What was taken for granted for so long has now become a question mark. For decades, residents of Mora County drank water from private wells without a second thought. It was clean, clear, and safe. Now, however, there are growing concerns.
Since the Hermit’s Peak/Calf Canyon Fire, water quality has become uncertain. Is it still safe to drink? Reports of heavy metals and contaminants from fire retardants dropped by air tankers have left many residents fearful and asking: Are we being poisoned? And what can we do to protect ourselves?
The water I use in Holman is clear, cold, and odorless—what many would consider “sweet water.” It comes straight from my well. However, other well water in Holman smells like sewage due to high sulfur content, leading some to call it “black water.” Yet, both types have historically been considered safe to drink.
My well water comes from deep underground aquifers fed by snowmelt and rainfall, naturally containing calcium and magnesium leached from limestone. The rotten-egg smell in other local wells comes from naturally occurring sulfur compounds, while iron and manganese can be found in both. Now, added anxiety over heavy metals like arsenic and uranium has compounded these fears.
One relatively inexpensive way to secure clean drinking water is by using a reverse osmosis (RO) system. RO systems filter out most contaminants and heavy metals, producing water that is as close to pure as possible. You can taste the difference immediately. After installing an RO system, the aroma of my morning coffee was so rich I was convinced my wife had picked it up from McDonald’s. Food tastes better, and best of all, there is no mineral buildup clogging appliances, making descaling a thing of the past. Drinking water, cooking, and ice making are all noticeably improved.
RO filters are designed to handle all types of water. I tested one on my sister’s well water, which had a strong sulfuric scent. The four-stage filtration system removed every trace of the sulfur odor, leaving behind super-soft, clean water.
Using an RO system made me realize I should have installed one long ago. If you still drink raw well water, investing in a reverse osmosis filter for your home is a smart move. The clean, chilled water and ice are well worth the investment to protect yourself and your family.