The Water Softener Blog

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element that can silently contaminate private well water across the United States. Invisible, tasteless, and odorless, arsenic often goes undetected until a proper water test reveals its presence. For homeowners who rely on private wells, understanding how arsenic gets into groundwater—and how to treat it—is critical for our health and safety. Why Arsenic Occurs Naturally in Groundwater Arsenic enters well water naturally through the erosion of rocks and soil that contain arsenic-bearing minerals. Over time, rainwater and groundwater movement dissolve these minerals, allowing arsenic to leach into aquifers and private wells. No pollution or human activity is required—this is a geological occurrence most commonly found in areas with high natural mineral content, such as parts of the                                        Midwest, Southwest, and Northeas...

Private well owners rely on the quality of their groundwater for safe and clean drinking water. While many are familiar with common contaminants such as coliform bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals, fewer are aware of Mycoplasma —a genus of bacteria that can be present in well water and pose serious health risks. What makes Mycoplasma particularly insidious is its ability to hide in biofilms within household plumbing, making it difficult to detect and eradicate without targeted treatment. What Are Mycoplasma Bacteria? Mycoplasma are a group of bacteria lacking a cell wall, which makes them unique among prokaryotes. This structural difference renders them resistant to many conventional antibiotics (such as penicillin) that target bacterial cell walls. Common species include Mycoplasma pneumoniae , which causes respiratory infections, and Mycoplasma hominis , associated with urogenital infections. Although typically transmitted via person-to-person contact, Mycoplasma have been d...