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If your family gets drinking water from your own well, do you know if your water is safe to drink? What health risks could you and your family face? Where can you go for help or advice? This pamphlet helps answer these questions.

Here a US EPA article gives you general information about drinking water from home wells (also considered private drinking water sources).

This text describes types of activities in your area that can create threats to your water supply. It also describes problems to look for and offers maintenance suggestions. Sources for more information and help are also listed. [Editing for clarity by DF are marked by brackets or italics] Initial Source: EPA 816-K-02-003 January 2002

Edits, content addition, & web page design © 2009 Daniel Friedman, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use links at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

4. Well Construction and Maintenance [Details to Help Avoid Well Water Contamination]

Proper well construction and continued maintenance are keys to the safety of your water supply. Your state water-well contractor licensing agency, local health department, or local water system professional can provide information on well construction. (See the two graphics below. One shows three types of well locations and how surface water drains. The other lists the distances from the well to guard against possible sources of pollution.)

The well [well casing head, which in a modern well should be protruding above ground] should be located so rainwater flows away from it. Rainwater can pick up harmful bacteria and chemicals on the land's surface. If this water pools near your well, it can seep into it, potentially causing health problems.

[Note: don't assume that if your well is drilled in a spot with good surface drainage away - the "good" example at left - that guarantees that contaminated water won't leak into the well from below ground. Underground features such as buried sloping rock can still direct contaminated water into a well below ground, particularly if there are leaks in the casing or if the contaminated water is reaching the aquifer that feeds the well.-- DF]

Water-well drillers and pump-well installers are listed in your local phone directory. The contractor should be bonded and insured. Make certain your ground water contractor is registered or licensed in your state, if required. If your state does not have a licensing/registration program contact the National Ground Water Association. They have a voluntary certification program for contractors. (In fact, some states use the Association's exams as their test for licensing.) For a list of certified contractors in your state contact the Association at (614) 898-7791 or (800) 551-7379. There is no cost for mailing or faxing the list to you.

To keep your well safe, you must be sure possible sources of contamination are not close by. Experts suggest the separation distances [shown at left] as a minimum for protection - farther is better.

Many homeowners tend to forget the value of good maintenance until problems reach crisis levels. That can be expensive. It's better to maintain your well, find problems early, and correct them to protect your well's performance.

Keep up-to-date records of well installation and repairs plus pumping and water tests. Such records can help spot changes and possible problems with your water system. If you have problems, ask a local expert to check your well construction and maintenance records. He or she can see if your system is okay or needs work.

The graphic [at left] shows a good example of an animal-proof cap or seal and the casing of a well. Protect your own well area. Be careful about storage and disposal of household and lawn care chemicals and wastes. Good farmers and gardeners minimize the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

Take steps to reduce erosion and prevent surface water runoff. Regularly check underground storage tanks that hold home heating oil, diesel, or gasoline. Make sure your well is protected from the wastes of livestock, pets, and wildlife.

An animal or vermin proof cap prevents rodents from entering your well, being trapped and dying. Paving around your well will prevent polluted runoff from seeping into your water supply.

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Use links just below or at the left of each page to navigate this document or to view other topics at this website. Green links show where you are in our document or website.

EPA GUIDE to WATER QUALITY
    Ground water & Well Contamination
    Drinking Water from Household Wells
    What Is Ground Water, How Is It Polluted
    Where Do Water Pollutants Come From
    Naturally Occurring Pollution Sources
    Private Well Contaminant Concerns
    Pollution due to Humans
    Level of Risk of Water Contamination
    Six Steps to Well Water Safety
    Protecting Ground Water From Contaminants
    1. How To Spot Well Contamination Problems
    2. Well Water Test Strategy
    Reasons to Test Well Water
    3. Understanding Water] Test Results
    4. Well Construction and Maintenance
    5. Talk With Local Water Experts
    6. Fix Well Water Contamination Problems
    More Information on Well Water
    Well Water Definitions

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