The cycling of mercury in the environment and in well water was studied to determine the seriousness of the threat to human health of the elemental mercury sometimes contained in water well equipment. Results of the analysis indicate that metallic mercury in water supply equipment does not pose a threat to human health. Because of low mercury concentrations and unfavorable conditions for methylation, the methylation of inorganic mercury dissolved in well water is highly unlikely. Even if a small amount of methylmercury is formed, there are no fish or shellfish present to concentrate the methylmercury to the point at which it would be a threat to human health. Includes 15 references, tables, figures.