6 Helpful Tips to Keep Your Well Water Safe
Whether for the purpose of drinking or cleaning, wells are a great source of water. According to the EPA, approximately 15% of Americans rely on water wells for these purposes. Most of these
wells are private so it is up to the owner to keep it safe for use.
Since a water well derives its water from deep underground, contamination can come from a variety of sources. These include landfill seepage, septic tank leaks, excessive fertilizer use or even water runoff from above ground.
If you and your family rely on water wells for your drinking needs, here are six tips you should always keep in mind.
Follow a Regular Schedule
Public water systems are regulated by entities such as the EPA. That means private water sources like your well are not under their jurisdictions. Laws that are set by your local government do still apply to water wells but ultimately, you are responsible for keeping it safe.
That’s why it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule even if there are no issues with your well. Having professionals conduct routine tests of the water and its condition will help ensure its safety.
Update Your Records
After a water well is installed, a detailed record should be provided to you by the contractor. Don’t lose this record as it will be important for future use. And when you have any additional work done in the future such as repairs, maintenance, and water tests, keep a detailed record of these as well.
Having updated records on hand will be helpful in diagnosing problems you may encounter.
Protect Your Well from Contamination
If you have household chemicals like cleaning solutions or lawn care products, be sure that the place you store or dispose of them isn’t close to your water well. If their contents spill or seep through the ground, they can cause contamination.
The same is true for places that use fertilizers and pesticides. Make sure that those substances are not used in excessive amounts to keep the groundwater clean.
Prevent Surface Water Runoff from Entering the System
It’s not just the water under the ground you have to worry about. For more urban areas, in particular, surface water runoff is a concern. If your wellhead is in a low lying area, water from the surface can go above it and enter your water system.
To prevent this, make sure the wellhead is constructed at an appropriate height and is properly sealed with a well cap.
Check Underground Storage Tanks
Underground storage tanks like septic tanks or even those that hold home heating oil, diesel or gasoline can be another source of contamination if they have any leaks. It’s a good idea to also have a regular maintenance schedule for these tanks as their condition can affect your water source.
Keep Animal Waste Away from the Well
If you have pets or livestock or you live in a place that is close to local wildlife, some measures may need to be taken to keep these animals away from the water well. Even small amounts of animal waste that gets into a water can lead to serious illnesses. Curious animals can also damage the equipment above ground. Keeping them away reduces the risks on two fronts.
While it’s a good idea to follow these tips, the best safety measure is to have professionals inspect your well for you. Here at Ries Well Drilling, we make sure that the water wells we work on are 100% safe. Let us help you enjoy their benefits without any worries. Give us a call today.