⏰ Time to test your well water!

If your property relies on a well for the water supply, ensuring that the water is safe and clean is imperative.

Unlike municipal water systems, which are regularly tested and treated by the local town or city, well water is the responsibility of the homeowner. This task is a big one: Regular testing is vital to ensure the water quality, protect your family’s health, and maintain the longevity of your well system.

Let’s talk about the why, when, and how to get your well water tested.

Why Test Your Well Water?

Well water can be contaminated by a variety of natural and human-made sources. Common contaminants include bacteria, nitrates, heavy metals like lead and arsenic, and chemicals from fertilizers, industrial runoff and human waste sources like a nearby septic tank. No thank you. Even if your water looks and tastes fine, it could still harbor these contaminants. Regular testing helps you protect you and your family’s health and well-being by ensuring safe drinking water. Furthermore, poor water quality can affect property values and may be subject to legal requirements, particularly during real estate transactions.

How Often Should You Test Your Well Water?

The general recommendation is to test your well water at least once a year for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. However, more frequent testing may be necessary if:

• You notice changes in water taste, odor, or color.
• There is a flood, land disturbance, or other events that could affect your well.
• You recently repaired or replaced any part of your well system.

What a Certified Well Water Lab will test for; common contaminants like:

• Bacteria: Total coliform and E. coli are the primary bacterial indicators of contamination. Presence of these bacteria suggests that harmful microorganisms may be in the water.
• Nitrates: Often linked to agricultural runoff, high nitrate levels can be particularly harmful to infants.
• pH Levels: The pH of water can affect its taste and corrosiveness, which in turn can leach metals from pipes into the water.
• Heavy Metals: Testing for metals like lead, arsenic, and mercury is crucial, especially in areas with a history of mining or heavy industrial activity.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): These are chemicals from fuels, solvents, and industrial processes that can contaminate groundwater.
• Pesticides and Herbicides: Common in agricultural areas, these chemicals can seep into the groundwater and contaminate your well.

How They’ll Test Your Well Water

1. Choose a Certified Laboratory: Always use a certified lab for accurate and reliable testing. Your local health department or state environmental agency can recommend laboratories.
2. Collect a Water Sample: Typically, a service tech from the lab will using a sterilized container and ensure that the sample doesn’t come into contact with anything that could contaminate it.
3. Review the Results: Once the lab has analyzed your water, they will provide a report of the findings. If contaminants are present, the lab or your local health department can advise you on the next steps, including treatment options.

What to Do if Your Well Water Is Contaminated

If your test results show contamination, don’t panic. There are several treatment options available depending on the type and level of contamination:

• Shock Chlorination: Effective for bacterial contamination.
• Water Filtration Systems: These can remove a wide range of contaminants, including heavy metals and chemicals.
• Reverse Osmosis Systems: Ideal for removing nitrates, VOCs, and some heavy metals.
• Well Repairs or Upgrades: If the contamination is due to structural issues with your well, repairs or upgrades may be necessary.

Maintaining Your Well

Beyond testing, regular well maintenance is key to preventing contamination. This includes:

• Inspecting the well cap and casing for damage.
• Keeping hazardous materials like pesticides and fertilizers away from the well.
• Ensuring proper drainage around the well to prevent surface runoff from entering it.
• Hiring a professional to inspect your well system annually.