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Well water in Nova Scotia can have many different contaminants, minerals, and metals that can cause issues that range from being simply cosmetic, to something that can damage your plumbing and pipes, to metals that can have serious long-term health effects if consumed over a long period.
Testing your well water is an essential first step in identifying and fixing these issues before they become serious. After your test, our technicians can outline solutions that will greatly reduce or eliminate these contaminants in your water to keep you and your home safe and ensure that your water is clear, safe, and delicious. Below are some of the most common problems that we see in Nova Scotia, the effects that they can have, and how we can fix them.
One of the most common issues that we see in Nova Scotia wells, hard water is the result of a calcium or magnesium buildup that can cause white staining on pipes and fixtures over time. Another common sign of hard water is a difficulty to create soap suds when cleaning or washing dishes.
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Another very common water contaminant in Nova Scotia is the presence of iron, which is found in the soil and rocks around the province. It can be detected through testing or by its trademark reddish-orange staining of fixtures around your home. In high concentrations, it can also affect the colour, taste, and smell of your water.
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With prolonged consumption in high concentration, manganese can result in memory, attention and movement abilities along with other neurological conditions in both children and adults. With proper testing, we will be able to reduce this metal in your water to satisfy the maximum allowable concentration as outlined by The Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality.
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Easily identified by its characteristic ‘rotten egg’ smell, this is a dissolved sulphur gas in your water that gives it an off-putting smell and taste. Most often naturally caused by decaying organic matter, it can be found in both shallow and deep dug or drilled wells.
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Caused by a low pH level (below 6.5), acidic water can be detrimental to your plumbing and fixtures. With time, a low pH water will break down any metal that it touches.
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Not only found in drilled and dug wells, but a very common chemical used to treat municipal water supplies, chlorine will give your water an odd taste and smell. This chemical can also dry out your skin when not treated.
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Many Nova Scotia properties are located close to the ocean, especially cottages and waterfront properties. With wells so close to a salt water source, it is not uncommon for salt to seep into the well and up in your home.
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Another important reason for a water test is to test for arsenic in your water supply. This carcinogen cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled but can have many adverse side effects when consumed in large concentrations. It is most commonly found in the highest concentrations through Halifax country, South Shore, and the Valley, while still found throughout all areas of Nova Scotia to a lesser degree.
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Naturally found in soil and rocks around Nova Scotia, uranium has no noticeable taste or smell, therefore a chemical test will be required to determine the level of uranium in your water supply. Prolonged consumption of water with a higher concentration than the acceptable amount can lead to long term kidney damage.
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There are many different types of bacteria found in Nova Scotia water systems, most notably coliform and E.coli, which are both tasteless and smelless. Almost all residential sales require these to be tested prior to the sale being completed. In the event that they are found in the water do offer solutions to remove them. Although they may not directly cause illness, they often show that the water source is vulnerable to infestations of other organisms that can cause harm.
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