Private Wells
It's estimated that twenty three million households rely on private wells for drinking water in the United States. Private wells are not regulated under the Safe Drinking Water Act, nor are there recommended criteria or standards for individual wells. Using a private well for drinking water can be a good option for those who live in rural areas or in places where the public water supply is not easily accessible. However, it is important to ensure that the well water is safe for consumption before using it as a primary source of drinking water.
Test your private well annually for bacteria and disinfect it if needed. You may want to test more frequently if small children or elderly adults live in your house or if someone in your house is pregnant or nursing. These segments of the population are often more vulnerable to pollutants than others.
You should also test your private well immediately if
There are known problems with ground water or drinking water in your area
Conditions near your well have changed significantly (i.e. flooding, land disturbances, and new construction or industrial activity)
You replace or repair any part of your well system.
You notice a change in your water quality (i.e. odor, color, taste).
In addition, well owners should also determine if the ground water you rely on for household use is under direct influence from surface water. Ground water under the direct influence of surface water is susceptible to contamination from activities on the surface. Direct influence is determined on a site by site basis under state program criteria.
You should have your well water tested annually if any of the following are concerns for you.
Recurring gastro-intestinal illness.
Suspected or unknown household plumbing or service lines that contain lead, or in homes build before 1986.
Suspected Radon in indoor air or region is radon rich.
Suspected corrosion of pipes, plumbing (colored staining around sink drains).
Nearby areas of intensive agriculture.
Coal or other mining operations nearby.
Gas drilling operations nearby.
Dump, junkyard, landfill, factory, gas station or dry-cleaning operation nearby.
Odor of gasoline or fuel oil, and near gas station or buried fuel tanks.
Objectionable taste or smell.
Stained plumbing fixtures, laundry.
Salty taste and seawater, or a heavily salted roadway nearby.
Scaly residues, soaps don’t lather.
Rapid wear of water treatment equipment.
Water softener needed to treat hardness.
Water appears cloudy, frothy or colored.
Close proximity to a river, lake, pond, or other surface water.
Recent flooding or other natural disaster.
Private Well Preventative Measures
Install a well cap: A well cap can protect your well from surface contamination by preventing debris, insects, and other unwanted materials from entering the well. Make sure the cap is properly installed and maintained and inspected by someone who is qualified to work on wells.
Regular maintenance: A well should be inspected and maintained on a regular basis to ensure that it is functioning properly. You should have a professional inspect the well every few years to make sure it is working correctly.
Protect the area around the well: make sure the well is located away from septic systems and animal waste.
Install a water treatment system: Depending on the results of your water quality test, you may need to install a water treatment system to remove contaminants. This can include filters or disinfection systems, such as ultraviolet (UV) light or chlorination.