Most Of Mass. Ground Water May Be Corrosive, Report Says
BOSTON (CBS) - A new report shows if you use a private well, you should get your tap water tested for lead.
As much as 90-percent of the state's ground water is potentially corrosive, according to the Boston Globe.
Kimberly Crehan, Laboratory Manager for Northeast Environmental Laboratory in Danvers, told WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker that naturally corrosive water isn't dangerous to drink on its own, but it becomes harmful when it reacts with pipe fixtures in homes.
"You do want some hardness in your water," said Crehan. "If the hardness is too low, that's when you'll have corrosive water, and that's when metals can leech into the water from the pipe."
The biggest concerns are for the more than 500,000 Massachusetts residents who use private wells.
FAQ: Private Wells In Massachusetts
"A lot of times people will have off smells, discoloration of the water, metallic-y taste," said Crehan. "We've actually even had some people feel sick, unfortunately, after drinking well water."
Wells aren't subject to state and federal testing or treatment requirements. Crehan said some towns only require testing when selling or buying a home.
"Some towns suggest testing the bacteria every year, and doing a quality test every fire years," said Crehan. "Unfortunately, at any point, things can be going into the well without your knowledge."
The author of the new report by the U.S. Geological Survey told the paper the more corrosive the water, the more likely residents are to have lead in their water.
Here are signs to look out for in your home:
- Bluish-green stains in sinks
- A metallic taste
- Small leaks in plumbing fixtures
On Cape Cod, where about 20-percent of homes use private wells, officials recommend:
- Flushing pipes for 5 minutes before drinking the water
- After flushing, collect a gallon of water to use for the day
- Switch to the public supply if possible
- Have water tested
You can have your well water tested at a DEP-certified lab.
You can find a list of those labs here.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Ben Parker reports
