| Approximately 23 million people in the U.S.
get their water directly from private wells, many without water filtration systems.
Most wells tap an underground aquifer (also known as ground water). Although ground
water appears protected from sources of contamination, it can become polluted from
industrial spills, underground fuel tank leaks, fertilizer, or wastes that seep into the
ground. Ground sources can migrate several miles, which means your well may be
contaminated by an industrial facility or farm miles "up gradient" from your
home. Wells are also susceptible to sediment contamination, so the water in your
home may appear discolored or "dirty." Even public treatment plants are
not 100% effective. For this reason, you should have
your well tested annually. To have it tested, call a local analysis
laboratory. Lists of laboratories certified by your state or EPA may be available
from your state or local health department. Some local health departments also test
private wells for free.
Tests for contaminants such as nitrate and coliform
bacteria performed by a private laboratory usually cost between $10 and $20. Cost
increases if you ask the laboratory to test for other contaminants. Once the
laboratory performs the tests, it will mail you the results. You can compare the
results to EPA's National Primary Drinking Standards and National Secondary Drinking
Standards to find out if your source falls below levels EPA thinks are safe for certain
contaminants.
A note of caution: a test will only tell you what is in the
source that day. Public treatment plant failures can occur intermittently, and pollutants
can be present in your water after these failures or after other events (e.g., after farm
fertilizing periods, heavy rains, or season changes).
Knowing what's in your source will help you select an
OMNIFilter. If your water is high in rust and/or sediment, or if you wish to reduce
odors in all your faucets, showerheads, and appliances, we recommend installing a Whole
House filter. If you are concerned about bacteria, lead, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs) in your well source, we recommend installing an Undersink filter. Or if you
just want great tasting refreshment, we also recommend an Undersink filter.
People who use public sources are not immune from problems
either.
Omni Water Filters
| Whole House | Undersink | Faucet Mount | Refrigerator | Water Cooler |
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