Unfortunately, efforts to treat water can also result in new health threats: Chlorination of drinking water does virtually eliminate most disease or bacterial contamination, but it also creates traces of several toxic by-products in the water such as:

Chloroform
Chloramines
Trihalomethanes
Other chlorinated organic compounds

Government agencies have decided the benefits are worth the risks, but alternatives are available in many instances.

– As per Government of New Brunswick: In order to confirm that well water is clear of bacteria and other contaminants, private wells should be tested twice per year (preferably in spring or fall)
– If you have your own well, you are responsible for making sure that your water is safe to drink. Private wells should be tested biannually for coliform bacteria and have a General Chemistry Analysis to detect contamination problems early.” In addition to biannual tests, you should test the water anytime there is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap or a new contamination source; if family members have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness; if an infant is living in the home; or if you wish to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.

THE EPA CATEGORIZES THE CULPRITS AS FOLLOWS:

Organic chemicals are pesticides, solvents, and other chemicals that seep into ground water supplies. Some are known as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) because they change (they may evaporate, for example). Most are linked with cancer and/or nervous system, liver and kidney disorders. In the organic group, trihalomethanes (THMs) are sometimes created after water has left a treatment plant, when chlorine may react with leaves and other decaying animal and plant matter. A substance that can result from this process is chloroform, a suspected carcinogen.

Inorganic chemicals include dangerous metals such as mercury, lead and arsenic; sodium; nitrates and nitrites; and a variety of natural minerals. Some inorganics are associated with a variety of health problems. Lead is known to cause brain damage and is highly toxic to infants and pregnant women, even in minute doses. It usually comes from lead water pipes, old pipe solder, or lead-based brass fixtures.