As you know, sodium and chloride are very common elements, and you probably use them every day in the form of table salt. However, just because these elements are commonplace, does not mean they are safe in high amounts. If your Connecticut well water contains more than 250 mg/L of chloride or 100 mg/L of sodium, you could be putting your family’s health at risk, as well as wreaking havoc on your system.
What Concerns Are There from Sodium and Chloride in Well Water?
It may not seem like a big deal if you have sodium and chloride in your well water; after all, you eat it every day on your food. But that is precisely the issue. An average American diet already contains 10-20 times the daily recommended amount of sodium and chloride, so you definitely don’t need a substantial amount in your drinking water.
The good news is that for most people, the sodium and chloride in well water doesn’t pose a serious health risk as long as the levels are kept at a minimum. That being said, if you or a loved one are on a low-sodium diet due to high blood pressure, heart disease, or kidney conditions, too much sodium and chloride in well water can absolutely have a negative impact.
More than that, high levels of sodium and chloride in your Connecticut well water can result in a less-than-ideal taste and make your well water more corrosive, which can destroy your plumbing system and affect the watering of some household plants.
How Do Sodium and Chloride Get Into Well Water?
Sodium and chloride are both extremely common in nature, which is why trace amounts of them can be found in groundwater. The concern comes when additional sodium and chloride gets into Connecticut well water due to other potential sources, such as:
- Salt that is added to the roads to eliminate icy conditions
- Discharge from water softeners
- In Connecticut especially, sea water can get into the groundwater, greatly increasing its sodium and chloride levels
- The introduction of sewage, industrial waste, or fertilizers into the water supply
The Next Steps
Now that you understand the possible risks that arise when the sodium and chloride levels in your well water are elevated, it’s time to figure out where your well water stands. Your first step is to contact Greco & Haines, Inc. so we can come out and test your well water. If your chloride level comes back above the Connecticut limit of 250 mg/L or your sodium level is above 100 mg/L, then you need to take action:
- Stop drinking the well water for the time being and attempt to determine the source of the excess sodium and chloride (we can help!).
- If the source is not easily identifiable or removable, we can install a reverse osmosis filter under your sink to improve the quality and taste of your well water.
- Be proactive and pay extra attention to the activities that are taking place around your well to ensure no additional sodium and chloride enter your well water.
With regular well water testing and a careful effort to prevent contamination, your Connecticut well water can maintain safe levels of sodium and chloride to keep your family healthy, your plants happy, and your well water system strong.