Well Water and Your Baby

Most well water in Minnesota is safe, but some well water has contaminants in it that can make babies sick or harm their development. The only way to know if your water might be harmful to a new baby is to have your private well tested. 

The Minnesota Department of Health recommends testing for the following contaminants if you have a private well, and are pregnant, or have a new baby in your home: 

Contaminant	How often to test	Health impacts
Coliform bacteria	At least once a year	Can indicate that other infectious bacteria, viruses, or parasites may be in your water. These may cause serious illness or death in infants and young children.
Nitrates	Every 2 years	High levels of nitrates can affect how the blood carries oxygen and can cause methemogloinemia (aka. blue baby syndrome). This can cause skin to turn blue and can result in serious illness or death. Bottle-fed infants under six months old are at the highest risk.
Lead	At least once	Lead can damage the brain, kidneys, and nervous system. Lead can also slow development or cause learning, behavior, and hearing problems for children. Babies, children under the age of 6 years old, and pregnant women are at the highest risks from lead.
Manganese	At least once	High levels of manganese can cause problems with memory, attention, and motor skills. it can also cause learning and behavior problems in infants and children.
Arsenic	At least once	High levels of arsenic can contribute to reduced intelligence in children and increased risk of some types of cancer. Arsenic can also contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and skin problems.

Babies are at greater risk of harm from water contaminants because they drink more water for their size that older children and adults. Babies' developing brains and organs are more susceptible to injury and damage and their bodies are not very good at getting rid of harmful substances. The good news is that most of these contaminants can be reduced through properly maintained home treatment systems. 

www.health.state.mn.us/divs/eh/wells/waterquality/safebaby.html