Water pollution—Wells

by Irving A. Watson

A word in explanation may be necessary to those who are not familiar with water analysis.

Water that contains such a large amount of solids is very suspicious. It will be seen that the sample contained twelve grains of chlorine to the gallon, which would alone at once condemn it. The only source from which chlorine is derived in the waters of this state, except possibly a trace, must be from the sewage or waste from the household, where common salt is used. A well that contains over one grain to the gallon is to be looked upon with suspicion. The same is true of a water that contains over 0.01 part of ammonia or “albuminoid ammonia.”

Then, again, the bacteria and infusoria, to the extent present, indicate its pollution.

Of the history of this well and the family using its water Dr. Currier renders the following report, which is a terrible commentary upon the dangers of filth in drinking-water. Since the report was made, Dr. C. states that there was a case of typhoid upon these premises during the early part of the winter, which he did not know of at the time his report was written.

DR. CURRIER’S REPORT.

The farm-house, from the well of which was taken the specimen of polluted water, is situated on a high bluff of land south-east of the village, and is known by the name of East Mountain. Upon this ridge of land are situated some of the best farms in town. The soil is rich and deep, underlying which is a sub-soil of clay, very hard and compact, but occasionally interrupted by a deposit of sand. I have been told there were beds of sand in the vicinity of this dwelling-house.

Diagram No. 2.

By the diagram sent, you will see that the well is under the L part of the house. The water is drawn up by means of a windlass in one of the back rooms. The well itself is some twenty-five feet deep. In the summer kitchen, not more than three or four feet from the well, you will notice the sink marked 2 on the diagram, which discharges its water on the ground by means of an open spout but a few feet from the outside of the building. At 3, about an equal distance from the well, is a back door, from which foul water, as on washing-days, and filth of nearly all descriptions, were usually thrown, which is not saying more than can be said of back doors to farm-houses in general.

As you step out of this door, a little to your left you will see the pig-sty, the centre of which cannot be more than fifteen feet from top of well. The privy marked 4 is entered from the walk leading from the well-room to the barn-yard, the excrements of which are received upon the ground. The distance from the door, 7, that opens into the barn-yard, and the well, is just twenty-four feet by actual measurement. Stepping out of this door you are in the barn-yard filled with cattle and sheep, on the further side of which is the barn with its usual manure heap and decomposing vegetable matter in general. Thus we have the barn, barn-yard, privy, pig-sty, back door, and sink all in dangerous proximity to the well, either one of which might contaminate its water, and render it unfit for use.