Results a ‘warning’

Water quality test results released to Augusta County homeowners using private water sources have revealed that almost half contained a harmless bacteria signaling a breach in users’ water systems.

E. coli bacteria, which causes food poisoning and illness, could find its way into those water sources as well, officials said, and a handful of homeowners found that had already happened.

But the most common result confirmed what residents already knew: their private water drawn from wells, springs and cisterns tends to be hard water, potentially corrosive to utensils and cause of cloudy cups and glasses, but only an aesthetic nuisance.

More than 220 homeowners submitted water samples for testing at a Virginia Tech laboratory as part of the drinking water clinic sponsored by the Augusta County Virginia Cooperative Extension office and Staunton-Augusta Rotary Club.

Officials cautioned against drawing general conclusions from the results, which deal with each homeowner’s system.

“It’s kind of a warning sign,” Erin James, coordinator for the Virginia Household Water Quality Program, said of the discoveries. “We did see quite a few hits.”

Tests found coliform bacteria in 45 percent of samples.

“It’s harmless,” James said. “But if we find it in a water supply we know there is a pathway.”

Most participating homeowners paid their $46 testing fee out of curiosity, not with specific concerns. Questionnaires show about 40 percent worried about hard water staining appliances, 12 percent worried about objectionable odor and some noted unpleasant taste.

Microorganisms, metals and other substances that could be in the water would pose a health threat and would require follow-up treatment, according to the Virginia Department of Health.

James and Riverheads District Supervisor Nancy Sorrells said the clinic went a long way in raising awareness for water testing. Of the program’s 16 clinics in the state this year, Augusta County’s drew the most participants, James said. The program average was 60 samples.

Residents asked questions about the location, construction and security of wells, and specific solutions for contaminants.

“It was very informative,” said Anne Gordon, of Mount Sidney, who had not tested in 12 years.

“There was nothing bad in there except that the water is very hard,” she said. “ I feel very lucky we didn’t have any bacteria.”

Officials warned that water tainted with E. coli should be avoided or boiled and the water source immediately improved. Where nitrates appeared — frequently the result of fertilizer use — officials warned of increased dangers for infants.

James said many fixes are not expensive, but rely on changes in behavior and land use. The slope of surrounding well ground or proximity to fertilizer and pesticides can be easily altered, she said. Sanitary well caps cost about $50.

James said residents considering more elaborate and expensive systems are now armed with independent test results and a better idea of questions to ask of water treatment companies.

Bruno Giraldi, of Middlebrook, said he signed up for a water quality newsletter and is considering other improvements.

His water was bacteria-free.

“Especially having a private well, you’re always concerned,” he said.

A similar discounted water testing clinic will be hosted in the spring in Nelson County.