Water from a Simple Pump hand pump can be safe to drink, but the safety depends primarily on your well water quality, not the pump itself.
Two Separate Questions
1. Is the Pump Safe?
Yes. Simple Pump components are made with NSF/FDA certified materials that meet Safe Drinking Water Act requirements:
- No lead content
- Food-grade materials throughout
- Safe for potable water systems
- No contamination from pump components
2. Is Your Well Water Safe?
This depends on your specific well and groundwater.
The pump doesn't change water quality - it simply lifts whatever water is in your well.
Well Water Safety Factors
Natural Water Quality
Your groundwater quality depends on:
- Local geology and aquifer characteristics
- Depth of water source
- Surrounding land use
- Natural mineral content
Potential Contaminants
Well water may contain:
- Bacteria (coliform, E. coli)
- Nitrates (from agriculture, septic)
- Heavy metals (natural or man-made)
- Chemicals (industrial, agricultural)
- Minerals (iron, manganese, hardness)
Water Testing Recommendations
Initial Testing
When installing a new pump or using a well for the first time:
- Test for bacteria (coliform, E. coli)
- Test for nitrates
- Consider comprehensive panel
- Establish baseline quality
Annual Testing
Regular testing catches changes:
- Bacteria testing annually
- Additional tests if issues suspected
- After any well work
- After flooding or contamination events
Where to Test
- County health department
- State-certified laboratories
- Home test kits (screening only)
Simple Pump's Role
What Simple Pump Provides
- Safe, food-grade materials
- No contamination from pump components
- Clean water path from well to surface
- Proper sealed well cap
What Simple Pump Doesn't Provide
- Water treatment or filtration
- Guarantee of water quality
- Protection from well contamination
- Water testing services
Treatment Options
If your well water requires treatment:
Filtration
- Sediment filters
- Carbon filters
- Specialty filters for specific contaminants
Disinfection
- UV treatment
- Chlorination
- Other approved methods
Softening/Conditioning
- Water softeners for hardness
- Iron filters for iron content
Making Water Safe
For Drinking
If water quality is unknown or questionable:
- Test first
- Treat if necessary
- Consider backup treatment (boiling, filtration)
For Emergency Use
In emergency situations:
- Any water is better than no water
- Treatment options: boiling, chemical treatment, filtration
- Follow emergency water guidelines
Summary
| Factor | Status |
|---|---|
| Simple Pump materials | ✅ Safe, food-grade |
| Pump contamination risk | ✅ None from pump |
| Your well water quality | ⚠️ Test to verify |
| Treatment if needed | Your responsibility |
Recommendations
- Test your water - Know what you're drinking
- Maintain your well - Proper sealing, no contamination sources
- Treat if necessary - Based on test results
- Retest periodically - Water quality can change