Groundwater

Well / borehole water

Written by the VitaWhat editorial team · Medically reviewed by Steve Davis · Last reviewed 19 July 2026 · Editorial policy

Private groundwater drawn from a well or borehole.

Where it comes from

Pumped from an underground aquifer via a private well or borehole (common in rural areas).

What it contains

  • Natural minerals from the rock (often hard)
  • May contain nitrates from farming, iron, manganese
  • Can carry bacteria (E. coli) if the source is contaminated

Benefits

  • Can be excellent, mineral-rich water when the source is clean
  • Self-sufficient supply

Cautions

  • Not centrally treated — owners must test it regularly
  • Risk of nitrates, bacteria and metals near farmland or septic systems

Sources & references

  1. WHO — Drinking-water
  2. UK Drinking Water Inspectorate

Related entries

Alkaline waterArtesian waterDeionised waterDistilled waterFiltered waterGlacier / iceberg water
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