What to Know About Fluoride and Well Water

All water contains fluoride, although there are times when it can become problematic. When consumed in the proper amounts, fluoride can help strengthen both teeth and bones. There are even public water systems that actually add fluoride to enhance those benefits, especially the prevention of tooth decay. This is often done because too little fluoride can have ill effects on teeth and gums.

Too much fluoride can have adverse effects

As beneficial as it can be, too much fluoride can have adverse effects. In children, excessive fluoride can cause colic while adults can suffer the effects of arthritis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, gum disease from ingesting too much fluoride. Another side effect is fluorosis, which is an extreme discoloration of the teeth.

Other potentially more severe effects are still being studied and debated. However, it is without doubt that children are at a higher risk for overexposure to fluoride. Their size and body weight makes them more susceptible to side effects as they are not as tolerant of the same quantities as adults. In accordance to their guidelines, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently recommends that children younger than 9 years of age avoid drinking water with fluoride levels exceeding 2.0 mg per liter. This means the excess fluoride needs to be filtered out with something like a reverse osmosis system or bottled water would need to be provide for the child.

Fluoride is found in the environment

It is not uncommon for those with a private well to experience problems with fluoride. That is due to the fact that the fluoride is found in the environment. When there is an abundance of fluoride, its compounds actually mix in into well water as the water makes its way over rocks and soil.

When there is suspicion that well water contains fluoride, the first step is to have it tested. If that test comes up positive, the next step is to install a water filtration system. There is a long list of benefits that come with the installation of one of these systems as it will ensure that you and your family have access to clean, healthy water.

Install a water filtration system

Even if fluoride levels are not exceedingly high, it is a good idea to install a water filtration system in your private well. Natural sediment, chlorine and other contaminants will also be removed and provide sound peace of mind for your family. It is also important to note that Britas do not remove fluoride, nor will boiling or freezing water.

Brown Well Supply provides well maintenance services and that includes installing water filtration systems to ensure your family has clean and healthy drinking water. For well prospecting and well drilling in Salisbury, NC, contact the professionals at Brown Well Supply today.