What is likely to cause quality issues in a groundwater system?

Bacteria are a significant concern for groundwater quality because they can indicate contamination and pose health risks. Groundwater systems can become compromised by bacterial intrusion from sources such as septic systems, agricultural runoff, or leaking underground storage tanks. When bacteria are present in water supplies, they can lead to waterborne diseases, which can be dangerous to human health.

Detecting bacteria in groundwater often necessitates immediate action, such as chlorination or other disinfection methods, to ensure the water is safe for consumption. Monitoring bacterial levels in groundwater is therefore a critical component of water quality management and public health protection.

While chlorine is used effectively as a disinfectant in water treatment, it can cause issues when not used correctly, and heavy metals and pesticides are also potential contaminants that can affect water quality, bacteria are typically the most visible indicators of a health threat.