-up testing in 2013, WLLs varied based on sampling location within the home and flushing intervals, resulting in site-specific remediation strategies (e.g., different flushing recommendations for each home).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Elevated Lead in Water of Private Wells Poses Health Risks: Case Study in Macon County, North Carolina

Pieper

Nystrom

Parks

et al. 2018

Environ. Sci. Technol.

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Recent research has indicated that lead in water of private wells is in the range of that which caused problems in Flint, Michigan. However, there is limited understanding of the mechanisms for water lead release in these systems. We evaluated water lead at the homes of two children with elevated blood lead in Macon County (North Carolina), which did not have identifiable lead paint or lead dust hazards, and examined water lead release patterns among 15 private wells in the county. Water lead release patterns differed among the 15 private wells. Problems with lead release were associated with (1) dissolution of lead from plumbing during periods of stagnation; (2) scouring of leaded scales and sediments during initial water use; and (3) mobilization of leaded scales during continued water use. Accurate quantification of water lead was highly dependent on sample collection methods, as flushing dramatically reduced detection of lead hazards. The incidence of high water lead in private wells may be present in other counties of North Carolina and elsewhere in the United States. The underestimation of water lead in wells may be masking cases of elevated blood lead levels attributed to this source and hindering opportunities to mitigate this exposure.

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“…8 Despite occurrence of potentially harmful contaminants found in well water, it is also well established that private well users are often unlikely to regularly test or treat well water according to public health recommendations. 7, 9–11 For example, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates only 10% of the almost one million private well users in the state test their wells according to their agency recommended guidelines with similar findings in Maine and elsewhere. 12,8 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Private-well stewardship among a general population based sample of private well-owners

Malecki

Schultz

Severtson

et al. 2017

Science of The Total Environment

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Private well stewardship, including on-going testing and treatment, can ensure private well users are able to maintain source-water quality and prevent exposures to potentially harmful constituents in primary drinking water supplies. Unlike municipal water supplies, private well users are largely responsible for their own testing and treatment and well stewardship is often minimal. The importance of factors influencing regular testing, and treatment behaviors, including knowledge, risk perception, convenience and social norms, can vary by geography and population characteristics. The primary goals of this study were to survey a general statewide population of private well users in Wisconsin in order to quantify testing and treatment patterns and gather data on motivations and barriers to well stewardship. The majority of respondents reported using and drinking well water daily but only about one half of respondents reported testing their wells in the last ten years and of these, only 10% reported testing in the last 12 months. Bacteria and nitrates were contaminants most often tested; and, a private laboratory most often conducted testing. The most commonly reported water treatment was a water softener. Living in a particular geographic region and income were the most significant predictors of water testing and treatment. Iron and hardness, which influence water aesthetics but not always safety, were the most commonly reported water quality problems. Health concerns or perceived lack thereof were, respectively, motivators and barriers to testing and treatment. Limited knowledge of testing and treatment options were also identified as barriers. Results confirm previous findings that well stewardship practices are minimal and often context specific. Understanding the target population’s perceptions of risk and knowledge are important elements to consider in identifying vulnerable populations and developing education and policy efforts to improve well stewardship.

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Importance of Regular Testing of Private Drinking Water Systems in North Carolina

Abstract: North Carolina state laws require that water from newly constructed private wells be tested for chemical and microbiologic contamination, but existing wells are not routinely tested. This commentary highlights the importance of regular testing of all private sources of drinking water.

Cited by 3 publications

References 1 publication

Is Health Determined by Genetic Code or Zip Code? Measuring the Health of Groups and Improving Population Health

Is Health Determined by Genetic Code or Zip Code? Measuring the Health of Groups and Improving Population Health

Elevated Lead in Water of Private Wells Poses Health Risks: Case Study in Macon County, North Carolina

Private-well stewardship among a general population based sample of private well-owners

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