Naylor's Culligan Systems

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I find out if my tap water is safe to drink?
A: Because of water's different sources and the different ways in which water is treated, the taste and quality of drinking water varies from place to place. You can call your neighborhood Culligan Man at 301-334-4477 for an in-home water analysis or you can stop by A.D. Naylor's Culligan to get your water tested. Your local health department should provide a service to assist customers with testing procedures. If you're on municipal water, contact them for specific reports on your water quality.

Q. How will I know if my water isn't safe to drink?
A: You won't know unless you have it periodically tested or you treat the water for contaminants. If you're on municipal water your water supplier must notify you by newspaper, mail, radio, TV, or hand-delivery if your water doesn't meet EPA or state standards or if there is a waterborne disease emergency. The notice will describe any precautions you need to take, such as boiling your water. Follow the advice of your water supplier if you ever receive such a notice. The most common drinking water emergency is contamination by disease-causing germs. Boiling your water for one minute will kill these germs. You can also use common household bleach or iodine to disinfect your drinking water at home in an emergency.

Q. How can I get my water tested?
A: Get in touch with your local Culligan water specialist at 301-334-3934 x116 to schedule an in home water analysis. If your home is served by a municipal water system, get a copy of your annual water quality report from your local water provider. This report will tell you what contaminants have been found in your drinking water and at what level. After you've read this report, you may wish to test for specific contaminants (such as lead) that can vary from house to house, or any other contaminant you're concerned about. Tests vary in cost depending on the substances being tested for.

Q. What should I do if I have my own drinking water well?
A: Call your Culligan Water Specialists at AD Naylor's Culligan at 301-334-3934 x116 for an in home water test. If you have your own well, you are responsible for making sure that your water is safe to drink. Private wells should be tested annually for nitrates and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Test more frequently and for other contaminants, such as radon or pesticides, if you suspect a problem. Check with your local health department and local public water systems that use ground water to learn more about well water quality in your area and what contaminants you are more likely to find.

Q. What about bottled water?
A: Bottled water is not necessarily safer than your tap water. EPA sets standards for tap water provided by public water systems; the Food and Drug Administration sets bottled water standards based on EPA's tap water standards. Bottled water and tap water are both safe to drink if they meet these standards, although people with compromised immune systems and children have special needs. Some bottled water is treated more than tap water, while some is treated less or not treated at all. Bottled water costs much more than tap water on a per gallon basis. Bottled water is valuable in emergency situations and high quality bottled water may be a desirable option for people with weakened immune systems. Consumers who choose to purchase bottled water should carefully read its label to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste, or a certain method of treatment. Call A.D. Naylor's Culligan Water Specialist at 301-334-3934 x120 to talk about the advantages of owning a whole house filtration system.

Q. What about home water treatment units?
A: A home water treatment unit can improve water's quality and taste or provide an extra margin of safety for people more vulnerable to the effects of waterborne illness. Consumers who choose to purchase a home water treatment unit should carefully read its product information to understand what they are buying, whether it is a better taste or a certain method of treatment. Be certain to follow the manufacturer's instructions for operation and maintenance, especially changing the filter and servicing the unit(s) on a regular basis.

Q. If I get our family's drinking water from a private well, how do I know if our water is safe to drink? What health risks could my family face? Where can I go for help or advice?
A. EPA regulates public water systems; it does not have the authority to regulate private drinking water wells. Approximately 15 percent of Americans rely on their own private drinking water supplies, and these supplies are not subject to EPA standards, although some state and local governments do set rules to protect users of these wells. Unlike public drinking water systems serving many people, they do not have experts regularly checking the water's source and its quality before it is sent to the tap. These households must take special precautions to ensure the protection and maintenance of their drinking water supplies.

Q. How can I test the quality of my private drinking water supply?
A. Call your local Culligan Man at 301-334-4477. Consider testing your well for pesticides, organic chemicals, and heavy metals before you use it for the first time. Test private water supplies annually for nitrate and coliform bacteria to detect contamination problems early. Test them more frequently if you suspect a problem. Be aware of activities in your watershed that may affect the water quality of your well, especially if you live in an unsewered area.

