Does your private well water have a foul odor or bad taste? Are you buying bottled drinking water? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Thousands of your Polk County neighbors are experiencing these and other issues with their private well water. While some water quality issues—such as staining—are merely cosmetic, more serious problems can introduce pathogens or toxins that cause acute or chronic illnesses. The truth is that you can’t tell by looking at a glass of water whether it’s safe. That’s why we offer free water analysis—to let you know exactly what’s in your water. And if we find any impurities, we’ll show you how to remove them so you can enjoy water that is so fresh and clear you may never buy bottled water again.
Why Test Your Well Water
Unlike city utilities, which are required to test and treat water regularly, the responsibility for a private well falls solely on the homeowner. Changes in the local environment—such as new construction, nearby flooding, or a naturally shifting water table—can suddenly introduce contaminants to even a previously safe water source. Only professional, routine testing can confirm your well is free from contamination.
Common Well Water Contamination Sources in Polk County, FL:
Due to Polk County’s geology, proximity to agriculture, farming, and manufacturing, and use of septic systems, homeowners face potential contamination from:
- Microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, often enter well water through septic tank leakage, animal waste, and surface water runoff following heavy rain. Consuming water with these pathogens can lead to immediate gastrointestinal illnesses.
- Nitrates and Nitrites are found in agricultural and residential lawn fertilizers, as well as human and animal waste. High levels are particularly dangerous for infants, potentially causing a life-threatening condition known as “blue baby syndrome.”
- Heavy metals, such as arsenic and uranium, leach from natural mineral deposits in the Florida Aquifer; others, like lead, can enter from old well components or plumbing fixtures. Exposure risks can include acute toxicity, organ damage, and even an increased risk of cancer.
- Organic chemicals include solvents, petroleum products, and pesticides. Through waste disposal or agricultural use, these chemicals can seep into groundwater, causing long-term damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
- Our Signature Well Water Testing Process
Our certified water treatment professional will collect a water sample from your home. We will test the water for foul odors, tastes, hardness, and potential health concerns. Additionally, we send the water sample to a state-certified laboratory for thorough testing. The independent lab will check for numerous contaminants, including lead, radon, and microbes. This testing is especially important for households with infants, elderly members, or anyone with allergies or chronic illnesses. We’ll also compare the results of your well water testing with the Annual Water Quality Report from Polk County Utilities or your local water service provider.
How Often Should I Test My Well Water?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends testing your private well water at least once every year for total coliform bacteria, nitrates, and pH levels. You should also test your water immediately if you notice changes in its taste, odor, or clarity, or if there has been a known contamination event nearby, such as a chemical spill or flooding.
What’s In Your Well Water? Schedule Your Free Water Analysis Today!
At Tri-Florida Water Treatment and Purification, we’ve made it easy and convenient for homeowners to schedule free well water testing in Polk County, including Alturas, Frostproof, Lake Wales, and Auburndale. Call now to find out what’s in your water!
