Just as a counterpoint to this, some rural springs (as described: pipe
sticking out of the ground, with maybe some stonework or a concrete
basin) are actually fine. We have several in our area that historically
have been used as "health springs" back in the day, and are now used
mainly for local drinking water, especially for those of us who eneded
up with sulfer-tasting water (about half the wells around here, it
seems). A close friend happens to be a water expert for the nearby
city, and as part of her job, she regularly tests several of the
springs for bacterial and chemical contamination, and other water
quality issues. Seing as our well water was tested exactly once, when
we bought the house, I'd say it is a lot safer. And not bad compared to
the city water system, which seems to be regularly sending out notices
about "above the legal limit" ratings for chemical contamination,
choliform bacteria, pesticide contamination, and last year, even a
small gas spill related contamination. The notices are worded something
like "For the 5th consecutive month we have been at 3x the legal limit
for w, x, y, and z pollutants, and are now required by law to inform
you again of this fact. This is in addition to the previous
notifications concerning other pollutants or contaminantes that you may
have recieved recently. Don't worry about it though. Have a nice day."