Potential Sources. Private wells can be contaminated by both naturally occurring sources and by human activities. The following are commonly found contaminants, their sources, and their possible human health impacts. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The use of private vehicles (particularly older, diesel models) is the major source of urban air pollution. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that about 75% of VOC emissions (by weight) come from transportation.

Purpose of review: Approximately 12% of the population in the US and Canada rely on federally unregulated private wells, which are common in rural areas and may be susceptible to microbiological and chemical contamination. This review identifies and summarizes recent findings on contaminants of emerging concern in well water across the US and ...

Approximately 12% of the population in the US and Canada rely on federally unregulated private wells, which are common in rural areas and may be susceptible to microbiological and chemical contamination. This review identifies and summarizes recent findings on contaminants of emerging concern in well water across the US and Canada.

Through this comprehensive analysis of the scientific literature, the report identifies five critical threats to global freshwater systems - groundwater depletion, metals contamination, plastic pollution, diversion and transfer of water, and eutrophication – threats driven primarily by industry practices.