Indicators of household well water pollution.

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Ninety-five well situated in shale formations were sampled in March and Aug. of the same year to determine seasonal effects on well water quality. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of pollution indicator organisms and anionic detergents were performed and compared with construction features of the well and their distance from septic tanks. The number of wells containing pollution indicators in Aug. increased by 68% over those positive in March. The most conspicuous factor was the large increase in enterococcus-positive wells. A quantitative increase in all indicator organisms, as well as detergent, was apparent in the Aug. sampling. Wells located less than 50 feet from septic tanks contained more indicator organisms than those located at a further distance, regardless of the time of sampling. The percentage of wells showing the presence of indicator organisms was highest for dug wells and least for drilled wells. Driven wells showed a large increase in detergent content in the Aug. sampling.

This publication has 6 references indexed in Scilit: