Results released
Water well screening reveals some samples contaminated
By MAT TAYLOR Special Correspondent

PHOTO BY MAT TAYLOR John Smith, Extension program specialist, displays a water sample from a Lampasas County well that tested positive for fecal coliform. If the bacteria was present in the water, the sample turned blue. Results released

At a recent meeting in the Lampasas County Office Building conference room, John Smith, Extension program specialist, reviewed the results of recent water well screening conducted by the Texas Cooperative Extension Service. Seventy-nine Lampasas County water samples were submitted by well owners, and more than 50 persons attended the results presentation.

"Of the 79 samples screened, about eight percent or 10 tested positive for fecal coliform," Smith said.

"The presence of fecal coliform in water indicates that feces from animals or humans may have contaminated the well. Such water has micro organisms that can cause a number of water-borne diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery. Possible sources of contamination of these wells include septic tanks, livestock pens, dog runs, pets, sewage treatment plants and flood waters carrying contaminants into the well."

Lampasas County Extension Agent Jason Byrd introduced Smith. After the presentation, Byrd passed out individual screening results to the well owners in attendance.

Smith reviewed the water cycle and noted there is a set amount of water in the world. It exists in the form of oceans, then rain that falls goes into rivers and lakes, and hopefully some will recharge ground water.

Rainfall runoff is the main source of well pollution, Smith said. The water can carry all types of pollutants, such as from feedlots, fields and pastures that have a high amount of fertilizer applied. He added that abandoned wells are a major concern for possible contamination of active wells.

The major aquifer for Lampasas County is the Trinity. An aquifer is like a big bathtub, Smith said. The aquifer also includes the Dallas- Fort Worth area and the IH-35 corridor. Population growth in that area could have an adverse effect on the groundwater supply in Lampasas County, he added.

The specialist said if a well owner had a positive test for fecal coliform, the well should be treated with chlorine and then have a more detailed test performed. Information on treating wells and how to obtain a water test is available from the Lampasas County Extension Office in the county annex building.

County water samples also were screened for nitrates. Nitrates in ground water at levels of 10 milligrams per liter, or parts per million, is considered unsafe for human consumption. Nitrates at that level or above can disrupt the blood's ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. As a result, oxygen starvation occurs.

This condition is called methemoglobinemia. If left untreated, death may result, especially in infants and young livestock.

Sources of nitrates can be septic tanks, excessive use of fertilizer, feed lots, wastewater treatment plants and natural sources.

The good news for well owners who submitted a sample is that none tested above that level for nitrates. The average nitrate level was only 0.67 parts per million.

In addition, each water sample was screened for salt content. Average salinity of all samples in the form of total dissolved solids was 650 parts per million.

Samples submitted ranged from 0 to 1,600 ppm. Smith said up to 1,600 could be consumed by humans but would not be good for most house plants. Well water with salt up to 3,000 ppm would be suitable for watering livestock but not household use.

The Extension specialist noted that his test was only a screening process with a portable lab. If well owners have additional concerns, they should contact the Lampasas County Extension office, or visit the Websites at http:/ /waterhome.tamu.edu and http://water.tamu.edu for more information.

Smith also presented a program on rain water harvesting. He said landowners need to conserve water and keep as much on their property as possible. In the next 20 years, water demand in the state will increase from 16 million acre/feet per year to 22 million acres feet, he added.

"Where can we find additional water?" he asked. "No new water is available. We have all seen times of heavy rains where much of the rain ran off.

"Ranchers, homeowners and business owners have a number of options to capture that water," said the expert.

Recapture practices include the use of proper landscapes, installation of gutters and collection tanks to store rain water. Also, facilities such as ponds or guzzlers can be constructed to collect rain water for livestock and wildlife.

Smith said each square foot of roof surface during a one-inch rain produces 0.6 gallons of water. For example, an 1,800-square-foot roof would produce 1,080 gallons of water for each inch of rain that falls. Average rainfall in Lampasas County is about 32 inches, therefore 34,560 gallons of water could be collected in an average year from the roof of an average home.

If properly stored and treated, this could provide almost all the water for household requirements for a year.

Information on harvesting rain water can be obtained from the following Web sites: http://rainwaterharvesting. tamu.edu and http:// Texaswater.tamu.edu.

In conclusion, Smith asked what the true value of water is. He said the average cost of bottled water purchased in a grocery store is $7,000 per 1,000 gallons. Bought in a five-gallon container, the cost per 1,000 gallons would be $1,350. Average cost of city water across the state is $3.90 per 1,000 gallons.

"Once facilities are constructed, rain water is free," Smith said. "Property owners should be a good steward of their land. And a final question: What are you going to do with your rainfall?"