Recurring gastro-intestinal illness - Test for: Coliform bacteria.
Household plumbing contains lead - Test for: pH, lead, copper.
Radon in indoor air or region is radon rich - Test for: Radon.
Corrosion of pipes and plumbing - Test for: Corrosion, pH, lead.
Nearby areas of intensive agriculture - Test for: Nitrate, pesticides, coliform bacteria, & atrazine.
Coal or other mining operations nearby - Test for: Metals, pH, corrosion.
Gas drilling operations nearby - Test for: Chloride, Sodium, Barium, Strontium.
Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas station, or dry-cleaning operation nearby - Test for: Volatile organic compounds (VOC's), total dissolved solids, pH, sulfate, chloride, metals.
Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and near gas station or buried fuel tanks - Test for: VOC's
Objectionable taste or smell - Test for: Hydrogen sulfide, corrosion, metals.
Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry - Test for: Iron, copper, manganese.
Salty taste and seawater, or a heavily salted roadway nearby - Test for: Chloride, total dissolved solids, sodium.
Scaly residues, soaps don't lather - Test for: Hardness.
Rapid wear of water treatment equipment - Test for: pH, corrosion.
Water softener needed to treat hardness - Test for: Manganese, iron.
Water appears cloudy, frothy, or colored - Test for: Color, detergents
The last five problems listed are not an immediate health concern, but they can make your water taste bad, may indicate problems, and could affect your well long term.

Testing drinking water from household wells:

If you use a private laboratory to conduct the testing, nitrate and bacteria samples will typically cost between $50 and $150 to complete. Testing for other contaminants will be more expensive. For example, testing for pesticides or organic chemicals may cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars. Only use laboratories that are certified to do drinking water tests.

To find a certified laboratory in your state, you can contact:

A State Certification Officer to get a list of certified water testing labs in your state http://epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/labs.html, or your local health department may also test private well water. Phone numbers for your local, county, or state health department are available under the "health" or "government" listings in your phone book. Most laboratories mail back the sample results within a week or two. If a contaminant is detected, the results will include the concentration found and an indication of whether this level exceeds a drinking water health standard. If a standard is exceeded in your sample, retest the water supply immediately and contact your public health department or local water treatment specialist for assistance. Some problems can be handled quickly. For example, high bacteria concentrations can sometimes be controlled by disinfecting or adding ultraviolet treatment to a well. Filters or other on-site treatment processes may also remove some contaminants. Other problems may require a new source of water, or a new, deeper well. If serious problems persist, you may need to rely on bottled water until a new water source can be obtained. You should test private water supplies annually for nitrates, coliform bacteria, total dissolved solids, and pH levels to detect contamination problems early. Test more frequently if a problem was found in earlier tests.

How can I protect my private water supply?

Protect your water supply by carefully managing activities near the water source. For households using a domestic well, this includes keeping contaminants away from sinkholes and the well itself. Keep hazardous chemicals out of septic systems.
Periodically inspect exposed parts of the well for problems such as:
Cracked, corroded, or damaged well casing
Broken or missing well cap
Settling and cracking of surface seals.
Slope the area around the well to drain surface runoff away from the well.
Install a well cap or sanitary seal to prevent unauthorized use of, or entry into, the well.
Have the well tested once a year for coliform bacteria, nitrates, and other constituents of concern.
Keep accurate records of any well maintenance, such as disinfection or sediment removal, that may require the use of chemicals in the well.
Hire a certified well driller for any new well construction, modification, or abandonment and closure.
Avoid mixing or using pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, degreasers, fuels, and other pollutants near the well.
Do not dispose of wastes in dry wells or in abandoned wells.
Do not cut off the well casing below the land surface.
Pump and inspect septic systems as often as recommended by your local health department.
Never dispose of harsh chemicals, solvents, petroleum products, or pesticides in a septic system or dry well.
For more information on protecting your well visit this web site: National Ground Water Association

What are some naturally occurring sources of pollution?
Microorganisms: Bacteria, viruses, parasites and other microorganisms are sometimes found in water. Shallow wells - those with water close to ground level - are at most risk. Runoff, or water flowing over the land surface, may pick up these pollutants from wildlife and soils. This is often the case after flooding. Some of these organisms can cause a variety of illnesses. Symptoms include nausea and diarrhea. These can occur shortly after drinking contaminated water. The effects could be short-term yet severe (similar to food poisoning) or might recur frequently or develop slowly over a long time.
Radionuclides: Radionuclides are radioactive elements such as uranium and radium. They may be present in underlying rock and ground water
Radon: Radon is a gas that is a natural product of the breakdown of uranium in the soil - can also pose a threat. Radon is most dangerous when inhaled and contributes to lung cancer. Although soil is the primary source, using household water containing Radon contributes to elevated indoor Radon levels. Radon is less dangerous when consumed in water, but remains a risk to health.
Nitrates and Nitrites: Although high nitrate levels are usually due to human activities (see below), they may be found naturally in ground water. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil. Flowing ground water picks them up from the soil. Drinking large amounts of nitrates and nitrites is particularly threatening to infants (for example, when mixed in formula).
Heavy Metals: Underground rocks and soils may contain arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead, and selenium. However, these contaminants are not often found in household wells at dangerous levels from natural sources.
Fluoride: Fluoride is helpful in dental health; so many water systems add small amounts to drinking water. However, excessive consumption of naturally occurring fluoride can damage bone tissue. High levels of fluoride occur naturally in some areas. It may discolor teeth, but this is not a health risk.

