Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater is usually found underground, between rock and saturated soil. Groundwater supplies wells and springs that are used as sources of drinking water for cities and communities. When groundwater is contaminated, it becomes unsafe for human consumption.

The main sources of groundwater contamination are:

Storage tanks - leaking storage tanks can contaminate groundwater
Septic systems - improperly maintained septic systems can leach into groundwater
Hazardous waste sites - barrels of hazardous waste left at an abandoned waste site can leak into the groundwater
Landfills - hazardous materials may contaminate groundwater if the protective layer of a landfill is cracked
Chemicals and road salts - chemicals used on crops and lawns, as well as road salts (used to melt ice on roads) can contaminate groundwater

Health Effects of Groundwater Contamination

Groundwater contamination can have devastating effects on a person's health. Acute side effects of groundwater contamination include:

Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea
Headaches
Legionnaire's Disease - a respiratory disease characterized by pneumonia, headache, and dry cough
Eye irritation
Nose irritation

Chronic side effects of groundwater contamination include:

Cancer
Liver damage
Kidney damage
Anemia
Nervous system problems
Circulatory problems
Bone disease
Hair loss
Reproductive difficulties

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney for Your Groundwater Contamination Case

If you or someone you love has been harmed by contaminated groundwater, please contact a local injury attorney to learn more about your legal rights and options.