While some contaminants in water may be obvious, most contaminants will be unnoticeable. The levels of any contaminant typically increase very slowly in a well as the contaminated water moves from the source into the well. Over time, people drinking the water every day may not notice but rather become accustomed to the taste and smell. The problem may only be discovered when someone who has not been drinking contaminated water notices that the water tastes or smells unusual. Furthermore, many contaminants even when present at high levels, can only be detected through analytical testing procedures and would not be noticed by tasting or smelling.
From Drinking Water and MTBE: A Guide for Private Well Owners
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