Examination of Water from Private Residential Wells
In owning a property served by a private well, it is crucial to regularly test the water for key contaminants and maintain the well properly to ensure a safe and reliable water supply.
Routine testing for bacteria should be done at least annually, while testing for other contaminants like nitrates and inorganic chemicals is recommended every 1-2 years or whenever there is a noticeable change in water quality.
Key steps include:
- Annual testing for bacteria, especially total coliform and E. coli, which indicate microbial contamination requiring disinfection if detected.
- Testing for nitrates annually, as nitrate contamination can pose serious health risks, particularly to infants and pregnant women.
- Periodic testing for inorganic chemicals (e.g., arsenic, lead, uranium) and other contaminants like gross alpha radiation to evaluate potential health risks from natural or anthropogenic sources.
- Routinely inspect and maintain the well structure, ensuring the well cap is secure to prevent entry of insects, rodents, or surface runoff.
- Keep hazardous substances (paint, oil, pesticides, fertilizers) away from well areas to avoid contamination.
- Identify potential contamination sources such as nearby septic systems, animal waste, or surface water intrusion, and mitigate these risks by proper well placement and maintenance.
If contamination is suspected or found, contact local health authorities to arrange comprehensive water safety testing and follow remediation guidance.
It is important to note that private wells are usually not regulated by federal agencies like the EPA, so owners bear full responsibility for water quality monitoring and maintenance. Testing kits and laboratory services are often available through state health departments or certified private labs.
Testing for corrosive water involves looking for indicators like lead, copper, pH, corrosion index, and hardness. However, some things, like hydrogen sulfide and iron bacteria, are difficult to test for, so a water test will not help in managing the problem.
To ensure a safe private well water supply, it is essential to regularly test the water for key contaminants and maintain the well properly. Keep water test reports in a safe place, as a water test that proves well water is good is the best defense against future impacts on the well. If nuisance conditions like stains, off-color, bad taste or odor are present in the water, check the level of iron, manganese, and copper.
In summary, the best practices to ensure safe private well water supply are:
- Regular, scheduled water testing (bacteria yearly; nitrates and chemicals every 1-2 years).
- Preventative well maintenance and inspection.
- Safe well location and protection from contaminants.
- Prompt action if any contaminants are detected.
This approach helps reliably protect health by early detection and prevention of microbial, chemical, and radiological contamination in private well water.
[1] Ohio State University Extension. (n.d.). Testing Private Water Sources and Resolving Contamination Issues Near Shale Oil and Gas Development. Retrieved from our website/factsheet/SOGD-ENV1 [2] Ohio State University Extension. (n.d.). Well Water Interpretation Tool. Retrieved from ohiowatersheds.osu.edu/know-your-well-water/well-water-interpretation-tool [3] Ohio Department of Health. (n.d.). Private Well Water Testing. Retrieved from ohiodh.ohio.gov/privatewellwatertesting [4] Ohio Department of Health. (n.d.). Protecting Your Private Well From Contamination. Retrieved from ohiodh.ohio.gov/privatewellwaterprotection [5] United States Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Private Well Water. Retrieved from www.epa.gov/privatewells
Consistently practicing health-and-wellness by testing the water from a private well for bacteria, nitrates, and inorganic chemicals like arsenic, lead, and uranium can help ensure a safe and reliable water supply. To complement health-and-fitness, it's also important to maintain the well structure regularly and follow recommended tests for contaminants, especially when there's a change in water quality.
