Many harmful chemicals are widely used in Connecticut business and industry. Other chemicals are generated by households and find their way into water supplies by leaking septic tanks. The most common sources of such problems are:
- Local CT Businesses: These include nearby factories, industrial plants, and even small businesses such as gas stations and dry cleaners. All handle a variety of hazardous chemicals that need careful management. Spills and improper disposal of these chemicals or of industrial wastes can threaten your water supplies.
- Leaking Underground Tanks & Piping: Petroleum products, chemicals, and wastes stored in underground storage tanks and pipes in Connecticut may end up in the ground water. Tanks and piping leak if they are constructed or installed improperly. Steel tanks and piping corrode with age. Tanks are often found on farms. The possibility of leaking tanks is great on old, abandoned farm sites. Farm tanks are exempt from the EPA rules for petroleum and chemical tanks
- Landfills and Waste Dumps: Modern landfills are designed to contain any leaking liquids. But floods can carry them over the barriers. Older dump sites may have a wide variety of pollutants that can seep into ground water. It is important to test your well water especially after severe storms or heavy rains.
- Household Wastes: Improper disposal of many common products can pollute ground water. These include cleaning solvents, used motor oil, paints, and paint thinners. Even soaps and detergents can harm drinking water in CT. These are often a problem from faulty septic tanks and septic leaching fields.
If you do have your water tested and contaminants are found you may opt to purchase a water treatment system or device depending on the results.
