Protect Your Water Source by Maintaining Your Water Well
Here at QWET, we get calls frequently on how best to protect private water wells. Having a water well is great and has many benefits, but ensuring your well is providing you safe water, certain actions by the owner need to be taken. With help from the National Ground Water Association, we’ve listed some necessary steps to keep your water well in good and safe condition.
Yearly Bacteria Testing
Periodically check the well cover or well cap on top of the casing to ensure it is properly covered and/or not damaged.
Keep hazardous chemicals, such as paint, fertilizer, pesticides, and motor oil far away from your well.
Pay attention to any changes in your water's color, taste, smell, and water flow.
Always keep your wellhead and well equipment undercover.
Do not neglect maintenance on water treatment systems.
Yearly Bacteria Testing
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) recommends well owners have a licensed professional test their water annually for bacteria, nitrates, and any contaminants of local concern. With annual testing, you can stay on top of a problem that arises and treat it quickly.
Examples of bacteria
Checking Well Cap
Bacteria is always present throughout our environment, consequently, a well system that is not properly sealed off from the outside can be vulnerable to bacteria. Make sure your cap is covered with a snug-fitting plug and use caution when mowing or working around your well to prevent damage.
Chemical Storage
It is easy for your well shelter to become a storage building. Keep a good clearance of chemicals, gasoline, and other types of poisons from your water source.
Water Changes
Your well will change with time, it is just going to happen. These changes can be contributed to the aquifer, weather conditions, or other work being done around your well. Other times these changes can occur because of nearby chemical spills or contamination that is spreading over time. Either way, any sudden changed in your water quality should not be ignored. If your water is changing contact a licensed professional ASAP to test your water for safety.
Well Shelter
Your well is your family's main water source. Keeping it covered and out of the elements will not only prolong the lifespan of your equipment but will decrease the likelihood of endangering your water. Here is a well house example we always recommended.
A separate, detachable house that only covers the wellhead allows easy access for well service.
Water Treatment Systems
If you have a water treatment system on your well, it is especially important to stay on top of its recommended maintenance. Routine maintenance helps to ensure your water quality stays consistent.
examples of poorly maintained water wells
For more information on understanding and protecting your well, you can download the National Ground Water Association Well Owners Guide, below. This is a fantastic resource for any well owner.