What Human Activities Can Pollute Ground Water?
Bacteria and Nitrates: These pollutants are found in human and animal wastes. Septic tanks can cause bacterial and nitrate pollution. So can large numbers of farm animals. Both septic systems and animal manures must be carefully managed to prevent pollution. Sanitary landfills and garbage dumps are also sources. Children and some adults are at extra risk when exposed to water-born bacteria. These include the elderly and people whose immune systems are weak due to AIDS or treatments for cancer. Fertilizers can add to nitrate problems. Nitrates cause a health threat in very young infants called "blue baby" syndrome. This condition disrupts oxygen flow in the blood.
Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs): The number of CAFOs, often called "factory farms," is growing. On these farms thousands of animals are raised in a small space. The large amounts of animal wastes/manures from these farms can threaten water supplies. Strict and careful manure management is needed to prevent pathogen and nutrient problems. Salts from high levels of manures can also pollute ground water.
Heavy Metals: Activities such as mining and construction can release large amounts of heavy metals into nearby ground water sources. Some older fruit orchards may contain high levels of arsenic, once used as a pesticide. At high levels, these metals pose a health risk.
Fertilizers and Pesticides: Farmers use fertilizers and pesticides to promote growth and reduce insect damage. These products are also used on golf courses and suburban lawns and gardens. The chemicals in these products may end up in ground water. Such pollution depends on the types and amounts of chemicals used and how they are applied. Local environmental conditions (soil types, seasonal snow and rainfall) also affect this pollution. Many fertilizers contain forms of nitrogen that can break down into harmful nitrates. This could add to other sources of nitrates mentioned above. Some underground agricultural drainage systems collect fertilizers and pesticides. This polluted water can pose problems to ground water and local streams and rivers. In addition, chemicals used to treat buildings and homes for termites or other pests may also pose a threat. Again, the possibility of problems depends on the amount and kind of chemicals. The types of soil and the amount of water moving through the soil also play a role.
Industrial Products and Wastes: Many harmful chemicals are used widely in local business and industry. These can become drinking water pollutants if not well managed. The most common sources of such problems are:
Local Businesses: These include nearby factories, industrial plants, and even small businesses such as gas stations and dry cleaners. All handle a variety of hazardous chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal of these chemicals or of industrial wastes can threaten ground water supplies.
Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping: Petroleum products, chemicals, and wastes stored in underground storage tanks and pipes may end up in the ground water. Tanks and piping leak if they are constructed or installed improperly. Steel tanks and piping corrode with age. Tanks are often found on farms. The possibility of leaking tanks is great on old, abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks are exempt from the EPA rules for petroleum and chemical tanks.
Landfills and Waste Dumps: Modern landfills are designed to contain any leaking liquids. But floods can carry them over the barriers. Older dumpsites may have a wide variety of pollutants that can seep into ground water.
Household Wastes: Improper disposal of many common products can pollute ground water. These include cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps and detergents can harm drinking water. These are often a problem from faulty septic tanks and septic leaching fields.
Lead & Copper: Household plumbing materials are the most common source of lead and copper in home drinking water. Corrosive water may cause metals in pipes or soldered joints to leach into your tap water. Your water's acidity or alkalinity (often measured as pH) greatly affects corrosion. Temperature and mineral content also affect how corrosive it is. Lead and copper are often used in pipes, solder, or plumbing fixtures. Lead can cause serious damage to the brain, kidneys, nervous system, and red blood cells. The age of plumbing materials - in particular, copper pipes soldered with lead - is also important. Even in relatively low amounts these metals can be harmful. EPA rules under the Safe Drinking Water Act limit lead in drinking water to 15 parts per billion. Since 1988 the Act only allows "lead free" pipe, solder, and flux in drinking water systems. The law covers both new installations and repairs of plumbing.
Water Treatment Chemicals: Improper handling or storage of water-well treatment chemicals (disinfectants, corrosion inhibitors, etc.) close to your well can cause problems.

