In this activity, you’ll examine and interpret well water test results to assess potential health risks. You’ll write a detailed report for the people who own and use the well as a source of drinking water. The report will describe the test results, list the health risks, and recommend a solution to remove the contaminants.
Estimated time to complete: 1 hour
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines the concentration of contaminants that is unsafe in drinking water. This data table compares the maximum contaminant level (MCL), human health risks, possible sources of pollution, and possible water treatments for several common well contaminants. Each of the possible treatments would be fairly inexpensive to perform and wouldn’t negatively affect the water in the ground or in the well. If needed, research additional information about each of the treatment technologies.
Part A
You have been asked to evaluate two different wells for safety. Well A and Well B have the same owner but are in different locations. Examine the results in the table for each of the wells.
Well A Well B
Contaminant Amount (mg/L) Contaminant Amount (mg/L)
arsenic 0.040 arsenic 0.06
cadmium 0.007 barium 3.0
cyanide 0.31 cadmium 0.001
nitrate 12 lead 0.000
thallium 0.000 nitrate 0.00
Refer to the data table and determine which contaminants are found in toxic quantities in Wells A and B.
