Can Well Water Make You Sick?

Well water often brings with it a number of questions for homeowners managing it, and one of the most common things to wonder about is potential health implications. The fact is that yes, untreated well water can potentially make you sick. Because it doesn’t go through the same oversight or treatment processes as municipal tap water, well water may contain contaminants that could affect your health.* The good news is that with proper water testing and filtration, your well water can be made suitable for drinking and household use.

But what makes well water a potential health risk, and what can you do about it? Let’s take a closer look at the unique challenges of private wells, how quality issues can occur and how you can test and treat your water to help protect your household.

Well Water and Your Health

If your household uses a private well, it’s important to understand how that water source differs from municipal systems, especially when it comes to your health.

Unlike public water systems, private wells are not regulated or treated by city authorities. This means groundwater that supplies your well doesn’t go through the same filtration or disinfection steps that public water supplies do under the United States Safe Drinking Water Act and Health Canada’s Drinking Water Quality Guidelines. Instead, you’re responsible for maintaining the well and ensuring the water is suitable for drinking.

And while many wells provide high-quality drinking water, untreated or poorly maintained wells can harbor contaminants that may lead to health problems.

So What Are the Health Risks?

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), drinking water from a private well can expose you to a variety of pollutants and pathogens, ranging from heavy metals and bacteria to industrial chemicals and agricultural runoff. These contaminants may be invisible, tasteless and odorless — yet they can still carry significant risks to your health.

Illnesses caused by contaminated well water can range in severity. Some lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting or stomach cramps. Others may contribute to chronic conditions over time, such as liver and kidney damage, reproductive problems or even increased cancer risk.

The specific symptoms and their severity depend on the type and level of the contaminant involved. In some cases, such as with nitrate or arsenic, health impacts can be especially severe for vulnerable groups like infants, young children, pregnant people and those with weakened immune systems.

These risks are compounded by the fact that many private well owners may be unaware of nearby land use or environmental hazards. And because there’s no built-in system to treat or monitor private wells, contamination can go unnoticed for years — sometimes until someone in the household begins to experience symptoms.

That’s why the U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends regular water testing and using appropriate treatment systems based on the results. It’s one of the best ways to reduce your risk and protect the long-term health of your family.

Where Do Well Water Contaminants Come From?

Here are some of the most common well water contaminants, how they get into your water and what makes them a concern for your family’s health:

Heavy Metals

Heavy metals like lead, copper, mercury, cadmium and chromium may enter well water through a variety of sources — including natural deposits in the ground, corroding household plumbing and industrial activity like mining and waste disposal. These metals can also seep into groundwater through surface runoff or soil leaching after rainfall.

While some metals are essential in trace amounts, high levels can be toxic. Studies show that long-term exposure to heavy metals can damage the kidneys and liver, and lead to developmental delays, anemia and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Because these substances are usually invisible, regular water testing is the only reliable way to detect them.

Nitrates

Nitrate contamination is one of the most common well water issues, especially in rural or agricultural areas. Nitrates can come from fertilizers, animal waste, septic systems or runoff from farms and feedlots.

In the body, nitrate is converted into nitrite, which interferes with the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. This condition, known as methemoglobinemia, can be especially dangerous and potentially fatal for infants under six months, leading to what’s known as “blue baby syndrome.” Symptoms may include shortness of breath, fatigue and bluish skin discoloration.

Microorganisms

Microorganisms like E. coli and other coliform bacteria, viruses and parasites can enter your well through surface water runoff, septic system leakage or contamination from animal waste. According to the CDC, these harmful germs can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, fever and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

Even if your water looks clear and smells fine, it can still carry bacteria or viruses — which is why experts recommend routine water testing at least once a year, or more often if there are signs of contamination.

Arsenic

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element found in certain rock formations. It can leach into groundwater through soil erosion, mining or pesticide runoff. Some regions have higher baseline levels of arsenic in their groundwater — making this a more common issue in certain parts of the U.S. and Canada.

Long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water has been associated with neurological effects, skin lesions, a higher risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease and even diabetes, according to the World Health Organization.

H3: PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are man-made chemicals used in nonstick coatings, textiles, firefighting foam and various industrial applications. Known for their durability, PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t easily break down in the environment.

These compounds can make their way into private wells through landfill runoff, industrial spills or wastewater discharge, and may persist in groundwater for years. Studies show a link between exposure to PFAS and thyroid disease, immune suppression, high cholesterol and certain cancers.

3 Signs Your Well Water May Have Problems

Contaminants in well water aren’t always obvious, but sometimes, your body or senses can give you early warning signs. Here are a few indicators that it’s time to schedule a water test:

1. Health Symptoms
   Unexplained issues like stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea or ongoing sore throats could be linked to bacterial contamination in your water supply. If symptoms persist, your drinking water could be the culprit.
2. Odd Smells or Tastes
   A rotten egg smell might mean hydrogen sulfide is present, while metallic or bitter flavors could indicate heavy metals or iron. While not always harmful, these changes could point to bigger problems below the surface.
3. Water Discoloration
   Stains or discoloration around sinks and tubs can be caused by iron, manganese or copper — and may signal broader water quality issues.

Of course, some contaminants are completely tasteless, odorless and colorless — which means routine water testing is the only reliable way to catch them before they affect your health.

How To Test and Treat Your Well Water

Testing

Experts recommend testing your well water at least once a year (or sooner if you notice changes or live near agricultural runoff, septic systems or industrial activity). You should also schedule a test after major flooding, well repairs or anytime you notice changes in your water’s appearance, taste or smell.

Culligan makes it easy to get the answers you need. With our free in-home water test and consultation, a local expert will analyze your water source, identify any issues and recommend a treatment solution tailored to your home. We also offer more comprehensive testing from our IL EPA-certified lab, as well as PFAS testing kits to help you screen for these emerging water safety concerns.

H3: Treatment

Once you know what’s in your water, the next step is treatment — and that starts by choosing the right water filtration solution. Culligan offers a range of advanced systems that target specific water contaminants and fit your home’s unique needs. That includes:

• Aquasential® Smart RO Drinking Water Filtration System: Reduces bacteria, nitrate, arsenic, PFAS and more from your drinking water
• Whole Home PFAS Water Filter: Targets forever chemicals throughout your entire home
• Smart HE Arsenic Reduction Filter: Treats arsenic at the point of entry to protect your household
• Smart HE Nitrate Filter: A specialized filter that helps address nitrate contamination from agricultural runoff or septic issues

If your well has hard water — a common issue in many areas — you may also benefit from a water softener to improve taste, appliance lifespan and limescale buildup.

Improve Your Well Water Quality

Can well water make you sick? The answer is yes — but with the right approach, you can reduce the risks. Regular water testing and effective water treatment can help turn your well into a reliable source of clean, filtered drinking water for your entire household.

Ready to take the first step? Schedule your free, in-home water test and consultation with Culligan today.

*Contaminants may not be present in your water.