How often should I have my water tested? Have your water tested periodically.
It is recommended that water be tested every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, total dissolved solids, and pH levels. If you suspect other contaminants, test for those. Always use a state certified laboratory that conducts drinking water tests. Since these can be expensive, spend some time identifying potential problems.

Is testing more than once a year warranted in special situations? Yes

Someone in your household is pregnant or nursing.
There are unexplained illnesses in the family.
Your neighbors find a dangerous contaminant in their water.
You note a change in water taste, odor, color or clarity.
There is a spill of chemicals or fuels into or near your well.
When you replace or repair any part of your well system.

Identify potential problems as the first step to safeguarding your drinking water. The best way to start is to consult a local expert, someone that knows your area, such as the local water specialist, health department, agricultural extension agent, a nearby public water system, or a geologist at a local university.
Be aware of your surroundings. As you drive around your community, take note of new construction. Check the local newspaper for articles about new construction in your area.
Check the paper or call your local planning or zoning commission for announcements about hearings or zoning appeals on development or industrial projects that could possibly affect your water.
Attend these hearings, ask questions about how your water source is being protected, and don't be satisfied with general answers. Make statements like "If you build this landfill, (just an example) what will you do to ensure that my water will be protected." See how quickly they answer and provide specifics about what plans have been made to specifically address that issue.
Identify Potential Problem Sources
1. Start your search for potential problems close to home. Do a survey around your well:
2. Is there livestock nearby?
3. Are pesticides being used on nearby agricultural crops or nurseries?
4. Do you use lawn fertilizers near the well?
5. Is your well "downstream" from your own or a neighbor's septic system?
6. Is your well located near a road that is salted or sprayed with de-icers during winter months?
7. Do you or your neighbors dispose of household wastes or used motor oil in the backyard, even in small amounts?
8. If any of these items apply, it may be best to have your water tested and talk to your local public health department or agricultural extension agent to find way to change some of the practices which can affect your private well.
9. Also, see Drinking water from household wells for more information and help.
10. In addition to the immediate area around your well, you should be aware of other possible sources of contamination that may already be part of your community or may be moving into your area. Attend any local planning or appeal hearings to find out more about the construction of facilities that may pollute your drinking water. Ask to see the environmental impact statement on the project. See if underground drinking water sources have been addressed. If not, ask why.

Q. What is a drinking water standard?
A. Under the authority of the Safe Water Drinking Act (SDWA), http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/index.html EPA sets standards for approximately 90 contaminants in drinking water. For each of these contaminants; EPA sets a legal limit, called a maximum contaminant level, or requires a certain treatment. Water suppliers may not provide water that doesn't meet these standards. Water that meets these standards is safe to drink, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs.

Q. I don't like the taste/smell/appearance of my tap water. What's wrong with it?
A. Even when water meets EPA's standards, you may still object to its taste, smell, or appearance. EPA sets secondary standards based on these aesthetic characteristics (not health effects) which water systems and states can choose to adopt.

Common complaints about secondary water aesthetics include:

Temporary cloudiness (typically caused by air bubbles), or
Chlorine taste (which can be improved by letting the water stand exposed to the air).
For more info on secondary drinking water standards visit:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/2ndstandards.html

Q. I'm worried about a specific drinking water contaminant (lead, Cryptosporidium, nitrate, radon, etc.) What should I know?

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. As long as they occur below EPA's standards, they don't pose a significant threat to health, although people with severely compromised immune systems and children may have special needs.

EPA's fact sheets on drinking water contaminants:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/hfacts.html

Private Drinking Water Wells:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/whatyoucando.html

Treatment of Drinking Water:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/sdwa/pdfs/fs_30ann_treatment_web.pdf

List of contaminants and their maximum contaminant levels:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html#mcls

Guidance for People with Severely Weakened Immune Systems:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/consumer/pdf/crypto.pdf

Kids' Health, Children and Drinking Water Standards:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/kids/kidshealth/index.html

Drinking Water From Household Wells:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/pdfs/household_wells.pdf

Maryland Department of the Environment Water Supply
http://www.mde.state.md.us/Programs/WaterPrograms/Water_Supply/index.asp

Contact A.D. Naylor's Culligan Water Specialists for any questions related to your water.
301-334-3934 X120, X116, X138
301-334-4477
Email: naylorsculligan@naylorshardware.com
Email: naylorscontracting@naylorshardware.com
Email: adn@naylorshardware.com

Resources:

Environmental Protection Agency
www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells
Maryland Department of the Environment Water Management Administration http://www.mde.state.md.us/
http://www.mde.maryland.gov/Water/index.asp
National Ground Water Association
http://www.wellowner.org/awaterwellbasics/typesofwells.shtml