Significance

• Colic is a very general term. It simply means "abdominal pain" and can signify anything from simple gas pains to a life-threatening impaction of the intestines. In the case where all sources of possible colic have been examined, and no evidence is found, a horse owner with a well is wise to have the water checked.
  
  

Types

• The types of colic can range from gas colic, which can be caused by an overabundance of bacteria in the well water, to gut death, which can be the result of long-term poisoning from pesticides or other toxic substances in the water. The severity of the colic will depend on the length and concentration of the exposure.
  
  

Time Frame

• In many cases of colic due to water contamination, the horse will not show immediate symptoms. Usually, the colic is a result of long-term exposure to whatever contaminant is in the water, and it may take hospital treatment to try and reverse the effects of the damage. In rare cases, where the contaminant is a poison or something radically altering the water, colic will be an instant result.
  
  

Effects

• The effects of contaminated well water can be huge. Death is the most severe outcome, but organ damage, reproductive issues and other long-term effects are another real concern. If your well has been contaminated enough to cause colic in your horse, it is important to get a full veterinarian checkup to determine if there will be lasting effects.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• A simple way to avoid this problem is to test your well water with a professional lab at least once a year. Having a complete chemical breakdown of your well water will tell you exactly what is in it, and the amounts in which they exist. If you have a contaminated well, contact the EPA to see about getting it cleaned up.