Andrews Welldrilling & Pump Service
Testing your well water.
NGWA recommends that well owners test the water:
- Annually for bacteria, nitrates/nitrites, and any contaminants of local concern.
- More frequently than once a year if there is a change in the taste, odor, or appearance of the well water, or if a problem occurs such as a broken well cap or a new contamination source appears.
- If family members or houseguests have recurrent incidents of gastrointestinal illness.
- If an infant is living in the home.
- If you wish to monitor the efficiency and performance of home water treatment equipment.
You should also check with your local health or environmental health department for recommendations regarding the type and frequency of testing specific to your location.
You should know that coliform bacteria provides a possible indicator of a well's susceptibility to contamination from animal wastes. E.coli's bacteria that originates from septic wastes such as those found in sewage, and it can result in severe illness. Its presence suggests a contamination source such as a poor performing home septic system in the vicinity of the well that should be repaired or removed by a qualified septic system contractor.
In the vast majority of cases, nitrates come from farm or industrial contamination, or septic systems, and they can be dangerous to your health. Nitrates from fertilizers and septic wastes could be an indication of a local source of contamination or regionally contaminated ground water.
Arsenic and radon are two examples of water quality concerns that can be present on either a local or regional basis. Both can be naturally occurring in an aquifer. Arsenic is a semi-metallic element that occurs in rocks, soils, and water that comes into contact with these rocks and soils. Radon is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that comes from the natural radioactive break-down of uranium in the ground. Exposure to radon comes from two sources: the air in your home, which seeps up through the foundation, and your well water.
Arsenic and radon are used here as examples only, and may or may not be a problem in your area. However, your state may recommend or require testing for certain contaminants specific to your locality. Check with your state or local health department.
To find a certified water testing laboratory in your area, contact your state certification officer by visiting the U.S. EPA Web site at www.epa.gov/safewater/labs/index.html.
- Is your water well system clean?
- Cleaning your well water system.
- Testing your well water.
- Water well system treatment.
Information provided by the National Ground Water Association.
