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LINCOLN (AP) — People who use private wells are being urged to have them tested to make sure water hasn’t been contaminated by runoff caused by snow melt.
Culligan Water officials say melting of heavy snowfall in Nebraska and other states could increase the influx of contaminants leeching into well water.
The federal Safe Drinking Water Act that requires testing of most water doesn’t apply to private wells serving fewer than 25 people.
Common contaminants in well water include nitrates, arsenic, fertilizers, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. Infants are generally considered more at risk than adults.
Infants, for example, cannot safely absorb nitrates because their stomach acid is not strong enough to convert it.
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