THE SKILLINGS BLOG

It is not unusual for homeowners to see a few air bubbles appear in a glass of water poured from the kitchen faucet. However, there are some instances where larger amounts of bubbles similar to effervescence will appear in the glass. There are both naturally occurring and mechanical reasons for these small white bubbles, many of which pose no health risks. There are some causes that could be problematic and may require water testing to rule out.

Replacing a home heating system is one of the biggest investments a homeowner will make. Choosing one that is cost effective and efficient, like a geothermal system, will likely increase the long-term value of the home and be an attractive feature to both eco-conscious and cost-conscious consumers.

Forty years ago, cities around the country began looking for ways to reduce air pollution and smog caused by vehicle traffic. One solution was MTBE, or methyl tertiary butyl ether, a colorless liquid added to gasoline across the country to make the fuel burn more efficiently. While this additive was effective in reducing air pollution, it quickly found its way into water across the region, prompting some states to ban MTBE altogether. MTBE has been found in the ground water of nearly every state and has contaminated about 20% of wells in New England.

If get your drinking water from a private well, it’s your responsibility to conduct an annual contamination test to ensure the quality of your water supply.  Contaminants are a reality when you own a private well. Sometimes, it’s easy to determine that you have a problem when your water looks, smells, or tastes “off”. But there are other water contaminants that offer no sign they’re there. Your water may taste, look and smell perfectly fine. Microbial and organic contaminants can’t always be detected by the five senses. Often, you have no indication until people in the community, sharing an aquifer begin to show signs of illness.

Running out of well water can be devastating for a homeowner. Drilling a new well to replace a well that’s run dry can be expensive, but isn’t always necessary. There are some ways you increase the flow of water from your well, even if you are experiencing low water levels.