Metal finishing Q&As since 1989

-----

Health effects from an artesian water well cased with galvanized pipe

My work is associated with the oil industry. I learned yesterday that my uncle has used a 14 inch galvanized pipe for the casing of his artesian well. This well is used, as a daily source of water for all households needs including drinking. Could you please explain any health issues this might potentially cause?

Thank you Best Regards,

Gregg Linville
concerned nephew - Oxnard, California, USA
2004

---

I would not think it's a good idea but I am really unqualified to say. Your town health department or building department ought to have, and probably does have, codes that will imply whether it's safe.

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
2004

---

I wouldn't worry about the galvanized casing unless I were relying on it to get my minimum daily requirement of zinc. You will still need a supplement. Remember that galvanized pipe used to be THE standard for potable water lines, and has been replaced by plastics primarily because of life-cycle costs. I think his decision was a good one for the area, where the water may have some saline content that could shorten the life of the standard black iron pipe used in most casings of that size.

Paul Morkovsky
- Shiner, Texas, USA
2004