Well owners in regions with high levels of corrosive elements should test for lead in their water

Well owners in regions where corrosive water levels have been detected should "investigate and determine whether lead is present in their drinking water," says the National Ground Water Association. While corrosive water is not a health risk to humans or animals, "the presence of lead-leaching components in a well system or household plumbing is a concern, especially in older houses and well systems."

The amount of lead in water is a result of "the length of time water is in contact with lead before being used" and "the corrosiveness of the water (due to either high pH or low pH)," says the association. "Based on these two measures, parts of the U.S. may have residential water well systems yielding potentially corrosive groundwater, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Its research suggests if private well users are not aware their source water is corrosive, are not treating for it, and have lead-content pipes, plumbing fittings, or well system components, they may be at risk for having lead in their drinking water." (Read more)