Communicated Content – It is a known fact that Mid Hudson does not have the best water quality. A report from November 2021 revealed the detection of cancer-causing chemicals in the region’s water. Considering this, while knowing about 15% of the US population sources water from private wells, it is crucial to install adequate well water filters for contaminant removal.

In this article, we take you through the various substances that might potentially be polluting Mid Hudson wells. We then enlist all the filters you need to ensure well water is clean and safe to drink.

Types Of Contaminants In Mid-Hudson Wells

There are multiple sources that allow waste and unhealthy materials into our well water. Some of the major ones include:

• Agriculture (fertilizers, animal waste disposals, manures)
• Commercial areas (airports, junkyards, carwashes, paint shops, cemeteries, etc.)
• Oil and gas production industries
• Residential areas (household chemicals, septic tanks, sewer lines, swimming pools, and their chemicals, etc.)

Here are the main sediments, chemicals, and pathogens infiltrating Mid Hudson wells:

Microorganisms

These are germs like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, that are ubiquitous (found in all ecosystems, i.e., air, water, and soil). They can enter well water via sewage leaks or directly through the air. 

When ingested (along with well water), they can cause severe infections and illnesses. 

A 2018 study found evidence of sewage bacteria in the Hudson river, which increases the chances of sewage contamination in well water.

Heavy Metals

Old, deteriorating plumbing lines can cause heavy metal contamination in wells due to corrosion.

They are toxic and pose a high risk of liver and kidney damage.

Radionuclides

Radioactive elements produced from mining and nuclear power plants can also pollute well water. 

A three-unit nuclear power plant station is present near the Mid-Hudson river. To add to this, Upstate New York is also home to some nuclear reactors. 

Also, note that radioactive elements are sometimes naturally present in groundwater.

Radionuclides are carcinogenic and can also cause kidney toxicity.

Organic Chemicals

Chemicals from household cleaning products, inks, dyes, solvents, and pharmaceuticals can mix with the well water via spills and waste disposals. According to the EPA, 1.3 million pounds of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a chemical used in cleaning agents as well as for industrial purposes, were found in Mid Hudson water. 

Organic chemicals can damage vital organs like kidneys and liver, as well as your circulatory, nervous, and reproductive system.

Sediments

Dust and debris are naturally a part of the groundwater. While they mostly lie at the base, some percentage of sediments is present in water.

Filters For Mid Hudson Wells

If you use well water, here’s a list of filters you should install to minimize health complications from water contaminants:

Sediment Filter

Sediment buildup in water is not only harmful to health, but it can also damage plumbing, as well as any appliances the water is used for. 

Whole house well water filters have pores measuring as little as 1 micron or less that remove the particulate matter suspended in water.

When buying filters for water purification, it is critical that you go for good-quality products for premium filtration. Check out the best whole-house filters for private well water according to BOS.

Iron Filter

Iron-filled soil at the ground level allows excessive iron concentration in well water, which is not toxic to health but causes other issues in Mid Hudson homes. Additionally, damaged plumbing lines undergoing corrosion can also cause iron accumulation in the well water.

Therefore, you need iron filters that remove iron as well as reduce the hardness of the water.

UV Filters

Ultraviolet or UV light has a germicidal wavelength that destroys the DNA material of bacteria, viruses, and molds.

Activated Carbon 

When pure charcoal is oxidized and heated, it turns into a highly porous and adhesive substance called activated carbon. 

The tiny adhesive pores remove organic waterborne contaminants.

More Filtration

The above list provides nothing but a general overview of water filtration methods suitable for Mid Hudson wells. Which ones you need depends on your exact water conditions. If you want to learn more, conduct a water analysis.