Despite the fact that well water appears crystal clear, it may contain elements or bacteria that can lead to illness and diseases. Among many other factors, well owners are worried about the presence of fluoride in well water. Does well water have fluoride or is it just another myth spreading around. Let’s find out what exactly is the case with fluoride.
As a matter of fact, well water may contain fluoride; however, the level of contamination may vary. What does it mean? Is it something to worry about? Yes, it is. If you are consuming well water, it is important for you to read this article and get to know all about the connection between well water and fluoride.
Let’s begin with what actually is this element and whether it is harmful or not.
What is fluoride?
A naturally occurring substance made up of the element fluorine, found naturally in rocks, plants, water, and soil. Water absorbs fluoride from the ground as it passes through. However, the amount of fluoride may differ from one place to another.
Does well water contain fluoride?
As it is present in groundwater, the well is highly expected to have it too. However, the amount of fluoride present depends on the actual site of the well.
Talking about the use of it, in dentistry, fluoride works to strengthen enamel and improve dental health. Additionally, oral care products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and nutritional supplements also have it.
Given the benefits, how come it is risky in well water? Does fluoride in well water have any side effects? Let’s talk about this briefly.
Can fluoridated water be harmful?
Anything that is consumed in a large quantity can cause damage to your body and overall health. The same goes for fluoridated water. There is a certain level at which the fluoride won’t cause any damage, but if it exceeds the limit, it leads to severe health risks.
The health hazards involved with consuming a high dose of fluoride include
- Dental and skeletal fluorosis
- Tooth decay and discoloration
- Acne
- High blood pressure
- Arthritis
- Neurological problem
- Kidney disease and bone cancer
Despite it being the best way to strengthen tooth enamel, fluoride can cause serious health problems if consumed or exposed to too much.
The most susceptible group to the effects of high fluoride exposure are children because their teeth are still developing at a time when they are prone to fluorosis.
How much fluoride is safe in drinking water?
It is considered safe for drinking at levels ranging from 0.7 to 1.5 parts per million (ppm). Given the benefits, local water authorities even add fluoride in water if it is found lower than the optimal level. It is in the interest of public health as fluoride aids in reducing cavities.
The only reliable way to find out the exact level of fluoride in your water well is through testing. Testing will not only reveal the level of fluoride, but also you will get to know the quantity of iron, nitrates, sulfur, and other contaminants.
Based on the test results, you will be able to make the right decision whether the water is safe to drink or not.
It is suggested that you only get the water testing done from accredited laboratories.
In case the level of fluoride is more than 1.5 mg/L, you should avoid consuming the water and report it to the concerned authorities and look for its treatment. Meanwhile, look for an alternate source of water.
Remember that fluoride shows no color or smell, so testing is the only method to detect its presence. Hence, it must be done at a minimum once a year.
How can I get rid of fluoride from my drinking water?
For many of us, well water is used for drinking, but it is obvious that we cannot use it in case it contains a high level of fluoride. Are there any ways to reduce this level? Yes, there are, and that includes water distillation and reverse osmosis systems.
Reverse osmosis proves to be the best technique you can use at home to reduce the fluoride level in well water.
Remember that only boiling the water does not help reduce the fluoride; rather, it increases the contamination. Similarly, general filters do not help either. So, if your well water is tested high in fluoride, you must get it treated the right way.
Conclusion
Fluoride is found in well water naturally, but the more important thing to note here is the contamination level. You would know the exact level after carrying out the water test from authorized laboratories. If the results show more than 1.5 mg/L of fluoride in well water, you must arrange a second source for drinking and get the well water treated either through reverse osmosis or distillation process.
Consult local authorities if you are not sure what to do, but only drink the water after it has been clarified as safe and pure.