Can COVID-19 or Other Viruses Get Into Wells and Ground Water?

Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, many people with water wells have been concerned about the virus. Can viruses get into the groundwater supply? It doesn’t seem outside of the realm of possibility. Luckily, there is an extremely low chance that you’ll contract COVID-19 from well water in North Carolina. Read on to learn more about the science behind this determination.

COVID-19 and well water

COVID-19 is most commonly spread by respiratory droplets, which are sprayed from sneezing, coughing, talking, shouting or singing. It has not been detected in the groundwater supply or well water.

If the COVID-19 virus were to make it into well water, it would most likely be through the feces of an infected person. The World Health Organization has already deemed the likelihood of catching coronavirus from feces to be extremely low, although not impossible. When it comes to things to worry about during the pandemic, your well water should be relatively low on the list.

Can I catch other viruses from well water?

It is possible to contaminate groundwater. If you have a leaking septic system, live on a property with livestock or live near a leaking sewer, the groundwater supply may be contaminated. Viruses from human stool are some of the most common disease-causing pathogens—enteric viruses are shed in great numbers through stool, so if it comes into contact with well water, you are far more likely to get sick.

The good news is that you can prevent this by ensuring your well is properly constructed and includes a proper sanitary seal. This will block contaminants from entering your well water. If you live in an area where the groundwater supply is frequently compromised, or your housemates have fragile immune systems, you might want to take additional measures to protect yourselves.

Do I need a water treatment system?

Water treatment systems in Monroe, NC can be extremely effective in reducing harmful substances and killing pathogens in your water. Filters, UV light and salt are all used to achieve different goals, and some systems include more than one way to treat the water. You can find out what’s currently lurking in your well water by having it tested—that makes it easy to choose an appropriate water treatment system.

If you’re thinking about getting a water treatment system solely due to COVID-19 concerns, experts suggest it’s not necessary. While filtration to remove pathogens is never a bad idea, the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 through your well water is too low to make it worthwhile. However, if you’ve been thinking about installing one anyway, it certainly won’t hurt—and it may help you. At worst, you’ll have safer, more delicious water.

Ultimately, filtering your well water depends on the local water quality. You probably won’t catch COVID-19 from your well water, but it’s a great reminder to have your water tested regularly.

For water well service and repair in Monroe, NC, get in touch with Love Well & Pump Supply, LLC today. We look forward to assisting you.

Categorised in: Water Treatment Systems

This post was written by Writer