How to Keep Ancient Water Contaminants Out of Your Well

When we turn on the taps in our homes, fresh water comes out and most of us don’t really think about the source. The surprising fact is that the quality of tap water in many regions of the United States is influenced by age-old water deposits in glaciers and ice caps. While these icy rivers of water might give the impression of purity, they are actually anything but pure. 

Since this water ultimately makes it into the groundwater and wells in many states, it is worthwhile knowing which contaminants might be present and how to eliminate them from your well. 

Contaminants That Are Common to the Most Ancient Bodies of Ice

The oldest glacier in the United States contains ice that formed 30,000 years ago. Research has revealed that volcanic activity was involved in the formation of these older ice caps and glaciers. The huge clouds of particles blasted out by volcanoes blocked some of the heat of the sun and cooled the planet. Ice caps and glaciers formed or expanded during these times. 

However, volcanic explosions can release lead, mercury, sulfur and arsenic into the atmosphere. These toxic metals were captured in these permanent or semi-permanent deposits of ice. Once the ice cap or glacier melts, these toxins are released into rivers that carry them for thousands of miles. 

In fact, groundwater that can be traced back to a glacial aquifer system has been found to be high in undesirable substances like the metals mentioned plus iron, sulfate or manganese. There can be as many as 37 trace minerals released in a volcanic eruption—including many you don’t want in your drinking water! 

Contaminants That May Be Found in Newer Glaciers

There are nearly 700 glaciers currently sliding down mountain valleys in the Continental U.S. Those glaciers that formed or grew in recent years can have contemporary chemicals stored in those crystals, some of which have been banned or limited because of their dangers. 

Pesticides and industrial chemicals that are no longer being used or are very limited may be stored in glacier water. Chemicals like these:

  1. Polychlorinated biphenyls/PCBs (industrial chemical)
  2. DDT (pesticide)
  3. Chlordane (pesticide)
  4. Chlorpyrifos (pesticide)
  5. Aldrin 1 (pesticide)
  6. Perfluorooctanoic acid/PFOA (industrial chemical)
  7. Methylene chloride (industrial chemical)
  8. Asbestos (limited) 
  9. Mercuric oxide (limited)

Because you don’t want these chemicals making their way into your well water, it’s good to find out if your water is affected by these far-off deposits. 

Which Waters in America Could Be Affected by Glaciers and Ice Caps?

There are very few corners of the United States that have no connection to the glaciers and ice caps in our Western mountains. Water from these ice deposits makes its way out of the mountains and into rivers that cross much of the continent. For example:

  • From the Wind River Range in Wyoming and its 269 glaciers and permanent snowfields, the water drains into the Snake, Colorado and Missouri Rivers. The Snake River passes through Washington on its way to the Pacific. The Colorado River passes through Colorado, Utah, Arizona and California. The Missouri River crosses the Midwest and joins the Mississippi River. 
  • From the ice in Glacier National Park, waters flow west to the Pacific, east to the Atlantic and south to the Mississippi River. 

How to Discover If These Toxins Have Reached Your Well and Water Supply

Major regions of the country are affected by these ancient toxins or newer ones that have been stored in these ice packs. The only way to determine whether or not your well water has any of these contaminants is to test your well water regularly. Once you know which of these toxins are present in your well water, it’s possible to design a filtering system specifically for your water quality. 

The right choice of filtration is particularly important in areas that are close to ancient ice caps and glaciers, or downstream from old or new glaciers or ice caps. Home filtration system choices include reverse osmosis, carbon filtration, distillation, ion exchange and water softeners. 

Start by testing your water with a professional, accurate and fast water test. Choose from our best-selling water tests today.