From your water source to local treatment approaches to your pipes, many factors can impact your home’s water quality—including what’s nearby.
In some areas, environmental conditions, land use and even nearby buildings can increase the chance of pollutants entering your water supply. Here are five unexpected places where your drinking water could be at greater risk—and what you can do about it.
1. Farmlands
Farms are essential for stocking our produce, dairy and more, but they can also contribute to water contamination. Fertilizers, pesticides and animal waste from agricultural areas can seep into groundwater or run off into nearby streams, potentially carrying nitrates and other pollutants.
According to recent U.S. Geological Survey research, nitrate contamination remains a prevalent issue in private wells—particularly in agricultural regions. A 2021 study in Wisconsin linked elevated nitrate levels directly to proximity to cropland, while a 2024 study in Iowa found many farmers’ wells exceeded the EPA nitrate limit of 10 mg/L.
Even if you don’t live on a farm, rural runoff can travel well beyond its point of origin. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes that rural communities relying on private wells within a few miles of agricultural operations are at elevated risk, particularly if there are no natural barriers (like thick vegetation or clay soil) to slow down runoff. If you live in the vicinity of farmland, especially in low-lying or unprotected areas, it’s smart to be aware of potential water safety concerns and have your water tested regularly – even if you’re several miles away.
2. Golf courses
That lush, manicured lawn may look beautiful, but it could come with hidden risks.
A 2025 study published in JAMA Network Open found a correlation between living near golf courses and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. In the study, individuals living within 1 to 3 miles of a golf course had the greatest risk. While the study doesn’t prove causation, researchers suggest the association may be linked to pesticide contamination in nearby groundwater.
Specifically, living within 1 mile of a golf course was associated with 126% higher odds of developing Parkinson’s compared to those living more than 6 miles away. The risk was higher at closer distances (198% higher at 1 to 2 miles and 121% higher at 2 to 3 miles away) before gradually declining with distance.
Common golf course chemicals—including organophosphates and 2,4-D herbicides—are known to impact neurological health and can seep through soil into groundwater. One Cape Cod study even found pesticide levels in groundwater beneath golf courses exceeding health limits by over 200 times.
While that well-kept course may boost curb appeal, it’s worth considering what’s being applied to those greens—and where it ends up. If you live within a few miles of a golf course, there’s growing evidence that testing your water may be essential.
3. Industrial zones
Industrial activity has long played a role in introducing contaminants like heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and PFAS—also known as “forever chemicals”—into the environment. While both the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Health Canada have frameworks to regulate drinking water quality, not all contaminants are included.
In the U.S., the EPA regulates over 90 drinking water contaminants, though finalized federal limits for PFAS are still in progress. In Canada, provinces set their own enforceable standards, guided by Health Canada’s national guidelines (which also include PFAS)—but implementation varies by region.
In recent years, both countries have stepped up efforts to track and reduce industrial pollution. The EPA has increased oversight and offers support to help communities test and improve local water systems, while Canadian initiatives like the Chemicals Management Plan aim to assess and manage risks associated with industrial substances.
Still, enforcement and oversight can vary widely depending on location. Many industrial chemicals remain under-researched or unregulated on both sides of the border, which means local conditions—such as geology, land use, and response capacity—play a big role in whether water quality is adequately protected.
4. Military bases
For years, military bases across North America used firefighting foams containing PFAS—persistent “forever chemicals” that now contaminate soil and groundwater across the country. Today, that legacy is catching up with surrounding communities.
A 2022 Department of Defense report identified over 700 U.S. military sites with confirmed or suspected PFAS contamination in nearby water systems. These chemicals have been linked to serious health effects, including liver damage, immune system disruption and certain cancers.
What makes PFAS particularly concerning is how easily they migrate through soil into aquifers. This poses a risk not just on base, but to towns and neighborhoods miles away. As PFAS are resistant to standard filtration, they often go undetected unless specifically tested for. Even if you’ve never set foot on a base, simply living nearby could mean long-term exposure to something you can’t see, taste or smell.
5. Landfills
Most of us don’t think about what happens to our trash after pickup, but one of the most common answers—landfills—can have real consequences for water quality.
Rain filtering through waste creates a liquid known as leachate, which can carry a mix of pollutants, including bacteria, heavy metals, pharmaceuticals and increasingly, PFAS.
A recent study confirms that landfill leachate is a major pathway for PFAS release, and these contaminants can persist for decades. In poorly lined or aging landfills, leachate may seep into the groundwater, contaminating nearby wells and water systems. For homes near these facilities, testing is the best way to know if your water is at risk.
How you can protect your water
Just because your water looks, smells and tastes fine doesn’t mean it’s contaminant free. Many pollutants are invisible, odorless and tasteless—and may only be detected through testing. Whether you’re concerned about taste, nearby environmental risks or simply want peace of mind, Culligan can help.
Schedule your free, in-home water test today and get expert insights on what’s in your water—and how to make it cleaner and safer for your family.
