Borewell Water Safety: 5 Important Tests for Safe Drinking Water

Water is essential for life, but not all water is safe to drink. In many households, especially in rural areas and developing neighbourhoods, borewell water is a primary source of drinking water. Though it comes from deep underground, borewell water can still get contaminated due to several factors.

It is a common belief that underground water is pure. But in reality, borewell water may carry invisible contaminants like harmful bacteria, chemicals, or heavy metals. That’s why regular testing and proper maintenance are important to ensure the safety of your drinking water.

This blog will explain the five most important tests for borewell water, along with essential maintenance tips to keep your water safe.

If you're searching for residential plots or farmlands where groundwater reports and borewell test results are already available, explore verified property listings with detailed water quality insights.

What is Borewell Water?

Borewell water is drawn from underground water sources by drilling deep into the earth. It is usually tapped through a pipe using a motor pump. Compared to surface water from lakes or ponds, borewell water is not directly exposed to pollution. However, it is still at risk of contamination from:

• Chemicals used in nearby farms
• Industrial waste from nearby factories
• Old or damaged borewell pipes
• Leakage from septic tanks
• Naturally occurring minerals like arsenic or fluoride

Depending on the depth of your borewell and the surrounding activities, the quality of the water may vary from one location to another—even within the same neighbourhood.

Why is Testing Borewell Water Important?

Many people rely on borewell water without knowing what’s really in it. Some contaminants are invisible, tasteless, and odourless. Drinking such water may cause:

• Stomach problems, diarrhoea, or vomiting
• Skin diseases or allergies
• Long-term health issues like kidney damage, bone disease, or even cancer

Testing helps you identify the quality of your water and take corrective steps if required. It is especially important if children or elderly people are using the water regularly.

It is advised to test borewell water at least once a year or whenever you notice any change in taste, colour, or smell.

5 Important Tests for Borewell Water Safety

Below are the five essential tests that must be done to ensure the safety of borewell water for drinking and household use.

1. Chemical Contaminants Test

This test checks for harmful chemicals such as:

• Nitrates and phosphates from fertilisers
• Pesticides and herbicides from nearby farms
• Detergents, cleaning agents, or oil from household waste
• Sulphates, chlorides, and fluoride in excess amounts

Why it matters:

Excess chemicals can cause hormonal problems, stomach disorders, and even cancer with long-term exposure. Nitrates are especially dangerous for infants.

Recommended solution:

Install a filtration system like activated carbon filters or reverse osmosis purifiers if chemical levels are high.

2. Heavy Metals Test

This test checks for the presence of toxic metals such as:

• Lead
• Arsenic
• Mercury
• Iron and manganese

Why it matters:

Heavy metals are harmful to health and may affect brain development, kidneys, and the nervous system. These metals accumulate in the body over time and are difficult to remove.

Recommended solution:

Use metal-specific filters or advanced RO systems. For high iron content, an iron remover filter is helpful.

3. Microbial Contamination Test

This test detects bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms such as:

• E. coli
• Coliform bacteria
• Salmonella
• Protozoa

Why it matters:

These microorganisms can cause waterborne diseases like typhoid, jaundice, diarrhoea, and cholera. Children, pregnant women, and elderly persons are more vulnerable.

Recommended solution:

Use UV sterilisation units or chlorinate the borewell under expert supervision. Make sure the borewell area is clean and protected.

4. Physical Characteristics Test

This test checks the physical appearance of the water, including:

• Turbidity (cloudiness)
• Colour (yellow, brown, reddish)
• Odour (rotten smell, metallic smell)
• Taste (salty, bitter, metallic)

Why it matters:

Even if water appears clean, physical changes may indicate contamination from suspended particles or decaying organic matter.

Recommended solution:

Use sediment filters and regularly clean your tank and pipeline. Fix any issues near the borewell area that may cause water to get dirty.

5. pH Level Test

This test measures the acidity or alkalinity of the water. The ideal pH for drinking water is between 6.5 and 8.5.

Why it matters:

• Low pH (acidic) water can corrode pipes and leach metals into the water
• High pH (alkaline) water can cause mineral buildup and affect water taste

Recommended solution:

Use a pH balancing filter or consult an expert to treat the water based on test results.

Borewell Water Maintenance Tips

Maintaining your borewell is as important as testing. Here are some key tips:

Regular Inspection and Cleaning

• Check for broken caps, leaks, or damaged casing pipes
• Clean the borewell using air-compression or jetting every 1–2 years
• Inspect motor and pipeline for rust, algae, or sediment buildup

Monitor Water Levels

• Sudden drop in water levels may indicate overuse or depletion
• Reduced pressure or air bubbles may mean pump or pipe damage

Prevent External Contamination

• Build a concrete platform around the borewell
• Avoid any chemical or waste storage near the borewell
• Ensure proper drainage away from the borewell area

Chlorination and Disinfection

• Periodically disinfect the borewell with bleaching powder or chlorine tablets under expert guidance
• Always flush the borewell after disinfection before use

Professional Testing and Maintenance

• Lab testing is more accurate than home kits
• Engage borewell maintenance services once every 1–2 years

If you're looking at agricultural plots, don't ignore groundwater reliability. It can directly impact both yield and profits. Here's a helpful read: Why Water Resources Matter for Farmland Investment – Boost Productivity & Profits

Water Testing Schedule for Borewell Owners

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can borewell water be used directly for drinking?

No. Borewell water must be tested first. It should be filtered or purified before drinking.

2. What is the cost of borewell water testing?

The cost varies based on location and tests selected. A full water quality test usually costs between ₹1000 to ₹2500.

3. Is boiling enough to make borewell water safe?

Boiling kills bacteria and viruses but does not remove chemicals or heavy metals. A filter is also required.

4. How can I tell if my borewell water is contaminated?

Change in taste, smell, colour, or sudden health issues among family members may indicate contamination.

5. Which purifier is best for borewell water?

A multi-stage system with RO + UV + UF filters is ideal. But choose based on your water test results.

Final Thoughts

Borewell water may look clean but can still be unsafe. It is your responsibility to test it regularly and maintain the system properly. By doing the five essential tests—chemical, heavy metals, microbial, physical, and pH—you can make informed decisions for your family’s safety.

Safe water means healthy living. Whether you live in a village, town, or a city apartment, take the right steps to protect your borewell water.

Stay Updated with More Property and Water Safety Tips

To read more human-written, easy-to-understand blogs on property, water management, and safety, visit blog.maadiveedu.com

Looking for plots, farmlands, or homes with safe borewell access? Browse thousands of verified listings on MaadiVeedu.com — Your Property Journey Starts Here.