Is Private well water safe during pregnancy?
Test your well when you become pregnant (and at least yearly). Don't mix formula with untested well water.
What the sources say
CDC recommends testing well water at least yearly for coliform bacteria and nitrates, and testing again when someone in the home becomes pregnant; ask your health department or EPA about testing for arsenic, lead and other chemicals. High nitrate can reduce the blood's ability to carry oxygen; infants under 6 months are most at risk. CDC/ATSDR says not to use untested private well water to mix infant formula and that breastfeeding should continue.
Also listed as
arsenic in water, arsenic in well water, blue baby syndrome, nitrate in well water, nitrates in water, private well, untested well water, well water, well water testing
Sources
- CDC: Guidelines for Testing Well Water
- CDC: Chemicals That Can Contaminate Tap Water
- CDC: Nitrate/Nitrite Toxicity: Patient Instructions (ATSDR)
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.