Irish Well Water – Co Kerry Study

Fresh primary source water is like a precious gift. We should use to do everything in our power to share and protect it for future generations. When we maintain our water, we are helping the planet, our land, our community, our families and ourselves. Water is telling us to take a much deeper look at our selves. When we do look at our selves through the mirror of water, the message becomes crystal clear. We know that human life is directly connected to the quality of our water, both within and all around us.

WHAT ARE NATURAL SOURCES OF WATER
 
There are a total of three natural sources of water.

They are categorized as rainwater, underground water, and surface water. Here is a look at each and what supplies these sources.

1: Primary Source– Underground Water These are the sources of water that basically you can’t see or can’t access easily. The important role underground water sources play in the water cycle is that they are the primary sources for human consumption. These underground bodies of water are often accessed through wells and when pressure under the surface is too great, this water is pushed up and out through springs. In Ireland over 3000 Holy Wells have been recorded in Ireland. This does not include private wells and springs. This water is minerally rich. Minerals help us absorb our nutrients from our food. It is these minerals that also provide the cures for our holy wells. In July 2012, a chemical analysis of the water at Tobar na nGealt (the Well of the Mad) located in County Kerry discovered that the water contained 55.6 ppb of the chemical lithium. Generally rivers contain only about 3 ppb of lithium. Lithium is used in psychiatric medication to treat major depressive disorders and reduces the risk of suicide.

2: Secondary Source– Rain Water Rainwater includes other sources such as snow and additional types of precipitation. The precipitation that falls to the Earth is a major part of the water cycle as it replenishes both surface and underground water sources.

3 Secondary Source – Surface Water Easy to see and use, surface water is easily the most abundant supply of natural water. The downside is that most of the surface water on the planet is salt water so it is not ideal for drinking for most living species. Surface water does play an important part in our daily lives in addition to being a source of drinking water. Surface water is supplied by precipitation, springs, and ice melting from higher elevations and glaciers. Healthy spring water loses its vitality when put into holding tanks or ponds, or by pumping it through pipes into our homes, schools and business offices. Stagnant or still water becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and microorganisms. Eradication of these pollutants by conventionally accepted methods of adding chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine create a new kind of poisoned water. The adverse health effects of fluoride, ( a toxic waste product from aluminum processing) and chlorine (may increase risk of cancer by 95% by drinking, inhalation or skin absorption) have been documented for years. Many children born with conditions, such as asthma or allergies or who have developed ADD, are linked to poor quality municipal drinking water.

CLEANING AND MAINTAINING OF WATER WELLS

Wells require regular maintenance to ensure adequate water flow and optimum water quality. According to The University of Minnesota, clear well water can still contain bacteria in large amounts. These bacteria are responsible for the smell that can emanate from the well.

PRECAUTION: Do not allow anyone to use the well during the cleaning process. Wells should be allowed to rest for at least 24hrs after cleaning

CONTAMINATES IN Water WELLS
Bacterial contamination: is a more persistent problem even in clean well water, and especially so if there is a risk from nearby sewage and waste leakage. Not all bacteria cause an offensive taste and odor, but these are still harmful to one’s health—thankfully there are many water filters which effectively kill bacteria and other parasites for safe consumption SOLUTION: Hard Wood Ash, Copper vessels

Lead: is tasteless, odorless, and usually contaminates water because of old, rusted municipal pipes. Nevertheless, for health reasons, lead should be avoided. Boiling water does not remove lead.
SOLUTION: Carbon based filter such as Coconut Charcoal, Tomato and Apple Peelings
Sediments: Sand and iron may be common sediments which affect the water as visible particles in your glass. This sediment makes wonderful plant food. SOLUTION: Physical cleaning, Sand and gravel at base to keep silt down, Hard wood ash

Dissolved Gases: in your water from a nearby farm or plant, or even just from a natural local source, Aeration can remove dissolved radon, methane and carbon dioxide which may make your water smell or taste unpleasant.Aeration can also remove dissolved iron and manganese through precipitation. It is also effective at removing many common industrial solvents. Aeration involves the process of passing air through water, and subsequently venting that air out. The air acts to force the dissolved gases or contaminating compounds to be released from the water, essentially ensuring that those contaminants released from the water are vented out along with the air. Aeration raises the pH level of water, making it less acidic and safer for human consumption. SOLUTION: Draw water from the well regularly

Algae: While not a contaminant, it can clog the well and encourage microbe growth SOLUTION: Clean well with copper vessels, Seasalt/Rocksalt

Plastics and debris: Simply put the well should be clear of all but the structure and water in the well
SOLUTION; Remove all debris

fundraiser link

http://www.epa.ie/pubs/reports/water/waterqua/